The Thames has a way of making everything feel a bit more special. This London riverside afternoon tea takes you to Embankment Pier for a one-hour tea break with champagne or gin and classic bites.

What I like most is the calm, sit-back pace and the way the service makes it feel like a real occasion. You get fresh scones with jam and cream plus a full spread of finger sandwiches and sweets, and you can choose sandwich platters for classic, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free tastes.

One thing to consider: you’re paying for the setting and the drink, and the experience is short—so go in hungry, and treat it as a proper tea event rather than a long hangout.

Key highlights worth planning for

• River views from Embankment Pier while you eat and sip in Central London
• Champagne (Laurent Perrier La Cuvée) or a Clipper Cup gin cocktail included with your tea
• Switch up your sandwich platter: classic, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free
• Vegan platter also changes the scones and treats, not just the sandwiches
• Kids get a special menu plus a glow-in-the-dark rubber duck gift

How the Thames afternoon tea experience really feels

I love afternoon tea when it’s done like a grown-up ritual: calm tables, orderly courses, and food that arrives at the right moment. This one works because it stays focused. You’re not touring all over London—you’re stationed at Clipper Lounge EMB on Embankment Pier, looking out over the River Thames while you eat.

The “one hour” timing is part of the appeal. It’s long enough for a proper spread—scones, sandwiches, and sweet treats—without dragging on into the late afternoon slump. And with the included choice of champagne or gin, it’s a good pick when you want your London day to feel like a celebration, not a chore.

There’s also a practical side: the menu isn’t one-size-fits-all. You’re able to pick from different sandwich platters, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, and the vegan choice comes with plant-based adjustments beyond the sandwiches.

The setting: Clipper Lounge EMB at Embankment Pier

This afternoon tea happens at the riverside café bar called Clipper Lounge EMB, right by Embankment Pier. That matters because you get the “London by the water” vibe instantly. You arrive, sit down, and the river does the entertaining for you.

You’ll take in views of the Thames and the iconic riverside landmarks from this central spot. It’s the kind of view that makes photos easy, but it’s also just relaxing to watch the river activity while you eat. There’s no complicated route to manage and no need to constantly move around for views—your table is your vantage point.

If you’re planning around mobility needs, it’s also reassuring to know the venue has a wheelchair-accessible entrance via the Embankment Pier exit marked: ///catch.jaws.deep.

What you actually get in your afternoon tea spread

Think of this as a classic afternoon tea built for modern variety: traditional items, plus choices that fit different diets.

Fresh scones you’ll want to time correctly

The centerpiece is fresh scones with jam and cream. The key is to eat them when they’re warm enough to make the jam and cream feel silky, not heavy. If you’re sharing, split the scones early so everyone gets a fair shot before they cool.

Finger sandwiches that don’t feel like filler

You get a variety of delicate finger sandwiches, and you choose the mix ahead of time by selecting a platter. The sandwich lineup includes classic, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options (more on those next). The big win here is that the choices aren’t random. They’re built to form a consistent set.

Sweet treats to finish the hour

Your tea is rounded out with sweet treats. The experience is short, so desserts feel like part of the plan rather than an afterthought. If you’re the type who likes to balance salt and sweet, this spread is already set up for it.

Tea or coffee, plus the included drink

You also get a choice of tea or coffee, and the deal includes one alcoholic option: either a glass of Laurent Perrier La Cuvée Champagne or a Clipper Cup gin cocktail. If you’re going the non-alcohol route, there’s a soft drink alternative.

This is where the value can make sense. In many Central London afternoon teas, you can end up paying extra just to add something celebratory. Here, the drink choice is part of the package.

Sandwich platter options: choose your mix (and know what changes)

This is one of the most useful parts of the experience to plan, because the platter you select shapes your whole meal.

Classic mixed sandwich platter

The classic mixed option includes:

• Roast Chicken Salad
• Mature Cheddar Ploughman’s
• Tuna, Sweetcorn & Cucumber
• Egg Mayo & Cress
• British Ham & Mature Cheddar

If you’re feeding a group with mixed tastes, the classic platter is the safe bet because it covers the major favorites.

Vegetarian sandwich platter

Vegetarian includes:

• Mature Cheddar Ploughman’s
• Egg Mayo & Cress
• Mexican Bean & Avocado

This platter is a nice middle ground if nobody needs dairy-free or vegan food but you still want a plant-forward component.

Vegan sandwich platter (with vegan scones and plant-based treats)

The vegan option includes:

• Mexican Bean & Avocado
• Vegan Cheddar Ploughman’s
• This Isn’t Coronation Chicken
• This Isn’t Chicken & Sweetcorn

The detail I’d highlight: choosing the vegan platter also means you’ll get vegan scones and plant-based treats in place of the traditional offerings—not just swapped sandwiches. If you or your group have strong dietary preferences, that’s a big quality-of-life point.

Gluten-free platter

Gluten-free is listed as:

• Chicken Salad
• Cheddar Ploughman’s

One practical tip before you book

Your sandwich platter selection has to be confirmed. You’ll want to contact the team at least 72 hours before your date to finalize your choices. If you’re traveling with dietary needs, do this early so nothing gets scrambled close to your reservation.

The kids’ menu and the glow-in-the-dark rubber duck

If you’re visiting London with children, this afternoon tea adds a thoughtful extra layer. Kids get their own menu plus a glow-in-the-dark rubber duck gift.

The kids’ set includes:

• A scone with cream and jam
• Bite-sized sandwiches
• Sweet treats
• A hot chocolate or soft drink

This matters because it keeps the experience family-friendly without forcing kids to eat an adult portions-and-dessert-only mix. The duck gift also gives them something fun to focus on during the hour, which is honestly what turns “can we make it through?” into “they’re enjoying this.”

There are also children’s platter options:

• Children’s Mixed Platter: Plain Cheese; Plain Ham; Tuna Sweetcorn
• Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free versions are also available

So you can match the kids’ meal to your group’s needs, not just a standard option.

Drinks: champagne or gin, and how that changes the vibe

A glass of Laurent Perrier La Cuvée Champagne pushes the experience toward classic celebration. If that’s your style, you’ll feel like you’re doing London properly. The Clipper Cup gin cocktail brings a slightly more playful, modern mood—still festive, just with a different tone.

Either way, you’ll also have a tea or coffee option with the meal. That helps if you’re splitting the group: one person wants bubbly, another wants tea, and nobody feels stuck.

Also, because additional drinks aren’t included, I recommend thinking of this included drink as part of your plan, then deciding what—if anything—you want beyond that once you see how the hour goes.

Service and atmosphere: the small touches that make it worth it

The best afternoon tea moments aren’t the food alone—they’re the way the staff keeps things smooth and personal. From my perspective, the experience lands in that sweet spot: elegant enough for a treat, but not stiff.

I really like that the team feels responsive to occasions. One example that stands out is how Cheryl has helped make birthdays feel extra special, including an extra birthday cake for a guest. That’s not something you always get with a ticketed food experience, and it’s the kind of detail that turns an afternoon tea into a memory.

The general atmosphere also hits a good note: people describe it as cozy and calm by the Thames. That means you can enjoy the view without feeling like you’re in a rush.

Price and value: does $57 per person make sense?

At about $57 per person for a one-hour experience, the cost only feels fair if you look at what’s included:

You’re getting:

• Fresh scones with jam and cream
• A set of finger sandwiches
• Sweet treats
• Tea or coffee
• One included drink choice: Champagne or gin cocktail

Add that up, and the price becomes easier to justify—especially in Central London where “just tea” can get expensive fast. This package isn’t only food; it’s also the riverside setting and the included celebratory drink.

Is it a bargain? Probably not in the “cheap” sense. But it’s good value in the “planned treat” sense, especially if you’d otherwise pay separately for a decent meal plus drinks.

If you’re trying to save money, you could compare with tea options that don’t include alcohol. But if you want an afternoon that feels like an event—this is built for that.

Timing: making the most of your 1-hour window

Because the session is one hour, you should treat it like a scheduled stop, not a vague plan. Arrive a bit early if you can, so you’re settled before the food starts.

A good strategy:

• Start with tea/coffee first if you want to pace yourself.
• If you’re having champagne or gin, enjoy it alongside the sandwiches—don’t save it for the end only.
• Save room mentally for scones and desserts; they arrive as part of the flow.

This timing works especially well if your day includes more walking around the city. You get a rest break with a view, without losing half your afternoon.

Who this afternoon tea is best for

This is a strong match for:

• Couples who want a romantic Central London moment with actual river views
• Families who need kids to eat well and stay engaged (the duck gift helps)
• Groups with dietary needs—veg, vegan, and gluten-free options are clearly available
• Anyone who likes their London experiences calm and planned

If you’re traveling solo, it still works. You get a full, structured meal, plus a drink choice—so you’re not stuck figuring out what to order for yourself while standing in line.

Should you book this Thames afternoon tea?

I’d book it if you want a classic afternoon tea, a riverside view from Embankment Pier, and an included celebratory drink. The biggest reasons are practical: the meal is complete in one hour, the menu has real dietary options (including vegan adjustments beyond the sandwiches), and the kids’ package is genuinely tailored.

I’d hesitate if you’re looking for a long, roaming sightseeing experience. This isn’t that. It’s a focused tea ritual with great location and drink included—perfect for an hour well spent, not for a half-day adventure.

FAQ

What is included in the afternoon tea?

You’ll get fresh scones with jam and cream, a variety of finger sandwiches, sweet treats, and a choice of tea or coffee. Your booking also includes a glass of Laurent Perrier La Cuvée Champagne or a Clipper Cup gin cocktail, plus a kids’ menu with a gift.

Can I choose champagne or gin?

Yes. Your experience includes a choice between Laurent Perrier La Cuvée Champagne or a Clipper Cup gin cocktail (soft drink alternative is available too).

How long is the experience?

It lasts about 1 hour.

Are vegetarian and vegan options available?

Yes. You can select a vegetarian sandwich platter or a vegan sandwich platter when booking.

Does the vegan option include anything beyond the sandwiches?

Yes. Choosing the vegan platter also includes vegan scones and plant-based treats instead of traditional offerings.

Is there a gluten-free platter?

Yes. A gluten-free platter is available, including chicken salad and cheddar Ploughman’s.

What do children get?

Kids get a children’s menu with a scone with cream and jam, bite-sized sandwiches, sweet treats, and a hot chocolate or soft drink. They also receive a glow-in-the-dark rubber duck gift.

Where is the accessible entrance?

Accessible entrance is via the Embankment Pier exit marked: ///catch.jaws.deep.

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