20
Nov,2025
London’s afternoon tea scene is famous - think delicate sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, and layers of pastries served in elegant rooms. But if you or someone you’re with has food allergies, it’s easy to feel left out. Many places still serve tea with butter-laden scones, wheat-based cakes, or nuts hidden in truffles. The good news? More tea rooms in London now offer safe, delicious options for people with allergies - if you know how to book right.
Know Your Allergens Before You Book
Not all ‘allergy-friendly’ menus are the same. Some places say they’re gluten-free but still use shared equipment. Others might remove nuts from a cake but still serve peanut butter in the kitchen. You need to be specific. Start by listing your top three allergens. Is it gluten? Dairy? Tree nuts? Peanuts? Eggs? Shellfish? Write them down. Then look for tea rooms that clearly list these on their website - not just under a vague ‘we accommodate allergies’ line. The best places name each allergen they avoid and explain how they prevent cross-contact. For example, The Ritz London offers a dedicated gluten-free afternoon tea with separate utensils and prep areas. Their staff are trained to handle allergen requests, and they don’t use flour in their pastry kitchen on allergy days. That’s the level of detail you want.Book Ahead - Don’t Just Walk In
Afternoon tea is a popular experience. But if you have allergies, walking in is risky. Even if a place has allergy options, they might not have them ready unless you order in advance. Most top allergy-friendly tea rooms require 48 hours’ notice. Why? Because they need to prepare ingredients separately, clean surfaces, and sometimes even bake items from scratch. Places like Fortnum & Mason and The Wolseley ask you to call or email at least two days before your visit. They won’t turn you away, but they can’t guarantee safety without prep time. When you book, say exactly what you need: “I need a gluten-free and nut-free afternoon tea, no cross-contamination.” Don’t say “I’m allergic to nuts” and hope they’ll figure it out. Be clear. Write it in your reservation note. If they don’t respond with a detailed plan, pick another place.Top 5 Allergy-Friendly Afternoon Teas in London
Here are five spots that consistently get high marks from allergy-conscious guests in 2025:- The Ritz London - Gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free options available. Uses separate ovens and utensils. Staff complete annual allergen training.
- Fortnum & Mason - Offers custom allergy menus. No peanuts or tree nuts in the tea room. Gluten-free scones and cakes baked in a dedicated kitchen.
- The Wolseley - Has a full gluten-free menu. Egg-free and dairy-free alternatives available. Kitchen staff wear gloves and change aprons between allergy orders.
- Diana’s Tea Room - A small, independent spot in Notting Hill. All items are vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free by default. No cross-contamination risk.
- The Savoy - Offers a ‘Free From’ afternoon tea with certified gluten-free and dairy-free items. Uses allergen-free cleaning protocols.
What to Ask When You Arrive
Even if you booked perfectly, always double-check when you sit down. Don’t assume the staff remembers your request. Ask these three questions:- “Is this menu prepared in a separate area from the regular food?”
- “Do you use the same utensils or trays for allergy and non-allergy orders?”
- “Can I speak to the chef or manager about my allergens before we start?”
Bring Your Own Backup Snacks
Even the best tea rooms can make mistakes. Maybe the server forgot to note your request. Maybe a new pastry chef didn’t get trained yet. Always carry one or two safe snacks - a gluten-free granola bar, a sealed packet of dairy-free cookies, or a small bag of roasted chickpeas. This isn’t about distrust. It’s about peace of mind. You’re not being difficult - you’re being prepared. If something goes wrong, you won’t go hungry or risk a reaction.
Watch Out for Hidden Traps
Some allergens are sneaky. Here’s what to watch for:- Tea bags: Some herbal teas contain nuts (like almond-flavored chamomile) or are packed in facilities with wheat. Ask for loose-leaf tea instead.
- Clotted cream: Often contains milk proteins. If you’re dairy-free, ask for coconut cream or a dairy-free spread.
- Decorations: Edible flowers? Sometimes dusted with powdered sugar that has wheat. Chocolate curls? Could contain soy lecithin.
- Butter: Even if your bread is gluten-free, the butter might be served from the same tub used for regular toast.
What to Do If You Have a Reaction
If you accidentally eat something unsafe, stay calm. Most high-end tea rooms in London now have emergency plans. Tell the manager immediately. They should:- Call emergency services if needed
- Provide your allergy info to paramedics
- Document what happened for future training
Final Tip: Use the Allergy-Friendly App
In 2025, the AllergyEats app (used by over 2 million people in the UK) lets you filter London tea rooms by specific allergens. You can see real reviews from people with celiac disease, nut allergies, or egg sensitivities. It shows which places have had zero incidents in the last year. Use it before you book.Afternoon tea shouldn’t be a gamble. With the right prep, you can enjoy it safely - and beautifully. London’s tea rooms are rising to the challenge. You just need to ask the right questions, book early, and trust your instincts.
Can I get a vegan afternoon tea in London that’s also gluten-free?
Yes. Diana’s Tea Room in Notting Hill offers a fully vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free afternoon tea by default. The Ritz and Fortnum & Mason also have dedicated vegan and gluten-free menus. All items are made without dairy, eggs, or wheat, and prepared in separate areas. Just book ahead and confirm the menu details.
Are tea bags safe for people with nut allergies?
Not always. Some flavored teas - especially almond, hazelnut, or pistachio varieties - contain nut oils or are processed in facilities that handle nuts. Even herbal teas like chamomile can be contaminated. Always ask for loose-leaf tea without added flavors. Most allergy-friendly tea rooms will brew plain black, green, or rooibos tea for you in a clean pot.
Do I need to pay extra for allergy-friendly afternoon tea?
No. Most places in London don’t charge extra for allergy-friendly menus. The Ritz, Fortnum & Mason, and The Savoy include allergy options at the same price as their standard tea. Some smaller places might charge a small fee if they need to bake items from scratch, but this is rare. Always ask about pricing when booking.
Can children with allergies have afternoon tea too?
Absolutely. Many tea rooms offer smaller portions or kid-friendly allergy-safe menus. The Wolseley and Diana’s Tea Room both have special children’s options with no nuts, gluten, or dairy. Just let them know you’re bringing a child with allergies when booking - they’ll prepare accordingly.
What if I have multiple allergies - gluten, dairy, and nuts?
It’s harder, but doable. The Ritz and The Savoy are the most experienced with complex allergies. They’ve served guests with all three restrictions and have separate prep zones, dedicated utensils, and trained staff. Book at least 72 hours in advance and request a call with the pastry chef. They’ll walk you through every item on the menu.
