Tucked away in Aldwych, just off Covent Garden, the Delaunay afternoon tea combines British tradition with a touch of Viennese flair. As the more approachable sibling of the luxurious Wolseley, the Delaunay provides a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, making it a great spot for a leisurely catch-up.
A Brief History of The Delaunay
Opened in 2011 by renowned restaurateurs Chris Corbin and Jeremy King, the Delaunay draws inspiration from the grand cafés of Europe. Its design and menu reflect a blend of French and Central European influences, creating a unique dining experience in the heart of London.
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The Delaunay Afternoon Tea Experience
Our afternoon tea began with a selection of finger sandwiches featuring classic fillings like smoked salmon, chicken, cheese and pickle, and egg mayonnaise. While the sandwiches were enjoyable, one or two were slightly dry, though this wasn’t a major concern.
Note that The Delaunay Afternoon Tea is only served on weekends.
The scones, both fruit and plain, were served warm under a silver dome, accompanied by homemade strawberry jam and clotted cream—a delightful combination.
The patisserie selection included a chocolate Sacher torte, a pistachio and poppy seed cake with raspberry icing, and a cheesecake, all of which were homemade and very good.
We didn’t ask for seconds of anything although we were a bit short on clotted cream and jam but our tea pots were regularly refreshed.
The Delaunay Afternoon Tea Service and Ambience
The Delaunay’s interior exudes a subtle glamour with its wood panelling and almost library feel. The tea service was popular as evidenced by both Londoners and tourists who were enjoying it. Service was attentive but not obtrusive, allowing us to chat to each other without feeling rushed. We had two hours there before we were asked to finish before the dinner service.
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A Budget-Friendly Afternoon Tea Alternative: The Delaunay Counter
For those seeking a similar experience on a more modest budget the Delaunay Counter offers an enticing alternative. Adjacent to the main restaurant, this counter serves classic European dishes, regional wines, and beers in a casual setting.Their cake and tea offer, priced at £9.95, includes a pot of tea and a slice of homemade cake, providing excellent value without compromising on quality.
Plan Your Visit
- Address: 55 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4BB
- Website: thedelaunay.com
- Telephone: 020 7499 8558
- Nearest Tube: Covent Garden
Our Final Thoughts on The Delaunay Afternoon Tea
The Delaunay’s afternoon tea offers a pleasant fusion of British and European culinary traditions in an elegant setting.While it may not have the grandeur of The Wolseley, it provides a charming and more accessible alternative for those seeking a refined afternoon tea experience. We paid in the region of £120 for two but this included service and two glasses of Cremant at £15 each. Their afternoon tea is currently (2025) £34.50 per person plus service. For an even more budget-friendly option, The Delaunay Counter’s cake and tea offer is a hidden gem worth exploring.
If you are an afternoon tea enthusiast you may find the limited selection of teas frustrating. And the sandwiches lacked the wow factor but this is offset by the attentive service, home-made patisserie and glam traditional ambience. However, the next time that I am in Aldwych instead of having the full afternoon tea works in the main restaurant I will be looking for more budget conscious options at the Delaunay Counter.
