The Original Maids of Honour
A historic family-run bakery and tea shop serving classic British fare and legendary tarts since 1860.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
The Original Maids of Honour
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic family-run bakery and tea shop serving classic British fare and legendary tarts since 1860.
"Experience a taste of history with their legendary tarts and delightful afternoon tea."
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends, to secure your spot.
Try Signature Tarts
Don't miss out on their famous Maid of Honour tarts or the traditional high tea set.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
British Tearoom
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+44 20 8940 2752
Address
288 Kew Rd, Richmond, TW9 3DU, United Kingdom
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Afternoon Tea
Experience a traditional British afternoon tea in a charming, vintage tearoom with a history dating back to 1860.
Maid of Honour Tart
Indulge in the legendary 'melt-in-the-mouth' Maid of Honour tarts, a secret recipe once favored by King Henry VIII.
Cozy Vintage Atmosphere
Enjoy a delightful meal or tea in a cozy, charming setting with vintage decor, making you feel right at home.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends, to secure your spot.
Try Signature Tarts
Don't miss out on their famous Maid of Honour tarts or the traditional high tea set.
Weekday Visits Recommended
Consider weekdays for a less crowded experience, though reservations are still advised.
Minimum Charge
Be aware of a minimum charge for certain menu options, such as the luncheon menu.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends, to secure your spot.
Try Signature Tarts
Don't miss out on their famous Maid of Honour tarts or the traditional high tea set.
Weekday Visits Recommended
Consider weekdays for a less crowded experience, though reservations are still advised.
Minimum Charge
Be aware of a minimum charge for certain menu options, such as the luncheon menu.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Original Maids of Honour offers a charming and historic dining experience, praised for its traditional afternoon tea, delicious pastries, and cozy vintage atmosphere. While many highlight the friendly service and delightful food, some reviews mention inconsistencies in quality and the need for reservations due to its popularity.
"We had high tea here on Saturday. Food is overall good. It’s just the coffee eclair is too sweet for me to finish at once. Scones are soft and fluffy.
Friendly and prompt service. Cozy environment. Love the decoration in this cafe. Reservation is recommended on weekends."
Li-Chen Lin
"Time seems to have stood still at this “Tea Rooms” establishment which also offers accommodation facilities upstairs. The room was very quaintly old fashioned with Bakelite light switches and brass pipe fittings. The bed was comfortable and we slept well. The tea room was also a nice experience when we had breakfast the next morning. Staff were very polite and this place is booming with business most of the time, so think ahead. Also please note this is a pet friendly venue"
David Fenech
"I really enjoyed the afternoon tea here. The food was delicious — fresh and beautifully presented — and the service was excellent, with staff who were attentive and friendly. My favorite was the passion fruit cheesecake, which was so refreshing, and the scones were wonderfully soft. The peach tea was also delightful and paired perfectly with the treats. What impressed me most was how stunning the restaurant is; the elegant setting made the whole afternoon tea experience truly special. I’d love to come back again!"
Wu Ava
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends or busy periods, to ensure a table.
The Maid of Honour tart is their most famous signature item. Traditional afternoon tea and scones are also highly recommended.
Yes, it's a popular spot for birthday treats and special occasions, offering a memorable and charming experience.
The staff are very allergy-aware and happy to provide vegetarian or vegan alternatives for cakes and other dishes.
Yes, you can purchase goodies for a picnic, perfect for enjoying in nearby Kew Gardens.
Yes, there is a minimum charge of £22 for the luncheon menu.
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The best afternoon tea in Surrey & SW London
Established in 1868, these guys have been doing tea and cakes for a very long time. There is a legend – quite possibly started by the Maids of Honour – that King Henry VIII loved the 'melt-in-the-mouth sensation' so much, he took the recipe and kept it under lock and key in Richmond Palace. Winnie: “The Original Maids of Honour in Kew has always been my favourite.
Visit to Kew Gardens
If you have not yet registered for online payment you will be asked to do this and your registration will need to be validated by the Administrator before you can use the facility. You will only need to register once, and for any applications for subsequent events you will need only to log in. Payment is taken by PayPal, but you do not need a PayPal account.
Where to eat out in Richmond
For a slice of history with your meal, visit Maids of Honour, a tearoom that has been delighting guests since the 18th century. Famous for its delicate tarts, the café offers a selection of British favourites like homemade pies and quiches. The old-world charm and peaceful garden setting make it a timeless choice for a quiet lunch in Richmond.
Top 18 Best Things to do in Richmond, London
Newens the Original Maids of Honour is a traditional English Tea Room. The tea room is a great place to have afternoon tea after a morning spent walking around the Richmond. The Original Maids of Honour cafe is located on Kew Road and it is most famous for its Maids of Honour tarts and traditional English-baked pastries and cakes.
Food and Drink in Richmond upon Thames
Richmond upon Thames has variety of high end international cuisines starting from Latin American, European, Asian and African. You can enjoy the famous French 'Boeuf Bourguignon' or perhaps you want to stick with some other European cuisine like Italian, German or Eastern European - Richmond upon Thames has it all!
Scones in London - Rick Steves Travel Forum
While their eponymous pastry is not a scone, if you are going to Kew Gardens, I can recommend the Maids of Honour Teashop. They also have wonderful scones, although I can't rank them in a list with others for you. I think they come in multiple scone ingredients, as in currant, raisin, and so on.
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Step back in time with our 1920s evening at the 43 Club
With live cabaret, jazz, and DJ sets, and curated cocktails and food from Maids of Honour, the night is set to be abuzz with 1920s frivolity.
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