SUSHISAMBA Afternoon Tea in London: Views, Menu, and How to Book

Why SUSHISAMBA Afternoon Tea in London Stands Out

Most afternoon teas in London feel the same: scones, clotted cream, and quiet elegance. SUSHISAMBA flips that script. It’s not just tea-it’s a full sensory experience. You’re sitting 32 floors up in the heart of Bankside, with the Thames glittering below and the Shard cutting the skyline. The air smells like yuzu and smoked salmon. The music? A blend of Brazilian samba and Japanese taiko drums. This isn’t a tea service. It’s a party with finger food.

The View You Can’t Skip

The terrace at SUSHISAMBA isn’t an add-on-it’s the main event. Book a window seat, and you’re looking straight down at Tower Bridge, the Tate Modern, and the riverboats gliding past. Sunset is magic here. The golden hour turns the glass towers into molten gold, and the tea service feels like you’re dining in a postcard. Even on cloudy days, the light bounces off the water and the polished steel interiors, giving the whole space a glow that feels intentional. No other afternoon tea in London gives you this kind of skyline.

What’s Actually on the Menu

Forget cucumber sandwiches. SUSHISAMBA’s afternoon tea is a fusion of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian flavors, served on tiered bamboo stands. The bottom layer holds bite-sized sushi rolls-think spicy tuna with wasabi foam, and tamago (sweet egg) with a touch of soy glaze. The middle tier has mini empanadas filled with black cod and yuzu aioli, and crispy plantain chips topped with smoked salmon and caviar. On top, you’ll find matcha financiers, mango mochi, and chocolate-dipped strawberries dusted with matcha powder.

The tea selection is just as bold. You get three choices: Sencha Green Tea with lemon verbena, Rooibos Berry Infusion (naturally caffeine-free), and their signature SUSHISAMBA Black Tea, blended with ginger, orange peel, and a hint of chili. Each comes in a ceramic teapot with a bamboo lid. The staff pours it for you, and they’ll tell you the story behind each blend if you ask.

There’s also a cocktail upgrade option: the Samba Sparkle. It’s a mix of sake, elderflower liqueur, and sparkling rosé, served in a coupe glass with a dehydrated lime wheel. It’s not cheap, but it’s the only afternoon tea in London where you can sip something bubbly and still feel like you’re in a high-end lounge, not a hotel ballroom.

Booking Is Tight-Here’s How to Get In

SUSHISAMBA’s afternoon tea isn’t walk-in friendly. They only serve it Friday to Sunday, from 2 PM to 5 PM. Reservations open 30 days in advance, and they fill up fast. The best time to book? Right when the calendar unlocks at 8 AM London time. Use their website-no third-party apps. You’ll need to pick your time slot, number of guests, and whether you want the standard tea or the Samba Sparkle upgrade.

There’s a £50 deposit per person, fully refundable if you cancel 48 hours ahead. If you’re coming with a group of four or more, ask about the private terrace option. It’s a little pricier, but you get your own server, extended time, and a view that’s completely uninterrupted.

What to Wear (And What Not To)

SUSHISAMBA doesn’t have a strict dress code, but the vibe leans smart-casual. Think tailored trousers, a nice blouse, or a dress that doesn’t scream brunch. No flip-flops, no hoodies, no baseball caps. You’re not going to a pub. You’re going to a place where the staff remembers your name and the music doesn’t drown out conversation. If you’re unsure, lean toward what you’d wear to a gallery opening. It’s not formal, but it’s intentional.

Is It Worth the Price?

The standard afternoon tea is £65 per person. The Samba Sparkle version is £85. That’s more than most London hotels charge. But here’s the thing: you’re not paying for scones. You’re paying for the view, the music, the creativity, and the fact that this tea doesn’t feel like a tourist trap. It’s a rare blend of luxury and fun. You won’t find this menu anywhere else in the city. The food is plated like art. The tea is served with care. And the view? That’s free, but you’d pay thousands for a hotel room with it.

If you’ve done the traditional afternoon teas and feel like you’ve seen it all, this is the next level. It’s not for everyone-but if you want something that surprises you, it’s one of the best in London.

What Comes After the Tea

After your tea, stick around. The lounge turns into a bar at 5:30 PM. The music gets louder. The cocktails get stronger. If you’re not ready to leave, order a Samba Spritz or a Yuzu Mule. The dim lighting and low couches make it feel like a secret rooftop club. You can linger until midnight. That’s the real bonus-this isn’t just an afternoon tea. It’s a full afternoon-to-night experience.