During my visit to London, I made it a goal to seek out the most beautiful and whimsical afternoon teas the city has to offer. Afternoon tea at Engel & Jang inside the historic Royal Exchange had been on my list from the start. Here’s everything you need to know about what the experience is like, what’s included, and whether this elegant afternoon tea is worth booking during your time in London.

Afternoon Tea at Engel & Jang in London

Before sitting down for afternoon tea, I took a moment to appreciate the history of the Royal Exchange itself.

Originally opened in the 16th century as a hub for merchants and trade, the Royal Exchange has long played a central role in London’s financial story.

The grand building you see today dates back to the 1800s.

In recent years, the space has been beautifully restored and reimagined, filled with shops and dining spots.

Including Engel & Jang, which opened here in the summer of 2024.

Bringing an elegant afternoon tea experience into one of the city’s most historic settings.

For all of my afternoon tea picks, read Best Afternoon Tea in London, 4 Standout Experiences to Try!

My Afternoon Tea Experience

Here’s a closer look at my afternoon tea experience at Engel & Jang, starting with the cocktails.

A Creative Start with Signature Cocktails

We started our afternoon tea with a round of cocktails after hearing how creative they were, and they ended up being one of my favorite parts of the experience.

I loved the thought and storytelling behind each drink, and they tasted just as good as they looked, which isn’t always a given with visually striking cocktails.

One of the cocktails we tried was Der Blaue Engel.

A beautifully balanced drink made with Bruichladdich Classic Laddie whisky, lavender and peach cordial, Supasawa, and Curaçao liqueur.

The floral notes came through softly without overpowering the drink, and the citrus kept it light and refreshing.

We also ordered Der Prinz von Berlin, which leaned brighter and more citrus-forward.

This cocktail combined lemon verbena–infused vodka with green apple cordial, Supasawa, and Manzana Verde. Crisp and slightly sweet.

Both cocktails felt thoughtfully crafted, with clear inspiration behind them, and set a really elevated tone for the rest of the afternoon.

Tea Selection

After cocktails, it was time to switch gears and settle into the tea portion of the experience.

Afternoon tea at Engel & Jang features a thoughtful selection of Jing teas, offering both classic and more aromatic options.

The menu includes traditional choices like English Breakfast and Earl Grey, alongside lighter and floral teas such as Jasmine Silver Needle and Chamomile Flower Tea.

There are also fruit-forward and refreshing options like Blackcurrant & Hibiscus, plus Green Tea and Peppermint Leaf Tea.

Savory Bites

Now onto the food!

The savory and sweet course arrived on a pelican, which made the whole experience fun!

We started with the savory bites.

The selection of open-style sandwiches felt refined yet approachable, with flavors that were balanced rather than overly heavy.

Options included smoked salmon paired with trout mousse, cucumber, Aleppo chili, and calendula flowers, as well as St Ewes egg with chive mayonnaise and mustard leaves.

There was also a roast beef option served with celeriac remoulade, mustard, and allium flowers.

Visiting London during the holidays? Here are 26 Festive Things To Do in London This Christmas Season!

Sweet Treats

The sweet course showcased a beautiful selection of cakes and pastries from Lorena, and this is where the afternoon tea really leaned into creativity.

The lineup included Apple Choux filled with soft apple ragu and finished with vanilla and chocolate ganache.

There was also the Pistachio Cake layered with light pistachio cream and tart raspberry notes, and a Lemon & Passion Fruit Tart.

I loved the Three O’Clock Coffee Cake made with coffee, chocolate, and hazelnut, topped with a rocher glaze and delicate floral touches.

Each dessert felt elegant and well-balanced, offering sweetness without being overwhelming.

How to Book Afternoon Tea at Engel & Jang

Afternoon tea at Engel & Jang can be booked in advance, and I’d recommend reserving ahead of time.

Especially if you’re visiting London during peak travel seasons or planning a special occasion.

You can book directly using the reservation link.

Where Is Engel & Jang Located?

Engel & Jang is located inside the historic Royal Exchange, right in the City of London district.

This central location makes it an easy stop while exploring London’s financial heart, just steps from Bank Station.

Explore More of London

I did so much during my trip to London during the holiday season!

I also recommend trying another one of the Best Afternoon Teas in London, 4 Standout Experiences to Try!

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