Swan, Shakespeare's Globe, The Bull Room

I had the pleasure of visiting The Swan in London for afternoon tea with a friend, and it was truly one of the highlights of our trip— honestly, probably our favorite experience in the city. We were seated on the top floor with a table right in front of the window, offering a stunning view of the Thames. The food was excellent, and I especially loved the theater-themed presentation. As someone who is lactose-intolerant, I really appreciated that they offered both vegan and vegetarian options. Everything was delicious, and the attention to detail made the experience even more special. The staff were fantastic, and our server, Jay, took wonderful care of us, ensuring we had an amazing time. I especially loved the tea, and he was kind enough to give me a couple of tea bags to take home—a small but thoughtful gesture that made the experience even more memorable. Overall, it was an outstanding experience that I’ve already recommended to colleagues and friends who visit London more frequently than I do. If you’re looking for a special afternoon tea with great food, exceptional service, and a beautiful view, The Swan is an absolute must!

We came here for tea, and as an American who has never experienced afternoon tea before, I was blown out of the water. You’re taken up to the top floor to the tea room, and it’s a nice quiet atmosphere compared to the noisy restaurant below. It also overlooks the river too which I loved. They really nailed the theme, which was Romeo & Juliette in a western style, and offered a variety of options: classic, vegetarian & (in this case) Cowboy, which seemed to be a bit more of a filler lunch. Our server, Jay, explained each option and we ultimately went for a classic tea. I didn’t think it would be a lot of food but I was so wrong! It definitely tricks you. We also went for the green tea which I really enjoyed, and splurged a little for some champagne. It is a bit pricey at £40 per person (champagne not included) but honestly, I think it’s worth it for the price and the experience. I mean, even the plates matched the theme!