Celebrating a special occasion? See our best afternoon teas review, including classic establishments like The Ritz, Fortnum & Mason, The Shard and more
Treat yourself and a loved one to special afternoon tea in the capital city with our top afternoon tea in London recommendations. Find everything from classic British menus to more unique options and servings for kids. There's no better way to celebrate a birthday, holiday or special occasion. Having been fortunate to sample a wide selection of London's afternoon teas over the past few years, I have rounded up some of the capital's best offerings. This list takes into consideration the price against the service, quality of food and drink and atmosphere. Discover even more teas with the best afternoon teas in the UK for cities around England and Wales, or the best kids afternoon teas in London. For more travel ideas, see the best luxury family hotels in the UK. and the best rooftop bars in London. To make your own dishes at home, see our afternoon tea recipes for all things scones and sandwiches. Top tips for going to an afternoon tea: Come relatively hungry - afternoon teas are most often a sizeable helping and so you'll need a good appetite to tackle the three tiers of sandwiches, scones and pâtisserie. Ask for a doggy bag - if you are defeated by the sheer quantity of food on offer, but simply can't face the thought of missing out on the rest, fear not as most establishments will very happily box up your remaining treats to enjoy later (or the next day!). Experiment with your tea choice - it may feel safe to opt for your normal English Breakfast brew, but there's often so many wonderful tea varieties on offer, why not try something a bit different? Often there will be a member of staff on hand to talk through the tea menu so I often ask them for recommendations. Start savoury, then finish sweet - traditionally, the order of afternoon tea will begin with savoury finger sandwiches, before moving on to the sweet scones and then pâtisserie. Of course, it is up to you, but I recommend going for the savoury options first to keep your palate balanced, rather than getting an early sugar rush. If you want to keep the tea more affordable, then avoid upgrading to the champagne option as this can often add an additional £10-£30 per glass to your price per head. Equally if you want to splash out for a special occasion, then go for it! Sponsored by LW Theatres Experience a showstopping afternoon tea at Theatre Royal Drury Lane Calling all West End buffs: did you know that you can enjoy the delights of a traditional afternoon tea inside one of London's most iconic theatres? Don't miss your chance to tuck into a unique themed menu at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, where you can feast on savoury treats on an original stage floor and a sweet selection literally unveiled from behind a plush red curtain, plus a wide variety of teas, champagne and signature cocktails. Prices start from £68 per person and you can find out more at lwtheatres.co.uk. Best afternoon teas in London at a glance Best for timeless luxury: Ritz afternoon tea, from £95 per person Best for luxury surroundings: The Georgian, Harrods, from £82 per person Best for a modern afternoon tea: Lily Vanilli at the Four Seasons Hotel London Tower Bridge, from £65 per person Best casual tea with a view: Duck & Waffle afternoon tea, from £55pp Best for a sweet tooth: Fortnum and Mason afternoon tea, from £84 per person Best for exceptional service: The Dorchester afternoon tea, from £95 per person Best for a generous selection: The Goring afternoon tea, from £65 per person Best for an Asian-inspired tea: Mr Ma's tea at The Academy, from £39 per person Best for champagne lovers: Elizabethan afternoon tea, from £85 per person Best for a botanical setting: The Teahouse at Petersham Nurseries, from £65 per person Best for a unique theme: The Parlour at Great Scotland Yard Hotel, from £65 per person Best for Japanese flavours: Nobu Hotel afternoon tea, from £75 per person Best for trend-led pâtisseries: The Biltmore, from £80 per person Best for big flavours and colours: The Rosewood, from £80 per person Best hidden gem: The Stafford, from £78 per person Best for airy ambience: The Landmark London, from £79 per person Best contemporary atmosphere: Sushisamba, £65 per person Best for whimsy: Peter Pan afternoon tea at Aqua Shard, from £70 per person Best value afternoon tea with a view: oblix at The Shard, from £65 per person Best for central location: The Stage at The Londoner, from £59 per person Best for theatre fans: The Grand Saloon at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, from £59 per person Best for a royal day out: Conrad London, St James, from £63 per person Best for a family day out: Sweetshop afternoon tea at Chesterfield Hotel, from £65 per person Best for riverside views: The Bingham Riverside, from £42 per person Best for 1920's elegance: The Beaumont Hotel afternoon tea, from £70 per person Best for kids: One Aldwych Charlie & the Chocolate Factory afternoon tea, from £55 per child, £75 per adult Best for stunning views: Ting at the Shangri-La Hotel afternoon tea, from £78 per person Best for Halloween fans: Wizard afternoon tea at Georgian House Hotel, from £40 per person Best afternoon teas in London 2026 The Ritz afternoon tea At a glance… Price: £95 per person/£73 per child Best for: timeless luxury Contact details: The Ritz, 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR View the menu Afternoon tea at The Ritz is one of the most timeless experiences in London for a reason. Attention to detail and fantastic service make this afternoon tea well worth the splurge. Step into the glamorous Palm Court salon to admire their mirrored surfaces, gold detailing and leafy palms. The luxurious atmosphere is complete with a live pianist and harpist alongside a choir singing traditional carols. The food is traditional with classic British flavours and generous servings; savoury sandwiches include Scottish smoked salmon, breast of chicken with chestnut and sage, cheddar cheese with chutney, and more. Fresh plain and fruit scones come with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve, and the pastries and cakes, which are the real stars of the show, have delicate details and stunning finishes. On visiting during the festive season, I enjoyed a selection of gold-leaf topped choux buns, chocolate and chestnut pastries and cranberry and meringue topped cakes. There are 18 luxury teas to choose from, including everything from passion fruit and orange to chocolate mint rooibos and more. I chose the classic Ritz Royal English – a breakfast tea with a blend of Golden Kenyan, Assam and Orange Pekoe. Consider upgrading with a glass of champagne for £23 for a well balanced Barons de Rothschild, 'Réserve Ritz', Brut NV. Overall, the service is a fantastic option for a special occasion with friendly and attentive staff and a gorgeous ambiance. The Ritz is a proud member of the Leading Hotels of the World. The Georgian, Harrods At a glance… Price: £82 per person Best for: elevated sandwich fillings and a jam trolley Contact details: The Georgian, Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL View the menu The Georgian is one of the prettiest tea rooms in London. First opened in 1911 and famous for ‘thés dansants’ during the 20s, this plush and opulent space is a brilliant mix of comfort and sparkle. You can choose to sit in the middle of it all and enjoy watching the room, or tuck yourself away in a private-feeling booth and set yourself to the task in hand. The afternoon tea menu (a vegan version is also available) starts with the sandwiches. Familiar flavours with a luxury twist may include cucumber & minted soft cheese, poached and smoked salmon or duck a l’orange. Savouries on my visit included a cheese tart with a light, crisp shell and sweet caramelised onion addition, and a deeply savoury mini toastie made with celeriac. One of my highlights from this experience was the scone course being accompanied with a jam trolley – you can try all the flavours (pear & vanilla or blackberry & blackcurrant, for example), each served onto a saucer, as well as clotted cream. Pastries also run the gamut of flavours, including pistachio (in the form of a religieuse), chocolate (a perfect-looking slice of gateau coated in chocolate with a cherry on top) and seasonal fruit (blackberry tart with lime curd). The good news is that you can get a doggy bag to take what you can’t eat home (I strongly counsel against trying to eat two scones pre-pastries). The extensive tea menu allows you to try more than one variety, and you can of course opt for a glass of champagne (at an additional cost) if you prefer. Tea at the Georgian will leave you feeling looked after and quite full. Book at lunchtime and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea At a glance... Price: from £84 per person Best for: traditionalists and lovers of classic, charming service Contact details: Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER View the menu The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason has to be one of the top locations for a classic afternoon tea. Service is seamless without being stuffy, and I found the waiting staff charming, relaxed and exceptionally well informed – with 92 teas on offer, they need to know their stuff. The sweet pâtisserie treats are an art form in their own right, and the lobster scone with cream cheese and caviar topping makes the savoury selection a must-try, especially if you’re sharing. Fortnum & Mason is a classic afternoon tea experience with an ever-evolving menu that’s subtly inventive. The care that goes into every aspect of the creation and presentation of the dishes, as well as the knowledge and charm of the staff make this a truly special experience. The Dorchester At a glance… Price: £95 per person Best for: Impeccable service and a long and luxurious experience Contact details: The Dorchester, 52 Park Lane, London, W1K 1QA View the menu Afternoon tea at The Dorchester is served in the grand but welcoming Promenade, the hotel’s central dining space. The room is large and bright, with art deco features, huge floral arrangements and live piano music at set times during the afternoon. Service is attentive and unhurried, with staff regularly offering additional sandwiches and pastries and refills of tea so my dining partner and I felt like we could take our time to soak up the atmosphere. The menu follows a traditional afternoon tea format, beginning with a selection of finger sandwiches. Fillings typically include smoked salmon with cream cheese, cucumber, egg mayonnaise with truffle, coronation chicken and roast beef with horseradish and they are beautifully presented. Warm plain and fruit scones are served with strawberry jam and clotted cream in silver dishes, followed by a selection of beautiful pastries and cakes which are almost too pretty to eat. I was treated to a winter menu selection of chocolate and orange marmalade yule log, almond mousse with sour cherry compote and almond sponge and tropical tart with coconut Chantilly, pineapple and almond sponge. Teas are available from a wide-ranging list, covering black, green, white and herbal options, as well as single-estate and blended teas. Coffee is also available on request. For those who prefer something stronger, afternoon tea can be taken with a glass of champagne or sparkling wine, with several options available by the glass or bottle. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menus are offered and mirror the main menu closely, rather than feeling like a simplified alternative. Children are also welcome, with a dedicated children’s afternoon tea that includes smaller sandwiches, sweet treats designed for younger tastes and limitless hot chocolate. Festive afternoon tea by Lily Vanilli, Four Seasons Tower Bridge At a glance… Price: £65 per person Best for: a modern Christmas afternoon tea in a grand setting Contact details: Four Seasons Hotel London Tower Bridge, 10 Trinity Square, London, EC3N 4AJ View the menu Best for a modern afternoon tea A classic Christmas afternoon tea gets a luxury modern twist with the festive menu from Lily Vanilli at the Four Seasons Hotel London Tower Bridge. Settle into a cosy booth in the grand Rotunda Bar setting (complete with towering Christmas tree) for a special festive treat. There’s not a finger sandwich in sight – the savouries include light parmesan gougères, confit potatoes topped with smoked salmon and roe, and gildas with fiery pickled chilli. There are mince pies too – filled with melting cheese, cabbage and roast potatoes. Classic scones remain, served with the prettiest swirl of clotted cream I’ve ever seen and a blackberry compote so delicious that I scraped the bowl clean. The highlights of the sweet course for me was the sticky toffee madeleines: served in a glamorous silver coupe, with toffee sauce poured tableside for extra drama. Crisp chocolate crumble scattered over the top helps balance the buttery sweetness. After all of this, along with mini lemon tarts, you might not even have room for the piece de resistance that is a mini chocolate salted caramel cake, adorned with gold baubles and decorated in Lily Vanilli’s signature style with rich, buttery icing. If you can’t slice into it there and then, the team will box it up for you to take home and savour later. Duck & Waffle afternoon tea At a glance… Price: £55 per person Best for: a relaxed afternoon tea with an impressive view Contact details: Duck & Waffle, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY View the menu Best casual tea with a view Duck & Waffle is known for its 24-hour operations and views over London – and now you can have afternoon tea 40 floors above the city. You’ll want to nab a window table on the right hand side of the room for views of the Gherkin and Tower Bridge – go for a slightly later sitting to time your tea for golden hour and watch the sunset. Before the main tea arrives, a starter of ‘egg and soldiers’ is served – in reality, a warm watercress purée and the butteriest brioche soldiers for dipping. Next, the main event arrives; we loved the presentation arriving on a three-tiered stand which is revealed under a giant painted egg. The savouries are a mixture of styles: classic sandwiches (coronation chicken, smoked salmon), a cubano (a toasted sandwich filled with ham, melted cheeses and pickles) and my favourite, a take on the namesake duck and waffle, switched up for afternoon tea. A flat melba toast waffle is topped with well-seasoned duck rillette and a swirl of egg yolk purée for a rich savoury bite. The sweet course has something for everyone – a Jaffa cake macaron with an orange filling was a highlight for me, as was a sticky toffee waffle topped with caramel Chantilly cream. Warm fruit scones with generous amounts of strawberry jam and clotted cream complete the feast. The 24/7 nature of Duck & Waffle means you might be surrounded by people having lunch or dinner while you’re on your tea which might not be for everyone. Despite it’s impressive setting, both the atmosphere and service are low-key (we put our tea order through a few times, and don't expect refills of tea or extra sandwiches here), but this is reflected in the more affordable price than many other teas on this list. The Goring afternoon tea At a glance... Price: from £65 per person/£70 with a glass of Bollinger champagne Best for: sumptuous surroundings and attentive service Contact details: The Goring, 15 Beeston Place, London SW1W 0JW View the menu For anyone in search of a quintessentially traditional English afternoon tea, The Goring tops the list. Aside from the replenishable plates of fresh sandwiches, light scones and perfectly presented pâtisserie, the true standout feature is without a doubt the service. You won’t have to lift a finger in your opulent surroundings, not even to pour yourself a cup of The Goring’s very own blend. My friend and I certainly felt like ladies of leisure on our visit. The heavily draped lounge could easily feel oppressive, but there’s a relaxed atmosphere and a nice buzz without being intrusive. Between sips of Earl Grey and chunks of bite-sized scones with dollops of homemade raspberry jam, take a moment to spot the sheep secreted in the room (the iconic symbol of The Goring). The crowning glory of the tea is undoubtedly the pastry plate – delicate macarons, squidgy cakes and light choux bites are on offer for hungry patrons. Save some space, as you’ll be wanting to replenish this selection to your heart’s content. Elizabethan afternoon tea at InterContinental London Park Lane At a glance... Price: from £85 per person/£106 with unlimited Veuve Clicquot champagne Best for: champagne lovers who appreciate a royal setting Contact details: InterContinental London, One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, London, W1J 7QY View the menu The Crown and Saber Afternoon Tea is inspired by royal traditions, but the atmosphere is relaxed yet luxurious. Plush seating, huge windows overlooking Hyde Park and warm yet well-paced service all add to the ambience. A highlight has to be the free-flowing champagne, not only is it bottomless but they sabre open the first bottle at your table using a sword for extra flourish. I was impressed by how beautifully presented and well thought through everything was, from the impeccably presented golden crown perched on top of a rhubarb mousse to the caviar-topped smoked salmon sandwiches. The savoury dishes are delicate but generous, from the classic coronation chicken sandwich to a delicately sliced roast beef served in a miniature Yorkshire pudding. The scones arrived warm – both plain and fruit – and are seriously good: fluffy, light and served with clotted cream, jam and a very moreish Earl Grey cream which provided a welcome variation to the classic offering. Then there’s the pâtisserie, which feels like a mini dessert tasting menu. Each little cake or tart is like a tiny edible sculpture – with mousses, jellies, sponges and pralines all making an appearance. If you can’t make it through the pâtisseries then these will be lovingly boxed up for you to take away and have at home. Mr Ma's afternoon tea at The Academy Hotel At a glance... Price: from £38 per person/£49 with a glass of bubbles Best for: for an Asian influence on a traditional afternoon tea Contact details: The Academy, 21 Gower Street, Fitzrovia, WC1E 6HG View the menu Head to The Academy, a boutique hotel in Bloomsbury, for an afternoon tea that feels pleasingly tucked away from the capital’s clamour. Central enough to be convenient yet just far enough from the tourist hustle and bustle, it’s an ideal bolthole for a leisurely catch-up. Served in a softly lit room dressed in plush dark-green hues and relaxing lounge music, that instantly soothes and allows you to fully relax and unwind. Nab a window table and you’ll look out onto the leafy patio garden – an extension of the room’s lush palette – where, in warmer months, tea can be taken alfresco. Leaning into Bloomsbury’s literary heritage, The Academy nods to Lao She’s novel Mr Ma and Son, weaving subtle Asian inflections through a quintessentially English format. The savoury tier keeps to tradition with neatly cut finger sandwiches: we enjoyed chicken salad, egg mayonnaise with tomato and smoked salmon with cream cheese – classic combinations executed with care. Scones arrive as they should: light, warm and paired with strawberry jam and generous pots of clotted cream. But it’s the sweet course where the East-meets-West theme comes into its own. A bamboo basket reveals delicately flaky egg tarts and sesame-studded jian dui dough balls, while a separate platter offers an assortment of jewel-like petit fours and macarons. The tea list spans the dependable to the fragrant, from robust English breakfast to floral darjeeling, ensuring there’s a brew to suit every pace of afternoon. The Teahouse at Petersham Nurseries At a glance... Price: from £65 per person/£70 with a glass of prosecco Best for: a botanical setting with seasonal treats Contact details: Petersham Nurseries, Church Lane, Richmond, TW10 7AB View the menu Down a narrow lane on the outskirts of Richmond, nestled between the water meadows of the Thames and grand houses, you'll find Petersham Nurseries. Each step through the network of charming greenhouses feels like a magical discovery with bulbs, pots, garden ornaments and more on offer. The afternoon tea is housed in a quiet corner, away from the hustle and bustle of the main restaurant, where every detail seems considered without being fussy, down to a blanket to keep your knees warm. Food is served on a uniquely botanical cake stand which doubles as a vase for fresh flowers. The menu changes seasonally – on my visit, the first course included smoked herb trout with cream cheese on a slice of brioche and a still-warm savoury muffin which struck the perfect balance between sweet and savoury. Scones arrived piping hot in a delicate basket accompanied by cream and strawberry jam. For sweets, my stars of the show were a delicate Eton mess choux bun and a chocolate and mocha love heart which appeared to be a real crowd-pleaser. The Parlour afternoon tea at Great Scotland Yard Hotel At a glance... Price: from £65 per person/£75 with a glass of champagne Best for: seasonal offerings and event themed experiences Contact details: The Parlour, 3-5 Great Scotland Yard, London, SW1A 2HN View the menu For those seeking an afternoon tea experience steeped in storytelling and that’s slightly off the beaten path, Great Scotland Yard Hotel has launched Chapter Three of their series of Afternoon Tea Chronicles: The 40 Elephants Gang. Guests can expect a touch of the theatrical with each course – delicious savoury bites like Montgomery cheddar Yorkshire pudding and Clarence Court egg truffle mayo on pain de mie are served on a glass tray emitting smoking dry ice revealing various paraphernalia related to the Forty Elephants gang including handcuffs and pearls. For tea, I opted for the Traditional Iron Buddha (Tieguanyin). An oolong tea, the rich notes of roasted nuts and baked fruit is the perfect accompaniment to freshly baked plain and raisin scones with Cornish clotted cream and homemade blueberry and raspberry jam. The final sweet course is by far the most ornate. Be it ‘The Rembrandt Hat’, an almond, blueberry and lavender praline choux designed to resemble a feathered hat, or a coffee mousse and whisky entremet created in the style of a pocket watch, each sweet treat combines whimsy with intricate details and innovative flavours. Nobu Hotel London Portman Square afternoon tea At a glance... Price: from £75 per person Best for: Japanese-inspired flavours Contact details: Nobu Hotel, 22 Portman Square, London W1H 7BG View the menu Settle into the upscale lounge at Nobu Hotel in Portman Square for afternoon tea. The relaxing ambiance is the perfect setting for a luxurious tea, right off the busy streets of Oxford Circus. The friendly service and calming atmosphere make this trendy hotel approachable and a great place to celebrate a special occasion. The menu combines contemporary Japanese flavours with traditional afternoon tea classics. The tea selection offers many unique options, like lychee & rose noir and Kabuse sencha. The selection of sushi cups showcase exquisite cuts of high quality salmon and yellowtail. Canapés and savoury options include crispy fried chicken, mushroom Matsuhisa tacos and beef tataki buns with wasabi sauce. The snow crab roll with jalapeño dressing is my personal favourite, showing off the freshest of ingredients. The fluffy scones are served with Cornish clotted cream, raspberry mint jam and a tart yuzu curd. The delectable sweets are visually stunning and full of creative flavours. Stand outs for me included a miso chocolate caramel tart, Fuji apple shiso mirin pillow and a beautiful Hojicha cheesecake. Overall, this service is outstanding and full of unique treats for a one-of-a-kind experience. The Biltmore At a glance… Price: from £80 per person/£95 with a glass of Nyetimber sparkling wine Best for: trend-led pâtisseries and elevated service Contact details: The Biltmore, 44 Grosvenor Sq, London W1K 2HP The Biltmore Mayfair marries opulence and relaxation with meticulous details across all areas, particularly the service. The staff are incredibly attentive without being overbearing: sharing knowledgeable insights into the food and tasting notes of the sparkling wine and the new varieties of JING teas. Nothing is rushed. The new menu “A Tale of Two Cities: London Meets Dubai” is a tribute to their sister hotel in Dubai, blending Middle Eastern flavours and trending tastes with the beloved British tradition of afternoon tea. You can choose from their traditional or vegetarian option, but they do cater to different dietary requirements. The experience starts with sandwiches including truffle egg mayo on a brioche bun, a focaccia stuffed with grilled summer vegetables, and our favourite, a blue lobster summer roll topped with salmon roe. You also receive three savoury tart bites – all delightfully crisp with distinct fillings. The scone course includes three golden varieties which all arrive warm – cranberry and orange, white chocolate and lemon, and the traditional plain scone. These are served with Dorset clotted cream, homemade strawberry jam and local British honeycomb – definitely try this on top of the white chocolate and lemon scone! The star of the show is the final pâtisserie course, with incredibly delicate presentation. For me, the standouts were the pistachio Dubai chocolate cake and “The Palm Purse” – an almond and lime frangipane with strawberry gel and vanilla ganache in the shape of a luxury handbag. If you are looking for a luxury yet trendy afternoon tea, then their new menu is for you. Rosewood At a glance... Price: from £80 per person (£97 with a cocktail, £106 with champagne) Best for: big flavours and colours – a richer alternative to traditional tea Contact details: Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London View the menu With its dramatic ceiling, Rosewood’s light-filled Mirror Room is a glamorous spot in which to enjoy its 'Masterful Art' afternoon tea which is themed around the city's vibrant arts scene and seasonal exhibitions showcasing British artists. My mother and I attended the David Hockney-inspired tea, with famous works such as 'The Splash' and 'The Arrival of Spring' reimagined as a series of showstopping sponges and pâtisserie. The tea is served in three courses: sandwiches first, with some richer savouries including truffle egg mayo with confit tomatoes on onion brioche; two types of scone and two mini pastries resembling art by David Hockney (filled with blueberry) and Picasso (complete with lobster telephone); and a final course of colourful, glossy cakes inspired by art including a Banksy’s 'Girl with the Balloon', Andy Warhol’s 'Soup Can' and more from Vincent Van Gogh and Japanese sculptor Yayoi Kusama. Tea comes from the prestigious French tea importer Mariage Frères, and it's an expansive selection that features some rare varieties. The Stafford At a glance... Price: £78 per person/from £92 with a glass of champagne Best for: hidden gem in London, quiet luxury Contact details: The Stafford London, 16-18 St James's Place, SW1 1NJ Tucked down a quiet street just outside St James’s Park, The Stafford is a luxury hidden gem to discover. This five-star hotel relaunched their afternoon tea experience and it's a very welcome addition to the London afternoon tea scene. You'll be warmly welcomed into the cosy restaurant (bonus points for extremely comfortable chairs!) and service is faultlessly friendly throughout. My dining companion and I took the waiter’s recommendations on tea choices to begin and weren’t disappointed – the Stafford signature blends offer classic options, while the stunning white apricot fusion tea was deliciously fruity and jammy. Champagne is served from an ornate champagne trolley before the star of the show, the special cake trolley, is wheeled out for you to admire and choose from. Take your pick of ornate pâtisserie from the trolley and they'll be brought back to you on a classic afternoon tea stand. Sandwiches were fresh and varied with the decadent addition of a truffled egg brioche bun. Along with classic fruit and plain scones, I also particularly enjoyed a warm mini cheese scone, served with sour cream and chives. From the pâtisserie picks, the vanilla and raspberry ‘white mousse’ was memorable, and the fresh raspberry and elderflower macaron was a standout. The Landmark London At a glance... Price: £79 per person/from £89 with a glass of champagne Best for: airy ambience, classic pâtisserie with a twist Contact details: The Landmark London, 222 Marylebone Rd, London NW1 6JQ Located in the heart of Marylebone, The Landmark London offers a special afternoon tea with classic British dishes and flavours. The eight-storey glass atrium is adorned with leafy palm trees and full of airy sunlight for a unique setting to take tea. Service is friendly and attentive, with a live pianist for added ambience. There's a wide range of teas on offer, from classic English breakfast to our server's recommendation: a fruity mango black tea. The current afternoon tea menu has been curated by pastry chefs Mauro and Daniel, winners of Bake Off The Professionals 2023. To start, sandwiches are traditional, with smoked Scottish salmon, truffle egg mayonnaise, classic cucumber and coronation chicken on walnut bread – with trays of extras if you want seconds. Scones were a highlight of the tea: alongside classic plain are memorable candied apricot and marzipan scones, studded with sweet melting chunks of marzipan. Both are served warm with clotted cream, jam and the special addition of a rich hazelnut chocolate ganache. The luxurious desserts take classics such as pavlova and chocolate swiss roll and elevate them with expert flair – my favourite was the white chocolate and yuzu cheesecake filled with a spiced pear compote. This would be a great offering for those looking for a classic afternoon tea with top-notch service. Sushisamba At a glance... Price: £65 per person with a glass of champagne Best for: non-traditionalists who prefer Japanese savouries to sandwiches Contact details: Sushisamba, 35 The Mkt, London WC2E 8RF View the menu High above the famous Covent Garden piazza, this glass-ceilinged space has a lively, jungle-like vibe due to a living ceiling canopy and oversized plants. My friend and I tried both the signature tea – with luxurious ingredients including lobster and wagyu beef in sliders and mini tacos and caviar topped tuna – and the vegetarian alternative, all presented on elegant three tiered ‘trees’. Cakes fuse Asian flavours with British classics, such as the Japanese Pandan custard tart and Battenburg with yuzu – and a separate final serving of traditional scones. Choose from five Canton teas, which can be topped up, and three champagnes. Peter Pan afternoon tea at Aqua Shard At a glance… Price: £70 per person/£90 with a glass of champagne/£55 for under 12s Best for: whimsical bites and literary luxury Contact details: Aqua Shard, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY Get transported to Neverland with magical views, as if you're Peter Pan flying over the rooftops of London. Children and adults alike will love the nostalgic treats and artistic touches included in this afternoon tea. From the custom crafted ship that holds the food, to the story behind each component (the cod brandade is in the shape of a hook, as Peter calls him a ‘codfish’, for example), everything is meticulously designed and pure magic. There are two main tea choices – I opted for the 'darling tea', which had delicious floral notes, whilst my companion went for the 'adventure tea', made from black tea with citrus, mango and ginger. The perfectly cut sandwiches were light, soft and fluffy, with flavoursome fillings of chicken, bacon and mustard, along with the standout truffle egg mayo (more vegetarian options are available). The next course, after a fresh round of specially designed plates with Peter Pan characters on them, was freshly baked scones served with delicious apple jam and coconut clotted cream. The magic continued into the desserts. The ‘Peter’s secret never tree entrance’ is particularly noteworthy – a soft chocolate sponge with chocolate mousse, ganache and raspberry jam. Like the waitress spraying the Tinkerbell biscuit with edible gold glitter, the thought behind each element brought so much joy. From start to finish, this afternoon tea is a display of enchanting storybook delicacies in a stunning, picturesque setting. oblix at The Shard At a glance... Price: £59 per person/£65 with a glass of champagne Best for: good value tea with stunning view Contact details: oblix East, Level 32, The Shard, 31 St. Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY View the menu If you want brilliant views of London, then the 32nd floor of the Shard is a good place to start. Instead of buying a ticket up the Shard to see the view (which can cost approx £30 by itself), head to Oblix in the Shard instead and treat yourself to a special afternoon tea complete with those panoramic views. I visited in December, where the menu had been given a light festive makeover but many of the classics are on the menu all year round. The tea kicks off with a plate of sandwiches including a standout buttery brioche roll filled with egg mayo and topped with a generous amount of truffle. I also had a classic coronation chicken, smoked salmon, an avocado tartlet and impressive mini lobster roll. Scones were served warm with a perfect raspberry jam and sticky fresh honeycomb – although controversially also with whipped cream instead of clotted cream. Pâtisserie consisted of delicate but familiar favourites – I particularly enjoyed this course, with five treats including a nutty macaron, highly caramelised apple tart tatin and rich chocolate hazelnut ball. If you go for the rosé package, unlimited wine and a cocktail are included along with your pick of tea from the short tea menu. The Stage at The Londoner At a glance... Price: from £59 per person/£75 with a glass of champagne/£80 with a glass of rosé champagne Best for: central location Contact details: The Londoner, 38 Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7DX, United Kingdom View the menu If you’re doing some central London shopping, The Stage afternoon tea is handily located right on the corner of Leicester Square. The tea is held in what is essentially the hotel lobby – there’s a buzzy atmosphere (especially when the live pianist is playing), although it can get chilly in winter if you’re sat too near the front door. A surprise palate cleanser of elderflower sorbet drizzled with honey is delicate and refreshing. Sandwiches arrive playfully cut into tiny squares instead of fingers and served in three tiers – a chicken sandwich on basil bread was a standout highlight (plus you’re offered seconds if you’re still hungry). Warm scones are light, fluffy and the perfect size, served with a unique floral and citrusy bergamot curd as well as strawberry jam. In a twist from other afternoon teas I’ve tried, for the pâtisserie course you head up to a cabinet to pick two larger pâtisserie items to finish off your feast. I visited near Christmas, so a ‘Joyeux Noel’ of chocolate cake, cream and boozy cherries was a perfect festive treat. The Grand Saloon, Theatre Royal Drury Lane At a glance... Price: from £59 per person/£69 with a glass of champagne/£28 for children Best for: theatre fans, visiting around a show Contact details: The Lane, Catherine St, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5JF View the menu If you’re in London to see a show, an afternoon tea beforehand is an extra special treat. The Lane at Theatre Royal is ideally situated for this – set right in the theatre building in Covent Garden. The tea takes place in a beautiful grand room with a large central bar, stunning high ceilings and marble panels on the wall, all in a teal and pale pink colour scheme. Friendly and skilled staff expertly pour tea and champagne. The brand new immersive tea is inspired by the theatrical setting – divided into two sweet and savoury acts, plus a grand finale, with not a sandwich in sight but a range of creative sweet and savoury treats to enjoy, alongside the essential scones. As a regular theatregoer, I found this themed tea especially charming. Set within the magnificent Grand Saloon, you cannot help but be drawn into the rich history of this world-renowned establishment. Attention to detail is evident in touches such as tea-sets embellished with characters from the theatre's plays and the opening 'act' being served on an original piece of stage flooring. The food was exquisite, with my highlight being the generous slice of seasonal strawberry layer cake. InfiniTEA Royal afternoon tea at the Conrad London St. James At a glance... Price: from £62 per person/£97 with limitless Bollinger champagne Best for: champagne fans celebrating a special occasion Contact details: Conrad London St. James, 22–28 Broadway, London SW1H 0BH View the menu For those after a sophisticated, modern take on the classic afternoon tea, the Conrad London St. James delivers with a royal twist. The hotel is currently working in collaboration with cake maker Fiona Cairns, who crafted the Royal Wedding cake for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Afternoon tea is served in the bright and elegant Orchard Room, where impressive flower displays are in abundance and the atmosphere is serene despite the central location. We were treated to plates of dainty finger sandwiches first, filled with traditional combinations of smoked salmon with herb mayonnaise and capers, and coronation chicken. The scones, nestled in a warm linen cloth, were feather-light and served with rich clotted cream, tangy lemon curd and homemade strawberry jam. We were kindly offered another round, yet found ourselves wishing to save some room for the next course. Then comes the pastry selection: a perfectly presented carousel of miniature indulgences. My personal favourite was the sweet yet floral gilded honey & orange blossom cake, with other sweets including lemon fondant fancies and classic Victoria sponge. Service was warm and attentive, and the champagne and tea are regularly and generously topped up, making for a luxurious and relaxing experience. The champagne option comes with limitless Bollinger and is perfect for celebrating a special occasion. Sweetshop afternoon tea at Chesterfield Hotel At a glance… Price: from £65 per person/£75 with glass of Lanson Champagne/£39 per child Best for: a family day out Contact details: The Chesterfield Hotel, Mayfair, London W1J 5EB View the menu If you’re looking for a magical afternoon tea for a special occasion that will inspire the imagination and excite the palate of both adults and children, then the Chesterfield is for you. Set in a grand, Georgian hotel on a smart Mayfair street, the service is exceptional from the moment you step into their large marble hallway. Once you’re seated and have been talked through the extensive range of teas, your experience will start with a dramatic smoking pink lemonade topped with a flying saucer, you’ll then move onto a selection of beautifully presented finger sandwiches, my favourites were the Scottish smoked salmon with chive cream cheese and roast chicken with mustard mayonnaise and nibbed almonds. Accompanying the sandwiches are endless fluffy scones, Drumstick macaroons, strawberry liquorice allsorts cheesecake, blue raspberry & bubblegum Battenberg, giant 'jazzle' lollipops, coca cola slice and a decadent take on a Reece’s peanut butter cup. When it’s time to leave you’ll be escorted to a traditional sweet shop stand where you can select a bag of your favourite pick and mix sweets to take home, any treats you couldn’t quite finish will be beautifully boxed up for you to take away too. The Bingham Riverside afternoon tea At a glance… Price: £42 per person/from £58 with a glass of champagne Best for: Picturesque views Contact details: The Bingham, Richmond, London, Tw10 6UT View the menu Set along the banks of the Thames in the heart of Richmond, The Bingham offers an afternoon tea experience that is as refined as its picturesque surroundings. Stepping into the elegant Georgian townhouse, you’re welcomed into a space that blends classic Georgian charm with modern sophistication – think soft velvet seating, marbled tables, statement flower arrangements and sweeping river views through floor-to-ceiling windows. In the warmer months, I can imagine the terrace would be a perfect spot to linger over tea while watching rowers glide by on the Thames. The afternoon tea itself felt like a celebration of British tradition with a contemporary twist. I began with a selection of delicate finger sandwiches featuring classic flavours — smoked salmon with lemon and dill, and free-range egg mayonnaise elevated with truffle and chives among them. Warm, freshly baked scones followed, served with generous portions of clotted cream and homemade fruit preserves. For me, it was the pâtisserie selection that truly stood out: pistachio macaroons, miniature chocolate brownies, chestnut profiteroles and coffee & walnut cupcakes that were as beautiful as they were delicious. As a tea lover, I appreciated the carefully curated selection, which ranged from classic Earl Grey and Assam to more adventurous herbal infusions. For those looking to elevate the experience further, a glass of champagne is available for an additional £16 – a tempting addition to an already indulgent afternoon. The Beaumont hotel afternoon tea At a glance… Price: £70 per person/from £86 with a glass of champagne Best for: 1920’s decadence Contact details: The Beaumont, Brown Heart Gardens, Mayfair, London, W1K 6TF View the menu Afternoon tea at The Beaumont hotel is served in the aptly-named Gatsby room, which is home to a grand baby piano, a hidden door posing as a bookshelf and plenty of oil paintings to gaze at and soft furnishings to relax on. The menu has a transatlantic twist in true Gatsby fashion, you’ll find sandwiches filled with devilled egg mayonnaise, chicken caesar salad and beef pastrami (Reuben-style), which are replenished as much as you’d like. I could have happily finished off several rounds, but tried to leave some room for the following courses. A round of freshly baked scones and homemade strawberry jam is sure to satisfy all classic afternoon tea enthusiasts. As a lover of all things sweet, I was particularly won over by the exquisite pastry selection, comprising a fudgy chocolate brownie, caramelised apple, fig tart and pear choux, not to mention a selection of perfectly fluffy homemade marshmallows. The afternoon tea here is a very generous affair with faultless service, so it’s the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion. The Beaumont's drinks menu boasts an extensive range of rare and seasonal teas, or you can opt for one of the cleverly paired cocktails (non-alcoholic versions also available). One Aldwych Charlie & the Chocolate Factory afternoon tea At a glance... Price: from £55 per child under 12/£75 per adult/£90 for champagne afternoon tea Best for: a whimsical treat for both big and little kids Contact details: One Aldwych, 1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ View the menu The Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-themed afternoon tea at One Aldwych starts with a magical opener – a chocolate, whisky & cherry cocktail complete with dry ice smoke and poured from a glass teapot. There’s also a non-alcoholic version so everyone can enjoy the drama. My friend and I opted for the chocolate tea (it seemed only right) which had a delicious cocoa aroma. Three finger sandwiches, a savoury scone served with bacon jam, and a warm quiche went down nicely alongside our drinks. The attentive staff offered to refill the savoury plate, but we were saving space for the main event. Scones arrived in baskets; they were okay, but not as light and buttery as I had hoped. However, as a vehicle for lemon curd, blackberry jam and clotted cream, they did the job. Everyone around the room was busily snapping photos of their sweets displays, and when ours arrived, I could see why. It’s a sweet tooth’s dream: rainbow layers of bubblegum-flavoured panna cotta, mysteriously flavoured candy floss and honeycomb cake pops take centre stage, but our favourite was a chocolate egg filled with vanilla cheesecake and fruit purée. A bottle of chocolate milk washes it all down. This makes for a special afternoon that kids will remember forever, or an excuse not to act your age – whatever your reason for visiting, it’s a sweet treat not to be missed. Ting at the Shangri-La Hotel afternoon tea At a glance... Price: from £78 per person/from £88 with a glass of champagne Best for: wonderful views, tourists, treat for friends Contact details: Ting, Level 35, Shangri-La Hotel, 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9QU View the menu I visited Ting in the run up to the Royal Jubilee. The team of thoughtful pastry chefs and mixologists created recipes using the royal celebrations as inspiration; the platinum fizz cocktail combines strawberries, pineapple and lemon juice and is the perfect way to start a luxurious afternoon. Savoury bites included miniature duck pancakes, chicken liver parfait and a selection of imaginative finger sandwiches. The themes here are taken very seriously, and there is excellent attention to detail, but never at the expense of flavour. The selection of cakes I tried were beautifully balanced in terms of sweetness, sharpness and richness (which made it even easier to try the whole range!). The chocolate & raspberry shard is served in a cloud of dry ice and is the final show-piece to your experience. This is a generous afternoon tea and the waiting staff were extremely knowledgeable about their extensive list of teas on offer. Some could even predict instinctively which ones I would enjoy – with great success! Go for the views, stay for the scones. Wizard afternoon tea at Georgian House Hotel At a glance… Price: £40 per person/£20 for children Best for: A family treat or fans of Halloween Contact details: Georgian House hotel, Pimlico, London SW1. View the menu This fun and imaginative afternoon tea is one that’ll delight kids and adults alike – I persuaded a friend to channel her innermost witch and join me on this bewitching teatime experience. Upon entering the smart Georgian house hotel, we were led down to the basement where our spooky dining destination awaited. From the outset, there were plenty of theatrical surprises — overflowing cauldrons, salmon sandwiches dramatically served from a smoking box, bubbling cocktails and mocktails, and golden chocolate wizard hats that immediately set the tone. The afternoon tea was served in a gothic looking bird cage and is a very generous affair. We worked our way through a variety of delicate savoury treats, from tiny tarts to a selection of both open and closed sandwiches. Freshly baked eye of newt scones were served with curdled cream and crushed strawberries after which a fresh bird cage was brought out with an abundance of sweet treats. My ultimate highlight had to be the web topped passion fruit jelly which almost looked too good to eat, but we just about managed it. The staff were attentive, relaxed and fun and there’s plenty of quirky decorations and spooky music for an authentically ghostly experience. There is also the option of a vegan version as well as bottomless prosecco for an extra £20. Afternoon tea recipes, tips and advice Best kids afternoon tea in London Best afternoon teas outside of London Easiest ever afternoon tea menu plan Afternoon tea recipes with a twist 10 scone recipes you’ll fall in love with Enjoy this? Check out more of our London recommendations: Best rooftop bars in London Best brunch in London Best vegan restaurants in London Cheap eats in London Best foodie walking tours in London London's top queer food and drink destinations Best London pubs What's your favourite afternoon tea in London? Leave a comment below...
15 April dinners to refresh your recipe repertoire
Celebrate the best of spring with these vibrant April dinners, offering inspiration for every day of the week. These dishes showcase spring’s bounty – think asparagus, radishes, new potatoes and more
April is here, and it's time to shake up your dinner routine with a new host of recipes. These easy dishes make brilliant use of seasonal spring produce and come packed with fresh flavours, from crunchy radishes to peppery watercress and delicate asparagus. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or an impressive centrepiece for a weekend gathering, these 15 dinner ideas will brighten up your repertoire. Discover more seasonal recipe ideas in our comprehensive collection of April recipes. We also have the very best spring dinner ideas, spring pasta recipes and spring salad recipes. 1. Crispy fried chicken bowl with spring onion & ginger oil Spring onions and ginger bring an aromatic lift to this crispy fried chicken bowl. It’s a fun, fresh-tasting dinner that takes about an hour to make and is best served with sticky rice and seasonal spring greens. The spring onion oil is an addictive condiment that adds extra depth and zing. See more spring greens recipes. 2. Lemon & dill rainbow trout with pickled potato salad & radish slaw Rainbow trout is the star here, roasted with lemon and dill and served with a herby potato salad and crunchy radish slaw. It's ready in just under an hour and makes a lovely alternative to a traditional roast. The radishes and new potatoes add a true taste of spring. Check out more trout recipes. 3. Sausage traybake This traybake is packed with artichokes, new potatoes, cherry tomatoes and spring onions, tossed with sausages and finished with a swirl of pesto. It’s a healthy, high-fibre meal that’s ready in under an hour, perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty but simple. The seasonal vegetables bring colour and freshness to the table. Discover more traybake recipes. 4. Spring onion & ginger crispy chicken rice pot Inspired by Hainanese chicken rice, this one-pot dish features spring onions and ginger for a fragrant, comforting meal. With chicken thighs, basmati rice and a finishing drizzle of chilli oil, it’s a low-calorie option that comes together in 45 minutes. Perfect for a no-fuss midweek supper. See more chicken thigh recipes. 5. Teriyaki tofu with charred spring onions This vegetarian recipe puts charred spring onions and protein-rich tofu at the forefront, served with wholegrain rice and a glossy teriyaki sauce. It’s low in fat and ready in just 30 minutes, making it a speedy and satisfying choice for a meat-free night. Check out more tofu recipes. 6. Creamy spring greens rigatoni with lemon, bacon & chilli Spring greens are paired with smoky bacon, lemon and a touch of chilli in this creamy pasta dish. It’s ready in just 30 minutes and makes an easy, flavour-packed dinner. The greens lend a fresh, vibrant quality that balances the richness of the sauce. Discover more creamy pasta recipes. 7. Crispy-skinned chicken with roasted Jersey Royals & watercress stuffing This impressive roast features a dry-brined chicken with golden Jersey Royals and a herby watercress stuffing. Perfect for a Sunday lunch or special occasion. The watercress brings a peppery brightness and the potatoes soak up all the delicious juices. See more roast chicken recipes. 8. Gammon with watercress & mustard lentils Peppery watercress and earthy lentils make this gluten-free dish both nourishing and filling. It’s quick to make – just 35 minutes – and a great way to enjoy gammon steaks with a healthy twist. You also only need four ingredients to throw it together. Check out more gammon steak recipes. 9. Watercress risotto with goat’s cheese This vibrant risotto is packed with watercress and finished with creamy goat’s cheese and toasted hazelnuts for crunch. Ready in under an hour, it’s a lovely way to showcase spring’s peppery greens. This vegetarian dish is perfect for a comforting yet elegant supper. Discover more vegetarian risotto recipes. 10. Spring green soba salad with Korean-style marinated eggs Spring greens and soba noodles are tossed in an umami-rich miso dressing and topped with marinated eggs in this vegetarian dish. It’s high in protein and takes just 45 minutes (plus marinating time for the eggs), making it an ideal lunch or light dinner as the weather warms up. See more noodle salad recipes. 11. Lamb & caramelised date stew with herby bulgur This aromatic stew showcases succulent lamb shoulder paired with sweet medjool dates and plenty of vegetables. It’s a hearty, comforting dish ideal for a leisurely weekend dinner and serves the whole family, packed with high-fibre chickpeas and fresh herbs. The slow cooking (about 2 hours 30 minutes) delivers melt-in-the-mouth meat and a tagine-style richness. Check out more lamb shoulder recipes. 12. Watercress & beef noodle soup Make the most of peppery watercress in this Vietnamese-inspired noodle soup, featuring tender slices of sirloin or rib-eye steak. It’s high in protein and perfect for an aromatic supper that's ready in under an hour. Ideal for a nourishing meal when you fancy something warming but not too heavy. Discover more Vietnamese-inspired recipes. 13. Smashed new potato cheat’s tart with asparagus & cheese This vegetarian tart puts new potatoes and asparagus centre stage, finished with goat’s cheese and a fresh mint salsa verde. It’s gluten-free and makes a standout dish for a springtime lunch or casual supper. The vibrant flavours and crisp edges make it a real crowd-pleaser. See more vegetable tart recipes. 14. Lasagne primavera Celebrate spring with this veggie lasagne layered with spinach, peas, asparagus and leeks, topped with pine nuts for extra texture. Ready in 35 minutes, it’s a high-fibre option that’s perfect for a meat-free Monday or a relaxed family meal. The fresh greens make every bite feel light and seasonal. Check out more vegetarian lasagne recipes. 15. Chicken, butter bean & spring greens traybake with herby salsa verde Spring greens and leeks shine in this easy traybake, where juicy chicken legs roast with butter beans and are later drizzled in a punchy herb and caper salsa. With a prep time of 25 minutes and an hour to cook, this dish is ideal for a relaxed weekend dinner. It’s high in protein and can be served with crusty bread to mop up the lovely juices. Discover more chicken leg recipes. Enjoy these springtime recipes? Find more easy and seasonal cooking recipes... Easy one-pot spring recipes What's in season - April Budget spring recipes Low-calorie spring recipes Healthy spring meal plan
Best running belts 2026 for trails, road running and longer distances, tried and tested
From minimalist waist packs to hydration running belts designed for longer distances, these are the best running belts we tested for road running, trail runs and marathon training
Having somewhere secure to carry your essentials can make running much more convenient, whether you are heading out for a short training run, building mileage for a marathon or tackling longer trail routes. Running belts allow you to bring items like your phone, keys, electrolytes or hydration without needing to hold anything in your hands. However, not every belt works well for running. Some can bounce while you move, feel uncomfortable around the waist or struggle to keep heavier items like phones secure. Others may be difficult to adjust or too bulky for shorter runs. A good running belt should sit comfortably around your waist, stay secure as you move and provide easy access to essentials mid-run. For this guide, we tested a range of options to find the best running belt options runners can rely on – including lightweight belts designed for carrying phones and keys, hydration running belts with space for water bottles, and stretch belts suited to longer runs or trail sessions. We looked at popular models from well-known running belt brands including Osprey, Lululemon, Salomon, CamelBak and Gymshark. Best running belts at a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS Best marathon running belt: Salomon Pulse Running Belt, £32 Best running belt overall: Osprey Duro Dyna LT Running Belt, £25 Best running hydration belt: CamelBak Ultra Belt with Quick Stow Flask, £44.71 Best water bottle running belt: Kiprun Belt 500 Unisex Running Bottle Hydration Belt, £19.99 Best trail running belt: OMM Classic Waistbelt 3, £26.99 Best lightweight trail running belt: Silva Strive Loop Running Belt, £34.99 Best sustainable running belt: Fabletics The Running Belt Bag, £49 Best running belt for women: Lululemon Fast and Free Running Belt, £35 Best budget running belt: MP Compact Running Belt, £19.99 Best reflective running belt: H&M Reflective Running Waist Bag, £9.99 Best value running belt: New Balance Performance Bottle Waist Belt, £40 Best lightweight running belt: Gymshark Running Waist Belt, £16 Jump to section: Best running belts to buy 2026 What is the best running belt? How should a running belt fit? How we tested running belts Running belts are designed to solve a simple problem: how to carry essentials without interrupting your run. To see which ones work in practice, we tested a range of belts across different types of runs and training sessions. As a health and fitness journalist and pro-level athlete, my own running tends to focus on shorter, faster commutes or weekend 10k jogs where a compact belt for carrying a phone or keys can be useful. Other members of the Good Food team who tested the belts include runners who cover half marathons, as well as more casual runners. This meant we could see how the belts performed across different running styles, distances and paces. During testing, we wore each belt on multiple runs to assess stability and comfort over time. One of the most important things we looked at was how well the belt stayed in place. A good running belt should sit securely around the waist without shifting or bouncing, even when carrying heavier items like phones or small water bottles. We also looked closely at storage and practicality. Belts were tested with typical running essentials such as phones, keys, energy gels and hydration bottles to see how much they could hold and whether items remained secure while running. Ease of access was also considered, particularly for runners who want to grab gels or a phone without stopping. Material quality and durability were also considered. We assessed how robust the fabrics felt, how well the zips and pockets held up during use and whether the belts maintained their shape after repeated wear. Finally, we considered design features that could make a difference during training, including reflective details for visibility, compatibility with hydration bottles and the overall adjustability of the belt for different waist sizes. Best running belts to buy 2026 Salomon Pulse Running Belt Available from Salomon (£32) Best marathon running belt Pros: Very light and low bounce Fits phone, gels and soft flask Breathable and comfortable Useful for race day and training Cons: Zip durability is a recurring concern Can ride up if sizing is off Flask fit can be tight depending on shape Not ideal if overloaded Star rating: 5/5 Salomon is one of my go-to brands for running accessories, and I wore this belt on a 9km easy run through Wimbledon Park in west London. It felt like a natural fit for that mix of road and park running. The belt is built for longer runs where you need more than just a phone and keys, without switching to a running vest; it carried everything I needed without feeling bulky. I packed a phone, gels and a soft flask, and the stretch fabric kept it close to the body so it stayed in place and didn’t bounce when loaded sensibly. Storage is split across two stretch layers, which gives it more versatility than it first appears. A phone sits flat against the body, while gels and a soft flask can be tucked into the rear. In practice, it handled a phone, up to four gels and a small soft flask before it started to feel a bit overloaded. The pull-on design avoids any digging from buckles and the fabric stays comfortable even when damp with sweat. As long as you get the sizing right and don’t overfill it, it’s a solid option for marathon training and race day. Available from: Salomon (£32) Osprey Duro Dyna LT Running Belt Available from Osprey (£25) Best minimalist running belt Pros: Very lightweight and comfortable Secure, bounce-free fit Good pocket organisation Reflective detailing for visibility Cons: Limited storage capacity Some pockets are not zipped Star rating: 5/5 I tested this stylish Osprey belt on a 5K commute to a friend’s house and a 10K through London’s Richmond Park on a mild evening. As well as looking more stylish than some of the other belts on this list, this sits flat against the waist and stayed in place with no bouncing, even when picking up the pace. The phone pocket holds phones securely without shifting and there is enough space for keys or a gel across a mix of zip and stretch compartments. It is easy to grab items mid-run, thanks to the layout and pull tabs. Storage is limited and not all pockets are zipped; when I placed my phone and keys in the unzipped pockets, they stayed in place, but I found myself double-checking they were still secure. The close fit and lightweight feel make this belt a strong choice for shorter runs where you want to travel light. Available from: Osprey (£25) CamelBak Ultra Belt with Quick Stow Flask Available from Amazon (£44.71) Best running hydration belt Pros: Includes soft flask hydration system Excellent breathability Strong storage options Trekking pole carry feature Cons: More expensive than basic belts Bulkier than minimalist belts Only one bottle included Star rating: 5/5 This CamelBak belt was used on an 11km longer weekend run on mixed terrain through the Tasmin Trail in London’s Richmond Park, where having water and storage in one place made things feel more organised. The 500ml soft flask sits securely and is easy to pull out and slot back in while moving. The belt wraps closely around the waist and stays stable, even when carrying a phone, gels and keys. On a mild-weather run, the mesh fabric helped with airflow, so it didn’t feel overly warm or heavy as the run went on. There’s a good mix of zipped and stretch pockets, all easy to reach. It is bulkier than simpler belts, but that extra space makes it more useful for longer distances or trail runs. Available from: Amazon (£44.71) Kiprun Belt 500 Unisex Running Bottle Hydration Belt Available from Decathlon (£19.99) Best running water bottle belt Pros: Includes two 250ml bottles Excellent pocket layout Good value for a hydration belt Includes race bib clips Cons: Can bounce when fully loaded Phone pocket is small for larger phones Bottle caps can be fiddly to open Can rotate slightly for some runners Star rating: 4.5/5 Our tester from the Good Food team used this on two dry 5km runs, where the two bottles provided enough water without needing a refill. The belt was easy to adjust, with a long strap that fits a wide range of sizes, and the excess can be tucked away, although this is slightly fiddly at first. Once set, it stayed in place without twisting or rubbing, with only a small amount of bounce when fully loaded. The storage is practical, with a main zipped pocket for a phone and keys, plus smaller compartments for gels or snacks. Everything was easy to access on the move, and it helped distribute weight more evenly than carrying items in pockets. Space is still fairly limited, but enough for essentials. The overall design is simple and fairly basic in terms of features, but effective. It feels secure and comfortable once adjusted, making it a reliable option for shorter training runs where you want everything in one place. Available from: Decathlon (£19.99) OMM Classic Waistbelt 3 Available from Sport Shoes (£26.99) Best trail running belt Pros: Excellent capacity for race kit Stable fit with compression straps Removable pockets add versatility Very light for its size Cons: Only one main zipped compartment Not as minimal as slimmer belts Less suited to short road runs Star rating: 4.5/5 During a longer 13km trail run in Richmond Park, I used the OMM running belt while carrying layers and a small bottle. The extra space made it feel closer to a stripped-back pack than a traditional running belt, which works well for longer trail runs where you need to carry more kit. Despite its 3-litre capacity, it stayed stable with no shifting on uneven ground. The main compartment handles bulkier items, while the removable side pockets are useful for smaller essentials. Access is straightforward on the move, although larger items sit within the same main compartment. The mesh back panel helps with airflow, and even when loaded it didn’t feel overly heavy. It is best suited to longer trail runs or races where you need to carry more than the basics. Available from: Sport Shoes (£26.99) Silva Strive Loop Running Belt Available from Decathlon (£34.99) Best lightweight trail running belt Pros: Very lightweight (from 64g) Excellent pocket variety Secure, snug fit Includes pole attachments Cons: Can feel tight to get on Not ideal for larger loads Limited capacity compared to hydration belts Star rating: 4.5/5 This was worn on a 5K and a relaxed jog around Wimbledon Park on a mild evening, and the stretch fit kept everything stable, with no bounce. The elasticated waistband sits close to the body, and while it takes a bit of effort to pull on, it stays secure once in place. Weighing 64g (size small), it feels very light when worn. Storage is compact but practical, with a zipped pocket and key hook for valuables, three mesh pockets for gels or a small soft flask, and a rear pocket that can hold a lightweight jacket. The material is thin and breathable, with a mix of nylon and mesh that helps it stay comfortable and dry quickly if you sweat. Everything sits flat against the body, making it easy to grab items while running. Best for short runs or as extra storage alongside a running vest. Available from: Decathlon (£34.99) Fabletics The Running Belt Bag Available from Fabletics (£49) Best sustainable running belt Pros: Strong sustainability credentials Lightweight and comfortable Reflective stripe for visibility Good internal organisation Cons: VIP pricing model needed for best value Higher non-member price Storage not as advanced as technical belts Star rating: 4.5/5 I wore this on a 5K through north London’s Finsbury Park and a slightly longer jog home from the gym, where it sat comfortably at the waist and didn’t shift when carrying a phone and keys. The main zipped compartment has a 1-litre capacity which was enough for my essentials. Inside, there’s a mesh pocket and key latch that help keep things organised, so nothing moves around while you’re running. The zip felt secure and I didn’t need to worry about items slipping out. Around 79% of the material is recycled nylon, which is a nice added detail. There’s also a reflective strip on the front for better visibility. It works best for short to mid-distance runs where you only need the basics. Fabletics also offers cheaper prices when you sign up to become a VIP member on the website, reducing the cost from £49 to £14.70. Available from: Fabletics (£49) Lululemon Fast and Free Running Belt Available from Lululemon (£35) Best running belt for women Pros: Lightweight and very comfortable Secure zip pocket for phone Low bounce fit Soft, smooth, sweat-wicking fabric Cons: Pocket can feel tight with larger phones Limited storage once loaded Star rating: 4.5/5 This Lululemon running belt was worn on a cool evening completing rounds of 1km track runs in Finsbury Park, where it sat flat against the waist and stayed in place, even when picking up the pace. The main zipped pocket is designed to hold a phone securely against the body, and it did exactly that, although it may feel tight with a larger phone. There’s also space for small essentials like keys or a gel in the additional pockets, and everything is easy to reach while running. The fabric is made from Lululemon’s smooth, sweat-wicking material (similar to their Fast and Free tights), so it feels lightweight and comfortable without becoming damp. Reflective details add some visibility in lower light. The fit runs small, so sizing up is worth considering. It’s best suited to short or mid-distance runs where you want something simple and low-bounce. Available from: Lululemon (£35) MP Compact Running Belt Available from MyProtein (£19.99) Best budget running belt Pros: Lightweight and low bulk Adjustable secure fit Easy to pack for travel Simple, practical layout Cons: Limited storage capacity No dedicated bottle storage Side pockets are small Star rating: 4/5 This came with me on shorter runs, including faster-paced track laps around Finsbury Park for my Hyrox training. It sat comfortably at the waist and stayed in place when filled. The adjustable elastic strap clips securely and is easy to tighten, although it feels most stable when carrying lighter items. The front zipped pocket fits a phone snugly against the body and kept it from bouncing, with just enough extra space for a key or card. Smaller side sections are useful for separating essentials, but they’re fairly limited. In practice, I could fit a phone, lip balm and keys, which covers the basics but doesn’t leave room for anything extra. The fabric is a lightweight, slightly stretchy polyester with a smooth finish that dries quickly and doesn’t feel heavy with sweat. It’s also compact enough to fold into a bag or pocket. It works best for short runs or travel when you only need the essentials without extra bulk. Available from: Myprotein (£19.99) H&M Reflective Running Waist Bag Available from H&M (£9.99) Best reflective running belt Pros: Very affordable Reflective detail for visibility Lightweight and compact Adjustable elasticated belt Cons: Basic storage setup Limited capacity for longer runs Synthetic materials feel less premium Star rating: 4/5 This came out on an evening 5K commute, where the reflective front panel was noticeably bright under streetlights and when cars passed, adding a bit of reassurance in low light. The elasticated strap adjusts easily with a plastic buckle and sits comfortably at the waist, though it feels most secure with lighter items. The single zipped compartment is fairly compact but fits a phone, keys and a card without issue. There’s no internal organisation, so everything sits in one space, but it’s quick to access while running and the zip feels secure enough for essentials. Made from woven polyester, the fabric is thin and lightweight with a slightly plasticky feel, but it dries quickly and doesn’t hold onto sweat. The reflective coating across the front panel is the standout feature, designed specifically for visibility. I would say that it works best for short runs or evening sessions where visibility is more important than storage. Available from: H&M (£9.99) New Balance Performance Bottle Waist Belt Available from New Balance (£40) Best running belt UK (best value) Pros: Includes water bottle Hands-free hydration Good storage for essentials Padded bottle pocket helps insulation Cons: Can be fiddly to adjust Bottle capacity is limited Build quality slightly inconsistent Star rating: 4/5 This was used on a slower-paced 8K jog, where the included 500ml bottle felt like a good amount of water for the distance and was easy to grab once the belt was positioned properly. The angled bottle holder sits at the back and is lightly padded, which helps keep it stable and reduces bounce while running. The angle also makes it easier to reach and pull the bottle out mid-run without twisting too much. The front zipped pocket fits a phone, keys and a gel, with just enough space for essentials without overloading it. There’s also a small internal divider to help keep items from moving around too much. Storage is simple but works well for everyday runs. The belt uses an adjustable strap with a clip fastening, which can take a bit of tweaking to get right. If it’s not tightened enough, it can shift slightly as you run. Made from durable polyester, it feels built for regular use. Best suited to training runs where you want straightforward hydration and storage in one. Available from: New Balance (£40) Gymshark Running Waist Belt Available from Gymshark (£16) Best lightweight running belt Pros: Very lightweight design Breathable fabric for comfort Adjustable fit Simple, low-profile design Cons: No zip pocket for secure storage Items can feel insecure during runs Pockets can feel loose Star rating: 3.5/5 This Gymshark running belt was used on a relaxed 4km recovery run on a warm day, where the lightweight design helped keep it comfortable without trapping heat. The elasticated waistband sits flat against the body to start with, but it can shift slightly once you add a phone or heavier items. Storage is very simple, with stretch compartments built into the waistband that can hold a phone, keys or a gel. There are no zipped sections, so everything relies on the tightness of the fabric to stay in place. That works for lighter items, but it feels less secure if you’re running faster or carrying valuables. Made from a soft, breathable polyester-elastane blend, the fabric feels similar to a lightweight sports top and dries quickly if it gets damp. It’s also flexible enough to move with the body without digging in. It’s best suited to short, easy runs where you only need the basics and want something low-profile. Available from: Gymshark (£16) What is the best running belt? The best running belt will depend on how much you need to carry and the type of running you do. Minimalist belts are ideal for shorter runs where you only need space for a phone and keys. These lightweight options often sit flat against the waist and reduce movement while running. Hydration running belts are designed for longer runs or marathon training and often include space for water bottles alongside storage pockets. Trail running belts typically offer more storage and durability so you can carry snacks, hydration or small pieces of kit during longer outdoor runs. How should a running belt fit? A good running belt should sit securely around your waist without bouncing or shifting while you run. Most belts are designed to sit around the hips or lower waist, with adjustable straps or stretch fabrics that help keep them in place. The fit should feel snug but comfortable, allowing you to move freely without the belt feeling restrictive. It is also important that items inside the belt stay secure and evenly distributed, particularly if you are carrying heavier items like phones or water bottles. 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How to cook cabbage: sauteeing, frying, boiling and more
Read our tips and ideas for cooking with all varieties of cabbage. We have details on cooking methods such as sautéing, frying, braising and more
Cabbage is available in many different varieties, and are part of a bigger family known as brassicas that extends to cauliflower and kale. Easily available varieties are red, savoy, hispi (also known as sweetheart), white and Chinese leaf. Not sure which variety to choose? See our guide to 15 types of cabbage to match the right cabbage to your recipe. Meet Helena I am half Polish, so I have a genetic pre-disposition to find cabbage delightful (don’t quote me on the science of that, but I feel it to be true in my soul). I love cabbage in all forms, so here’s a handy guide to help you tell you Savoy from your Chinese leaf, and all the best ways to prepare them. Check out Helena's recipes. Helena's beginners’ tip for cooking with cabbage My handy hack for shredding cabbage very finely is to use a sharp peeler instead of a knife. Cut the cabbage into manageable quarters then use the peeler down the cabbage to shred into fine ribbons. It is now perfect for squeezing over some lime juice, salt and a pinch of sugar for a quick pickle. Cook with confidence Download the Good Food app to get full access to exclusive videos, plus handy tools like cook mode, timers and stay awake settings. Get 3 months for 99p What are the main types of cabbage? Red cabbage has firm, tightly packed and shiny purple leaves. I like it best pickled or in salads, but it can be braised, too. White cabbage has a similar texture to red cabbage but has very pale leaves and a sweeter flavour. I like this stir-fried with a drizzle of sesame oil and plenty of garlic. Savoy cabbage has leaves which are crinkled and wavy, and get lighter towards the middle. It works well in many number of dishes. Spring cabbage has softer leaves that form more of a point instead of a round shape. Hispi cabbage (aka sweetheart cabbage) is a sweeter and more tender green cabbage, with a pointed shape. Chinese cabbage (also known as Napa cabbage) has a sweet and mild flavour. It has white ribs and light green leaves, it can be served cooked or raw. What's the best way to serve cabbage? A cabbage is a welcome addition to almost any meal. They can be served raw in salads such as coleslaw but can also be quick-cooked, such as in stir-fries, or rolled into gołąbki or sarmale (Polish and Romanian cabbage rolls). See our recipe ideas below and also check out our collection of cabbage recipes. Also browse our red cabbage recipes for some festive ideas. How to prepare cabbage There are two ways to prepare cabbage, depending on how many you want it to serve, and how you want to cook it. To serve a small number of people, or for recipes when you need to keep the leaves whole: The great thing about a cabbage is that they last for ages in the fridge, so you can cut off what you need as and when. It’s a good idea to peel the leaves off individually, taking what you need then putting the rest of the cabbage back in the fridge, wrapped up. You can then use these leaves whole or shred them as needed. Depending on how old the cabbage is, you may not want to use the outer leaves, particularly if they are bruised, blemished or damaged. If they’re no good for stock, they can be composted. When cutting a cabbage into wedges, you want to keep some of the core to help it keep its shape, but trim away the toughest part. A sharp knife is your friend here. The central vein in each leaf is tough, particularly on the outer leaves, so you may wish to cut this away, too, especially if you want to cook the cabbage quickly as this part is very dense and will take a long time. A hispi cabbage works well on the barbecue. Slice into quarters (leaving the core on), drizzle with oil and salt and sear on each side over the hottest part of the barbecue until charred. Transfer to a cooler spot until cooked through and tender. You can find more detailed instructions here. To serve a bigger crowd: Halve or quarter the cabbage, lay it cut-side down on a board and chop or shred the leaves. For firmer cabbages, such as the red or white ones, you may wish to cut out the tough part of the stem or core first. Different ways to cook cabbage How to steam cabbage Best for: spring green cabbage, Savoy cabbage How long it takes: up to five minutes Texture: just tender Put your prepared, shredded cabbage in a steamer and steam for 5 mins or until tender. How to boil cabbage Best for: all types How long it takes: 3-5 minutes Texture: tender, slightly crisp Boiled cabbage runs the risk of becoming mush very quickly. The important thing is to bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and dunk the cabbage in for 3-5 minutes. You can then dunk straight into ice water to stop the cooking process. This is called blanching and refreshing. How to blanch cabbage Best for: all types How long it takes: 3 minutes Texture: tender-crisp To blanch (so the leaves can be sautéed or fried later), cover with water and boil for 3 mins. Transfer the leaves to cold water to refresh. How to sauté cabbage Best for: all types How long it takes: 9-10 minutes Texture: soft, slightly crunchy Quarter the cabbage, removing the core, and slice into ½-1cm strips. Heat 1-2 tbsp oil in a large frying pan, then fry with onion for 5-6 mins until slightly browned. Add butter, salt and pepper and cook for 4-5 mins longer. Stir in vinegar or lemon juice and season to taste. How to fry cabbage Best for: all types How long it takes: 5-10 minutes Texture: just tender, slightly wilted Shred the leaves from half a head of cabbage, removing any tough leaf stems. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok, then add the cabbage and 2 sliced garlic cloves. Stir-fry until the cabbage starts to wilt, then add 75ml vegetable stock. Cover and cook for 3 mins until just tender. How to braise cabbage Best for: red cabbage, white cabbage How long it takes: between 10 minutes (quick braise) to 2 hours, depending on desired texture Texture: slightly crunchy or soft, depending on time I think red cabbage is best when cooked for a little longer than a savoy, but it is really down to personal preference. Here are two options for both red and white, by test kitchen veterans Barney Desmazery and Cassie Best Quick braised savoy cabbage Heat 1 tbsp sunflower oil in a pan and sizzle 200g diced pancetta until crispy. Sprinkle over a pinch of golden caster sugar and splash in ½ tbsp of white wine vinegar. Stir in 1 large shredded savoy cabbage into the pan, then pour over 200ml chicken stock. Simmer it all for 10 mins until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crunchy. TIP: If you want to keep things veggie, substitute the pancetta for 1 finely chopped onion. Braised red cabbage Quarter a 900g red cabbage and remove the core, then finely shred. Tip into a large pan with one sliced red onion, 70g light soft brown sugar, 70ml cider vinegar, 150ml red wine, a large knob of butter and 1 cinnamon stick, then season well. Bring to a simmer, then cover with a lid, lower the heat and cook for 1 ½ hrs, stirring every so often. Remove the lid and continue cooking for 30 mins until tender. Will keep for two days, or can be frozen for two months. Reheat until piping hot. Microwave red cabbage This is a handy way to free up some hob space when cooking a roast. Extend the cooking time by a few minutes if you prefer your cabbage with less bite. Remember, everyone’s microwave is different, so yours may take less or more time to cook. Mix 550g finely sliced red cabbage, 65ml pomegranate juice, 1 bay leaf and ½ tsp caraway seeds in a large heatproof bowl, and season well. Cover and cook on high for 10 mins. Stir, then cook for 10 mins more. Drizzle with 2 tsp pomegranate molasses, if you like. Will keep chilled for up to three days. Leave to cool first. How to roast a cabbage Best for: red, white, savoy, hispi How long it takes: 15-45 mins Texture: Buttery soft with crispy edges Roasting cabbage is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to eat a cabbage. Simply turning on the oven means you’re halfway there. Try Anna Glover’s recipe for roasted savoy cabbage with lemon. Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Whisk 4 tbsp olive oil, the zest and juice of one lemon and some seasoning together. Tip the cabbage onto an oiled baking tray. Spoon over the dressing and roast for 45 mins, turning halfway though until the cabbage is golden and lightly charred and the stems are tender when pierced with a knife. Transfer to a platter, then serve. For more roasted cabbage recipes, why not try: Roasted hispi cabbage with a garlic & chilli crumb Sausage, miso & savoy cabbage one-pan roast Roasted cabbage with harissa butterbeans & baked feta Other ways to serve cabbage Whole cabbage leaves can be used filled, rolled and baked. Shredded cabbage can be pickled or fermented to make sauerkraut or kimchi. I think this works best with red and white. I love cabbage in pasta – this chorizo & savoy cabbage rigatoni is absolutely delicious. Chinese leaf makes a great dumpling filling. Finely chop and mix with pork mince, soy sauce and spices for a wonderful dumpling. Take inspiration from this recipe by Shu Lin. How to avoid watery or bitter cabbage Do not overcook: Keep cooking times brief, whether boiling, steaming or stir-frying. Prolonged cooking can cause cabbage to become watery and develop a bitter taste. Overcooking cabbage releases sulphur compounds and affects the flavour. Drain thoroughly: After boiling or blanching, drain the cabbage well and pat dry with kitchen paper to remove excess water before serving or adding to dishes. Remove tough or old leaves: Discard any damaged or tough outer leaves and cut out the hard core, as these parts can contribute to bitterness. Add acidity: Incorporate a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice during or after cooking to balance and brighten the flavour, reducing any underlying bitterness. Basic cabbage stir-fry recipe Serves 6 Ingredients: 1 cabbage 4 tbsp fat (you could use butter, olive oil or goose fat) 4 shallots, chopped 1 rosemary sprig 2 garlic cloves, peeled Method: Quarter the cabbage, remove the core and shred the leaves. Blanch in a pan of boiling salted water for 3 mins, then hold under a cold tap to cool. Drain well. Heat the fat in a pan and fry the shallots, rosemary sprig and garlic cloves for 5 mins until golden. Discard the garlic and rosemary, toss in the cabbage, stir-frying until reheated. Season and serve. Cook once, use twice: How to use up leftover cabbage Pasta: Try our creamy lemon & cabbage pasta with garlic crumbs or charred hispi cabbage & sausage pasta. Soup: Try our cabbage soup, potato & Savoy cabbage soup with bacon or miso lentil & cabbage soup. Bubble and squeak: Try our parsnip bubble & squeak hash, spiced parsnip bubble & squeak or poached eggs with smoked salmon and bubble & squeak Our top cabbage recipes Cabbage with bacon & onions Give your greens a bit of crunch with John Torode’s speedy side – perfect for Sunday lunch. Cabbage soup Get three of your 5-a-day with a bowl of this healthy, low-fat cabbage soup. It's delicious on its own topped with parmesan shavings, or served with a hunk of crusty, buttered bread Braised stuffed cabbage Slow-cooked cabbage leaves stuffed with a tasty rice mixture make a hearty veggie main, or an alternative side dish. Garlicky linguine with cabbage & anchovy This thrifty pasta dish of Savoy greens and crispy pangrattato breadcrumbs is beautiful in its simplicity. Pointed cabbage in white wine with fennel seeds For a quick version of sauerkraut, try cabbage simmered in white wine, with onions and herbs. The acidity of this side dish pairs well with the unctuousness of roast pork. Roasted hispi cabbage with a garlic & chilli crumb Try Tom Kerridge's impressive charred hispi cabbage recipe with a punchy breadcrumb coating. Served with his festive porchetta or a roast ham, it works wonderfully as a vegetable side dish. Italian-style roast cabbage wedges with tomato lentils Cabbage leaves are roasted to give a beautifully crisp, caramelised texture on the outside and a soft, sweet centre. This dish makes for an impressive veggie centrepiece served with Italian-inspired lentils and golden roast new potatoes. Our test kitchen’s final tip My finishing tip for success with cooking cabbage would be to avoid overcooking cabbage. A brief, high-heat cooking method (like stir-frying or sautéing) will help keep it tender and the flavours fresh. Get more cabbage inspiration... Cabbage recipes Savoy cabbage recipes Christmas red cabbage recipes White cabbage recipes Bubble & squeak recipes Red cabbage recipes Do you have any tips for cooking cabbage? Leave a comment below...
Best Easter eggs to buy 2026, taste tested
Looking for the best Easter eggs to buy this year? Discover our top picks to buy and send by post, including vegan options and kids' Easter eggs
Celebrate Easter Sunday (5 April 2026) with these showstopping Easter eggs. Whether you’re scrambling for a last-minute gift, sending an egg to a loved one or just looking for an alternative to supermarket offerings, we have some great eggs to choose from. From familiar brands such as Lindt and Hotel Chocolat to luxurious options like Chococo, there's an Easter egg for everyone. You can also order Easter eggs online, with brilliant vegan, free-from, kids' and Fairtrade options available. Find choices for every budget, from luxury eggs to gifts under £10 for an Easter egg delivery to remember. If you're in need of any more guidance for a fun Easter Sunday, find out how to throw an Easter egg hunt or check out our indulgent Easter brunch recipes for an excellent start to the day. For more treats to send by post, see our top letterbox-friendly gifts. We've also rounded up the best supermarket Easter eggs and supermarket hot cross buns to try, to complete your Easter feast. Jump to: Best vegan Easter eggs to buy Best Easter eggs to buy 2026 Chococo 50/50 half-milk, half-dark Easter egg Available from Chococo (£50) Rating: 5/5 This impressive egg is one of the most generous we tried, at a hefty 500g of chocolate. It looks impressive as soon as you lift it out the box (all plastic-free packaging, too), hand decorated by Chococo's resident chocolate artist and bedazzled in glitter. The egg is made of two halves – one side is 47% Colombia origin milk chocolate and the other is signature 72% Ecuador origin dark chocolate. The distinction between the two is actually relatively subtle but the chocolate has great snap and a satisfying mixture of textures, from delicate thin shards to thick and chunky pieces. Crack open the egg to reveal a selection of truffles inside including salted caramels, almond clusters and honeycomb bites. Available from: Chococo (£50) Hotel Chocolat Extra-Thick Milk to Caramel Easter egg Available from Hotel Chocolat (£34.95) Rating: 5/5 The ultimate treat for chocolate lovers, Hotel Chocolat has something for everyone. These luxury Easter eggs are full of unique flavours. We particularly love the decadent Extra Thick range – hearty chocolate eggs full of a selection of truffles, all set in gorgeous tin packaging. We tried the extra-thick milk-to-caramel egg made of half 40% milk chocolate and half caramel milk. Inside it's full of a mixture of truffles, pralines and caramels. If milk chocolate isn’t for you, try their dark chocolate (£34.95) or tipsy truffles (£34.95) versions for a more indulgent Easter egg delivery. Available from: Hotel Chocolat (£34.95) Rave Coffee coffee-infused blonde chocolate Easter egg Available from Rave Coffee (£27.95) Rating: 5/5 We look forward to the Rave Coffee Easter egg every year (we wish they did chocolate all year round), and for 2026 it's been given a nutty upgrade. The generous 300g egg is made up of a thick layer of creamy caramelised white chocolate infused with Rave's coffee beans. There is heavy coffee flavour throughout, which balances the sweet chocolate and is rich and complex with notes of caramel and butter. The new twist for this year is a generous layer of crunchy hazelnut pieces inside for some extra crunch to balance the smooth chocolate. The chocolate is super-creamy and melts well on the tongue. Lovers of good coffee will enjoy this, and we kept going back for more. The actual Easter egg here has limited decoration, but the fully recyclable packaging is fun, plus 1% of all Rave sales is donated to environmental causes. Available from: Rave Coffee (£27.95) Coco Chemistry millionaire’s caramel Easter egg Available from Coco Chemistry (£30) Rating: 5/5 This was a big hit with our tasting team. Two layers of creamy milk chocolate are sandwiched with a gooey salted caramel layer in the middle. It's sweet, decadent and rich without veering into sickly as the caramel has a good layer of salt and a hint of bitterness to balance. Buttery shortbread biscuit pieces throughout add pleasing crunch. Available from: Coco Chemistry (£30) Selfridges The Malt Ball blonde chocolate egg Available from Selfridges (£24.99) Rating: 5/5 Another irresistible option for fans of trending blonde chocolate. Selfridges introduced its malt balls at Christmas in 2025 and has used them here to generously stud the front of a rich, creamy blonde chocolate egg. The large balls have an intense malt flavour (whisper it – stronger than a Malteser) while the smaller ones add lots of crunch. Together they balance out the thick blonde chocolate well. The fun idea and neon pink packaging make this a great option for an Easter egg gift. It is available in a salted caramel milk chocolate version, too. Available from: Selfridges (£24.99) Hotel Chocolat Nibbly Egg – milk to caramel Available from Hotel Chocolat (£22.95) Rating: 5/5 We are big fans of Hotel Chocolat's unique caramel-milk chocolate. There is a nice level of salt and the caramel chocolate has lovely tang, with good length on the palate. Little pieces of caramel add subtle crunch without being gritty. The egg also comes with six 'tiddly eggs' – caramel truffles with a caramel ganache filling, which are rich and filled with a decadent caramel cream. The Nibbly Egg is available in dark, white chocolate or vegan varieties, too. Available from: Hotel Chocolat (£22.95) Pump Street cookie chip 60% dark milk chocolate Easter egg Available from Pump Street Chocolate (£38) Rating: 4.5/5 Another Easter egg at the luxury end of the price spectrum, the quality of the craft chocolate shines through here, plus there's luxury presentation in the smart box. The hand-poured chocolate is super thin with great snap. The dark milk 60% chocolate is well balanced and will appeal to many, being not too bitter but not too sweet. Fine nuggets of homemade chocolate chip cookie pieces are studded throughout with a pleasing salty note. Available from: Pump Street Bakery (£38) Cadbury Dairy Milk Biscoff Easter egg Available from Cadbury Gifts Direct (£15), Selfridges (£18.99), Sainsbury's (£15.50), Tesco (£15) Rating: 4.5/5 Sometimes, you just can't resist a classic Dairy Milk egg at Easter. This generous new Cadbury Easter egg (a giant 368g, perfect for sharing) is studded with crunchy Biscoff pieces for an extra boost of flavour and crunch, plus it comes with eight Biscoff-filled Dairy Milk chunks. It's sure to be a popular launch. Available from: Cadbury Gifts Direct (£15) Selfridges (£18.99) Sainsbury's (£15.50) Tesco (£15) Lindt popcorn chocolate Easter egg Available from Lindt (£16) Rating: 4.5/5 Discover a lesser-known Lindt flavour this Easter with this popcorn egg offering. The classic Lindt egg and iconic bunny are both studded with caramelised popcorn pieces which deliver an impressively strong popcorn flavour and pleasing hint of salt to cut though the milk chocolate sweetness. Plus, there are popcorn-filled truffles at the base. Available from: Lindt (£16) Tony's Chocolonely milk caramel sea salt Easter egg Available from Tesco (£13), Waitrose (£11), Sainsbury's (£13.50), Selfridges (£18.99) Rating: 4.5/5 Tony's Chocolonely is always a popular choice and we were impressed by this Easter egg. Of the many flavours Tony's do, we're always fans of the milk caramel sea salt, with the perfect salty edge and added crunch from the caramel pieces. Plus, the egg comes with six mini eggs in a range of Tony's other flavours – from white choc raspberry popping candy to dark chocolate and almond. Available from: Tesco (£13) Waitrose (£11) Sainsbury's (£13.50) Selfridges (£18.99) Cutter & Squidge billionaire filled Easter egg Available from Cutter & Squidge (£32.99) Rating: 4/5 This over-the-top egg is probably the most decadent one we try each year. Some Easter eggs may feel hard to share, but this indulgent number can certainly feed a crowd. The half chocolate shell is filled with a thick layer of salted caramel sauce (our personal highlight), shortbread pieces and a towering mound of creamy whipped chocolate ganache. To top it all off, it’s finished with chunks of buttery fudge, more chocolate eggs and crispy chocolate pearls. A very rich, very sweet showstopper that would make a fun alternative Easter dessert. Available from: Cutter & Squidge (£32.99) Chococo pistachio and raspberry milk chocolate Easter egg Available from Chococo (£16.50) Rating: 4/5 This smaller egg from Chococo is a great way to get a luxury Easter egg without a £30 price tag. Chococo has a great variety of Easter eggs on offer this year, with this pistachio and raspberry egg available in both milk or dark chocolate, and as a 175g egg or giant 400g version. It is studded with freeze-dried raspberries for a hint of fruitiness and crushed pieces of salted pistachios, in creamy 47% milk chocolate. Available from: Chococo (£16.50) Guylian extra large Easter egg Available from Sainsbury’s (£16), Morrisons (£14), Waitrose (£14) Rating: 4/5 A box of Guylian is a favourite for many at Christmas, but now you can indulge at Easter too with this new Guylian Easter egg. The large egg itself is thick creamy milk chocolate with a pretty seahorse detail on each side - we kept coming back for more. Underneath you’ll get six hazelnut praline seahorse chocolates for the classic Guylian fix. Available from: Sainsbury’s (£16) Morrisons (£14) Waitrose (£14) MELT California dreaming Easter egg Available from MELT (£74.99) Rating: 4/5 Both the biggest and most expensive Easter egg we tried, coming in at a hefty 800g and nearly £75 - this is a true commitment to Easter chocolate. We love the unique design that shows off three different flavours in chunky slabs, each mixed with different additions including popcorn, caramel, peanuts and pretzels. Our favourite is the blonde chocolate: deeply caramelised and rich, studded with toasted pecans for added nutty depth. Available from: MELT (£74.99) The Newt honeycomb crunch milk chocolate egg Available from The Newt (£26.95) Rating: 4/5 This prettily packaged Easter egg from The Newt would make a great gift. The egg itself is a generous size (230g), plus it comes with a bonus 80g honeycomb-studded chocolate bar too – all handmade in Somerset. The creamy (and impressively thick) milk chocolate egg is studded with mini pieces of honeycomb for crunch throughout. Available from: The Newt (£26.95) Eataly white chocolate mini egg with pistachio and salted almond Available from Eataly (£12.90) Rating: 4/5 A chic option for a smaller egg (a diminutive 65g), this still packs a punch of flavour. The white chocolate is thick and creamy, and the inside is generously layered with vibrant chunks of pistachio and salted almond that add plenty of crunch. There's also an option for a dark chocolate egg studded with freeze-dried raspberry pieces, if you'd prefer. Available from: Eataly (£12.90) Fairfields Farm x Temprd milk chocolate potato crisp-filled egg pieces Available from Temprd (£8.50) Rating: 4/5 One of the quirkiest Easter egg options we’ve tried this year! Chunky half-egg shaped pieces of chocolate are studded with thick, generous sized pieces of Fairfields Farm crisps. The crisps add satisfying crunch with only a subtle hint of salt, dominated by creamy milk chocolate. Available from: Temprd (£8.50) Venchi Salted Dark Egg Available from Venchi (£24) Rating: 4/5 A lot of Easter eggs can be on the sweet side. If you prefer dark chocolate and are after something simple, this luxury option from Venchi could be for you. The 59% chocolate tastes impressively dark without being bitter, and is studded with crunchy caramel pieces. The egg has a chic embossed design on the chocolate and comes in a smart tin. It’s worth noting that for the price, it is a smaller egg (150g) than many others we tried. Available from: Venchi (£24) Montezumas strawberry cheesecake white chocolate egg Available from Whole Foods Market (in-store), Montezumas (£15) Rating: 4/5 The popularity of blonde chocolate means there aren’t as many straight up white chocolate eggs this year. This Montezumas offering was a hit with the white chocolate fans who taste tested it – undeniably sweet, but with juicy fruitiness from the strawberry and a creamy depth. The biscuit element is only in the form of flavouring (we would have loved some biscuit pieces to give crunch), but the strawberry comes from freeze-dried pieces that add a pleasing slight chew. Available from: Whole Foods Market (in-store) Montezumas (£15) Terry's Chocolate Orange Marble Egg Available from Sainsbury's (£14), Morrisons (£15) Rating: 4/5 This brand new release from Terry’s this year is sure to please chocolate orange fans. The marble orange swirl throughout a thick layer of milk chocolate tastes just like the classic Terry's orange – a whole one of which is included in the box alongside the egg, too. Available from: Sainsbury's (£14) Morrisons (£15) Lindt Crispy Biscuit milk chocolate egg Available from Lindt (£13) Rating: 4/5 This Easter egg comes complete with a Lindt bunny, both studded with crispy biscuit pieces. Familiar creamy Swiss Lindt chocolate gets extra texture and crunch from the biscuit pieces, without much extra sweetness. Bonus points for the sweet orange polka dot collar on the bunny too. If you prefer something nutty, we also tried the Lindt pistachio and hazelnut Easter eggs. Available from: Lindt (£13) Coco Chemistry caramel mocha egg Available from Coco Chemistry (£30) Rating: 4/5 We're big fans of a coffee Easter egg at Good Food, and this one doesn't disappoint. A unique two-sided design, the generous 300g is made up of one half of creamy milk chocolate and one of caramelised blonde chocolate. Both halves are mixed with ground coffee beans for an intense coffee flavour that balances perfectly with the sweet chocolate. The coffee is not super finely ground, meaning it does give some gritty crunch throughout, which may be divisive. Available from: Coco Chemistry (£30) M&Ms Crispy Bunny Easter egg Available from Sainsbury's (£4.50) Who can resist an M&Ms Easter egg? This bargain egg is a crowdpleaser for kids and adults alike – an Easter egg of smooth, creamy milk chocolate along with two crispy bunnies studded with mini M&Ms (you can buy these individually too for Easter treats all weekend). A solid choice for a last minute Easter egg purchase or prize in an Easter egg hunt. Available from: Sainsbury's (£4.50) Snickers extra large Easter egg Available from Sainsbury's (£6.50) For the person who can never resist a Snickers from the corner shop or vending machine, this extra large Easter egg is the one to buy. The sweet milk chocolate egg is sure to be cracked into straight away, with two Snickers bars completing the treat. Available from: Sainsbury's (£6.50) Farm Shop dark chocolate egg with cinder toffee Available from Farm Shop (from £12) Rating: 4/5 This egg is studded with tiny, chewy pieces of cinder toffee (also known as honeycomb) made using Farm Shop’s own honey. The simple dark chocolate makes a good contrast to the sweet honeycomb. Plus, the egg comes complete with a bag of chocolate-covered honeycomb pieces, perfect for sharing. It comes in two sizes, too, depending how much chocolate you are in need of... Available from: Farm Shop (from £12) Best vegan Easter eggs to buy Cox & Co aleppo chilli & cherry egg Available from Cox & Co (£15) Rating: 4.5/5 In a sea of familiar Easter flavours, this egg stands out for an unusual choice. There's a strong cherry aroma as soon as you open up the egg. On the palate, there is an initial strong cherry fruitiness which pleasingly doesn’t taste too artificial or excessively sweet. After this, the chilli heat gently builds for a pleasant warmth, balanced by the 60% single-origin Colombian rich dark chocolate. It is a surprisingly moreish combination. It is suitable for vegans and is in all plastic-free packaging, with traceable cocoa sourcing for sustainability. Available from: Cox & Co (£15) Love Cocoa Maldon sea salt dark chocolate Easter egg Available from Love Cocoa (£15.95) Rating: 4.5/5 This vegan-friendly egg is based on one of Love Cocoa’s best-selling chocolate bars, combining single-origin dark chocolate with a hint of sea salt. The glossy chocolate has a good snap and fruity notes for a well-rounded flavour, and uses British sea salt to cut through the richness of the chocolate. Plus, we love that the packaging is all plastic-free. Available from: Love Cocoa (£15.95) More Easter gift reviews Best gift ideas for chocolate lovers Best chocolate subscriptions and clubs Best chocolate hampers This review of the best Easter eggs to buy was last updated in February 2026. What's your favourite Easter egg? Leave a comment below...
Paul Hollywood’s top 7 baking tips for perfect hot cross buns every time
Want to have a go at making your own hot cross buns this Easter? Follow Paul Hollywood's expert tips for the perfect, fluffy fruit buns (and what to do with any leftovers)
Easter is approaching this week, and if there’s one bake that defines the season, it’s the humble hot cross bun. Every year, thousands of you turn to us for our tried-and-tested recipes, but getting that perfect balance of soft, fluffy dough and fragrant spice can still be a challenge when baking from scratch. So, who better to guide you than Paul Hollywood? The baker behind our ever-popular classic hot cross buns shares his top tips and techniques to help you master this Easter essential, so you can turn out beautifully risen, bakery-worthy buns every time. So why not check out his recipe and then use the below advice to take your buns to the next level. Looking for more inspiration? Explore our favourite Easter bakes, fun recipes to make with kids and easy ways to use up leftovers, plus ideas for hosting the ultimate Easter celebration. Paul's quickfire hacks for better flavour and texture in your hot cross buns: Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, resting it if needed to help the gluten develop properly. Use the “windowpane” test to check if the dough is ready - it should stretch thinly enough to let light through, with visible webbing. Let the dough prove fully until doubled in size to ensure a light, soft texture. Build flavour with spices, citrus zest and even fresh fruit, as well as dried, for better taste and moisture. Finish with a classic flour and water cross or experiment with decorative toppings like sweet paste or marzipan for a twist. Origin of hot cross buns The history of the hot cross bun dates back to the 14th century, with the monk Thomas Rocliffe believed to have created the very first ones which he distributed to the poor on Good Friday. It went down so well that word spread and by the 19th century, hot cross buns were widely eaten across the country to mark the end of Lent. Paul's seven expert tricks for making perfect hot cross buns 1. Knead the dough to increase elasticity "The first thing you do is make your base dough. You knead it until you can pull a bit off and you can see it’s quite elastic. It needs to stretch. One trick is, if you get tired of kneading it, leave it in a bowl for a bit to rise for 20 minutes. That'll help the process along." 2. Check the dough texture is right "The best thing to do is hold your stretched dough towards the light – you should be able to read the newspaper through it. You also need to look for the webbing – that’s the gluten strands bonding together. If you’ve got webbing in the dough you know it’s right. The thinner you can get that the better." 3. Either mix by hand or a bread machine "A dough hook on a mixer will be quicker, but mixing the dough by hand will give you a good feel for what the dough’s like. Then, if you’re ever caught short and you haven’t got a mixer, you’ll still be able to make them. Plus, if you mix it by hand, you’ll get to remember what the dough should feel like when it's ready." 4. Add spices for extra flavour "Cinnamon works really well, and a bit of nutmeg to an extent. I always use fresh fruit in mine. The original recipes used fresh fruit, it’s only quite recently we’ve started using dried fruit. Apples, oranges, tangerines, zest of lemon and orange and cinnamon works really well together." Try our chocolate & spice hot cross buns, spiced hot cross buns and hot cross bun ring with spiced honey butter. 5. Try non-traditional flavours "Morello cherries and chocolate is a great combination for a non-traditional twist." For more unusual flavour variations, try our chilli cheese hot cross buns, lemon & marzipan hot cross buns, chocolate & tropical fruit hot cross buns and triple chocolate hot cross buns. We've even created the perfect hybrid bakes with our hot cross cinnamon buns and banana bread hot cross buns. 6. Use leftovers to make a pudding "You can make a great summer pudding with hot cross buns. Alternatively, you can bake with them and make a delicious bread and butter pudding. What I’d do is put some white chocolate chips in there as well, then slice up some hot cross buns and add the zest of an orange." Try our bun & butter pudding and then our chocolate hot cross bun bread & butter pudding or our hot cross bun lemon pudding. Also check out more of our Easter leftover ideas. 7. Choose your topping "Marzipan makes a nice cross for a bit of decoration, or you can use sweet paste or just the traditional flour and water." You could also experiment with adding mix-ins for extra flavour such as apricot jam used in our cranberry and orange hot cross buns. Discover more hot cross bun topping ideas. More Easter recipes and tips... Paul's tips for decorating Easter bakes 25 unusual desserts and cakes you need to try in the lead up to Easter The ultimate Easter Sunday lunch 13 no-bake Easter treats 30 best Easter dinner ideas Visit our Easter page Do you have any handy hot cross bun hints that never fail? Let us know in the comments section below...
Our guide to the best, most delicious Easter dinner, including seasonal starters, classic roast lamb, meat-free centrepieces and dazzling desserts
Looking for Easter food ideas? What better way to mark this joyous occasion than with a delicious spread? We’ve got all you need for an epic Easter dinner, from light and colourful springtime salads and soups to roast lamb, fish or vegan mains, comforting sides and luxurious desserts. Sit down with friends and family to watch the kids get excited over copious amounts of chocolate while you enjoy one of our Easter drink recipes. To keep the celebrations going from the start of the day to the end, why not also check out our most indulgent Easter brunch recipes and top Easter lunch ideas? For more general inspiration, browse our collection of Easter recipes. We've also got plenty more entertaining tips for how to host a perfect Easter as well as budget-friendly Easter recipe ideas. Finally, Easter is as much about activities as it is about food. Keep children entertained with activities such as our Easter egg hunt, and try our Easter craft ideas. Or get down to a spot of baking with our Easter baking ideas and best Easter cupcake ideas. Meet Alice Alice Shields is our acting food editor and test kitchen manager. She has spent the last decade developing recipes for magazines. She's also an experienced host. Read on for her tips on building the perfect Easter dinner this year. How we build a reliable Easter dinner Prep ahead as much as you can: marinate your meat, chop veg and whip up salad dressings and sauces. If you’re making roast potatoes, you can boil them a day ahead and chill in the fridge. Roast them from chilled, when you’re ready to cook. Lamb is an Easter table staple, with leg often being the cut of choice as it looks impressive yet is easy to carve. For extra flavour, choose cheaper lamb shoulder instead, slow cooking it for sweet and tender meat. Pair your lamb with a fresh, herby sauce or marinade to contrast the rich meat. To save on oven space, choose a make-ahead pud that can be served chilled or at room temperature. No-bake cheesecakes, layered chocolate cake or fruit fools work well. Jump to: Easter starter ideas Easter dinner mains Easter sides Easter desserts Easter drinks Easter starter ideas Set the tone with light, seasonal starters that feel special without filling everyone up too much before the main event. 1. Spring sharing board This sharing board is the perfect starter for an Easter Sunday feast. Make it colourful with radishes, halved boiled quail’s eggs, chilli-flecked marinated feta and asparagus. Serve with a quick pea and artichoke dip, plus a sprinkle of pink pepper salt. See our guide on how to cook asparagus for extra tips. For more seasonal dishes, check out our Easter starter recipes. 2. Asparagus soup This vibrant green asparagus soup is a fantastic light starter to begin your Easter feast. It takes only 30 minutes to make, and is freezable, so you could simply reheat it for a fuss-free start to the meal. Serve with homemade bread, such as our delicious crusty bread. Discover more spring soup recipes. 2. Greek bouyiourdi This baked feta with tomatoes, garlic and chilli is a beautiful, low-carb, vegetarian starter. Enjoy it with pitta bread to scoop up the flavourful juices, or keep it keto-friendly with our keto bread. Discover more Greek-style recipes. 4. Spring celebration salad Showcasing the bountiful seasonal produce from spring such as new potatoes, asparagus and peas, this joyful salad will get your Easter meal off on the right footing. Make your own mayo to ensure a stellar starter. Now discover more spring salads. 5. Crab & tangled asparagus salad on toast For something a bit fancy, we recommend Tom Kerridge's elegant seasonal crab starter. Sourdough toast is topped with citrussy white crab, shaved asparagus ribbons and rocket salad. Ready in under 15 minutes, this speedy yet sophisticated dish will kick off your Easter menu in style. Easter dinner mains Choose a standout centrepiece that anchors your Easter table and sets the timing for everything else. 6. One-pan lamb with hasselback potatoes It’s everything we love about Easter dinner, in one tray! This one-pan lamb is flavoured with garlic, rosemary and thyme, and cutting your potatoes the hasselback way guarantees crispy edges. Serving size: 6-8 Difficulty level: Easy Cook + Prep time: 2.5 hrs We've got plenty more ideas for perfect Easter lamb recipes. 7. Spring chicken pot pie Looking for a more affordable alternative to traditional roast lamb? This chicken pot pie is bursting with seasonal flavours and makes a crowdpleasing centrepiece, while being friendly on your wallet. The creamy filling combines chicken thigh pieces with smoky bacon lardons, mustard, leeks and fragrant tarragon, and it's topped with a layer of flaky puff pastry. Serving size: 6 Difficulty level: Easy Cook + Prep time: 1 hr and 20 mins Tuck into more comforting Easter pie recipes. 8. Air fryer garlic & oregano lamb leg with crispy new potatoes Make this classic Easter dinner in your air fryer with our easy recipe. Crispy, parmesan-crusted new potatoes bring extra savoury flavour. Serving size: 4-6 Difficulty level: Easy Cook + Prep time: 1 hr and 15 mins Discover more Easter air fryer recipes. 9. Cavolo nero, mushroom, potato & fontina strudel A beautiful meat-free showstopper, this strudel is perfect for a fancy occasion. Wrap a mix of caramelised onions, cavolo nero, mushrooms and cheesy potatoes in filo pastry, then bake until golden. Serving size: 6 Difficulty level: More effort Cook + Prep time: 2 hrs Get more meat-free inspiration from our collection of vegetarian Easter recipes. 10. Bay-crumbed salmon with creamed spinach and wild mushrooms Prefer fish? Make salmon shine in Tom Kerridge’s showstopping dish. The salmon is cooked in a bay crust along with creamed spinach and wild mushrooms; plenty of double cream and a glug of white wine makes this recipe just as indulgent as lamb. Serving size: 6 Difficulty level: Easy Cook + Prep time: 55 mins Discover more Easter salmon recipes. 11. Roasted stuffed squash with herby pistachio salsa A stunning veggie centrepiece to rival any large join of meat, this impressive roasted stuffed squash is taken to the next level with a zingy pistachio salsa. Bursting with herby flavour and a hint of chilli, it adds freshness, texture and spice to the dish and balances perfectly with the feta filling. Serving size: 4 Difficulty level: More effort Cook + Prep time: 2 hrs 15 mins Browse more of our Easter vegetarian ideas. 12. Slow cooker leg of lamb Make the most of your slow cooker this Easter Sunday. Our slow cooker leg of lamb is deliciously tender and moreish, and takes just 15 minutes to prepare. What’s more, the recipe includes a velvety red wine gravy for pouring at the table. Serving size: 6 Difficulty level: Easy Cook + Prep time: 8 hrs and 15 mins 13. Vegan beetroot bourguignon Make beetroot the star of the show in this vibrant plant-based bourguignon. This sweet, earthy root veg is roasted along with onions, carrots and thyme, then combined with lentils and mushrooms in a rich red wine stew. Serve in bowls with crusty bread for dunking, if you like. Serving size: 6 Difficulty level: Easy Cook + Prep time: 1 hr and 45 mins See our vegan Easter recipes and vegan Easter menu for more plant-based seasonal inspiration. 14. Baked mackerel with fennel, chilli & lemongrass Looking for a more affordable alternative to salmon on Good Friday? Mackerel is in season this time of year, making it a cheaper and more sustainable option. Serve with mixed green vegetables for a simple yet sophisticated main. Serving size: 4 Difficulty level: Easy Cook + Prep time: 55 mins Now discover more Easter fish ideas. 15. Chorizo-stuffed pork loin with braised beans Impress your guests with this showstopping stuffed pork loin, complete with juicy meat and crispy crackling. As well as giving the meat a beautifully smoky flavour, the herby chorizo stuffing helps to keep it succulent during cooking. Serve on a bed of braised butter beans. Serving size: 6 Difficulty level: More effort Cook + Prep time: 2 hrs 50 mins 16. Creamy fish & leek pie Rich and comforting, fish pie is often a family favourite. Enhance it with the addition of king prawns to the filling, plus parmesan and cheddar to the mash. Everyone’s going to want seconds! Serving size: 4-6 Difficulty level: Easy Cook + Prep time: 2 hr and 5 mins Discover more fish pie recipes. 17. One-pot braised lamb breast with beans, carrots & mint Looking for an impressive Easter lamb dish but can't justify the price of a premium cut this year? Lamb breast will help keep costs down while still delivering a sense of occasion. This French-inspired classic combines slow-braised lamb breast with beans in a hearty one-pot. We’ve used traditional flageolet beans, but canned cannellini or haricot would work just as well. Serving size: 6-8 Difficulty level: More effort Cook + Prep time: 4 hrs 18. Roasted carrot & whipped feta tart Carrots take on a beautiful caramelised flavour when roasted, which balances perfectly with whipped feta and pesto. This budget-friendly veggie main can easily be adapted. If you don’t have walnuts, you can use any nuts you have at home. We’ve also used the carrot tops in the pesto to reduce food waste. If you aren’t using carrots with tops, swap the tops for parsley, or use up any leftover pesto you have in the fridge. Serving size: 6-8 Difficulty level: Easy Cook + Prep time: 1 hr 20 mins 19. Greek roast lamb Serving eight people, this roast lamb is perfect for entertaining a crowd at Easter. With only 15 minutes of preparation time, there’ll be no slaving away in a hot kitchen. Serving size: 8 Difficulty level: Easy Cook + Prep time: 2 hrs Discover more leg of lamb recipes. Sides Build out your menu with sides that bring colour, freshness and a balance of flavours to the plate. 20. Baked new potatoes with wilted wild garlic Forage for seasonal wild garlic to make these incredible baked new potatoes. They’re a healthy vegetarian side that can serve up to six people. You can also replace the wild garlic with watercress if you’d prefer. Discover more wild garlic recipes. 21. Next-level cauliflower cheese This next-level cauliflower cheese makes a rich and indulgent side dish. The parmesan, cheddar and spices in its sauce pair fantastically with the crunch and sweetness of the crispy onion and breadcrumb topping. Discover more cauliflower cheese recipes. 22. Dauphinoise potatoes Make our decadent dauphinoise potatoes for a mouthwatering side dish. Slow-cook slices of potatoes with cream, garlic and cheese, and watch as it bubbles and oozes. Follow along with our helpful video tutorial, perfect for beginners and seasoned pros alike. Discover more dauphinoise recipes. Alice’s tips for building your own plate Main: One-pan lamb with hasselback potatoes Sauce: Green olive & herb dressing Sides: Next-level cauliflower cheese I don’t have the luxury of a double oven, so I love a two-in-one dish that’s going to save me some space, and this one-pan lamb with crispy hasselback potatoes is packed full of flavour. The punchy green olive dressing can be prepped a day ahead and is also delicious tossed through some steamed greens or a simple rocket salad, if you want to add a little extra colour to your plate. A hearty side like this next-level cauliflower cheese is great because it can also double up as a meat-free main if you’re catering for vegetarians. Desserts Finish with a dessert that feels celebratory, ideally something you can prep ahead so you can enjoy the moment too. 23. Chocolate egg baked tart Speckled with golden chocolate eggs, this eye-catching baked chocolate tart is a showstopping end to any meal, despite being incredibly simple to make. Enjoy with a dollop of crème fraîche or, for extra indulgence, why not pair it with our ultimate vanilla ice cream? Discover more chocolate tart recipes and Easter dessert recipes. 24. Easter drip cake Make a stunning Easter centrepiece with our easy drip cake, topped with creamy frosting, melted chocolate and mini chocolate eggs. Try more Easter cake recipes. 25. Easy rhubarb fool For a break from the Easter chocolate overload, serve a seasonal rhubarb fool. Forced rhubarb makes a pretty-in-pink dessert while the homemade pistachio cardamom biscuits give it a touch of elegance. Now try more recipes with rhubarb. 26. Hot cross bun & butter pudding If you love bread and butter pudding, you’ll love this twist on the classic which uses hot cross buns instead. This is a great dessert to make with leftover buns or freshly baked buns – try our simple hot cross buns recipe. Or, go even more decadent and check out our chocolate hot cross bun bread & butter pudding. Discover more bread and butter pudding recipes. 27. Easter egg cheesecake Need a simple but impressive dessert to round off your Easter dinner party? This easy no-bake cheesecake takes just 20 minutes to prep and is sure to please kids and adults alike. Add chopped mini eggs or leftover Easter eggs into the plain vanilla cheesecake mixture and decorate on top with all your favourite Easter chocolate for a colourful and moreish showstopper. Find more sweet treats to round off your feast in our Easter dessert ideas guide. Alice's tips for prepping in advance Chocolate egg baked tart: Make up to a day in advance and chill in the fridge. Easter drip cake: Make up to a day in advance and chill in the fridge. Bring to room temperature to serve. Easy Rhubarb Fool: Prepare the shortbread dough for the easy rhubarb fool and freeze up to a month in advance. Roast the rhubarb and bake the shortbreads up to three days ahead. Hot Cross bun & butter pudding: Make up to a day in advance and warm in a low oven to serve. Easter egg cheese: Prepare up to the end of step 2 up to a day in advance, then decorate with remaining mini eggs to serve. Drinks Keep glasses topped up with these fun, Easter-appropriate drinks. 28. Mini egg martini Satisfy a nostalgic chocolate craving and enjoy this creamy Easter cocktail with moreish mini chocolate eggs and a splash of Irish cream. Discover more chocolate cocktail recipes. 29. Rhubarb gin Use seasonal rhubarb to make this G&T with a difference! Top the finished gin with soda water for a refreshing and gloriously pink springtime drink. Discover more flavoured gin recipes. 30. Easy iced tea Make a jug of refreshing iced tea to rehydrate kids after a day spent running around hunting for Easter eggs. With a subtle tea flavour, oranges, lemons and mint, it’s also an excellent alcohol-free party drink, so adults will enjoy it too. Discover more non-alcoholic drink recipes. Enjoyed these ideas? Find more Easter recipes... The ultimate Easter Sunday lunch Vegetarian Easter recipes How to use wild garlic Budget Easter recipe ideas Easter lunch ideas The best Easter baking recipes Vegan Easter recipes Healthy Easter lunch menu Gluten-free Easter menu Best Easter cupcake recipes
It’s not just about eggs: the best Easter treats to buy this year
From hot cross buns and simnel cake to hampers and truffles, these treats prove there's more to Easter than chocolate eggs...
Easter treats don’t have to begin and end with chocolate eggs. If you're not a chocoholic, there's still plenty out there for you to try. Think sticky, spice-laced hot cross buns, slices of fruity simnel cake and hampers packed with sweet and savoury treats to share (or not!). Whether you’re building the ultimate Easter spread, planning an Easter egg hunt or looking for something a little bit different for gifting, these picks bring all the fun without the foil-wrapped overload. Consider this your guide to the tastiest, most tempting seasonal treats that aren’t Easter eggs – but might just outshine them. If you are looking for a classic egg, check out our round-up of the best Easter eggs to buy for all our favourites from Hotel Chocolat, Lindt and more. Best Easter treats to buy 2026 M&S luxury fruited hot cross buns Available from Ocado (£2.50/pack of four), M&S The Easter season doesn't start until you've had your first hot cross bun (and just like mince pies at Christmas, we like to start early to make the most of their time on the shelves!). These are one of our favourite supermarket hot cross buns: a classic, super-squidgy bun studded with plenty of juicy fruit. Available from: Ocado (£2.50/pack of four) M&S Cadbury Easter favourites pouch Available from Cadbury Gifts Direct (£8), Ocado (£6.50), Tesco (£5.75) If you’re planning an Easter egg hunt this year, you need this selection of Easter favourites from Cadbury. Inside, you’ll find tiny bags of Mini Eggs (with a surprisingly generous amount inside each), plus classic Creme Eggs and solid chocolate eggs. They're all perfect for hiding around the house – just don’t forget where you stashed them! Available from: Cadbury Gifts Direct (£8) Ocado (£6.50) Tesco (£5.75) Snowdonia Cheese Co cheese and chocolate tasting basket Available from Snowdonia Cheese Co (£48) Here’s a way to end the chocolate versus cheese debate: have both! This sharing basket pairs four Snowdonia cheeses with four single-estate Willie’s Cacao chocolate bars – keeping both chocolate and cheese lovers happy this Easter. Available from: Snowdonia Cheese Co (£48) The Newt hot cross buns Available from The Newt (£5.95/pack of four) If you're looking for an alternative to supermarket hot cross buns, these are the ticket, as they're made in small batches in Somerset. They're on the breadier side, which is ideal for traditionalists who find some shop-bought buns too sweet or squidgy. They toast nicely, staying soft instead of crisping on top. Available from: The Newt (£5.95/pack of four) Lola's Easter mini cupcakes box Available from Lola's Cupcakes (£27/12 mini cupcakes) This box of 12 mini cupcakes is just the thing if you're hosting an Easter party. Six vanilla and six chocolate cupcakes are decorated with smooth swirls of colourful icing (there's definitely a high ratio of icing to cake, so one for icing lovers!) and decorations including cornflake clusters (our favourite) and mini eggs. There are full-size cupcakes too, if you don't want to share... Available from: Lola's Cupcakes (£27/12 mini cupcakes) Gail’s tote bag Available from Gail's (£15, in store) Not all Easter gifts on 0ur wish list are edible! Next time you’re in Gail’s for coffee or pastries, pick up one of its new, limited-edition hot cross bun-themed tote bags, too. Available in a range of pastel colours and embroidered with the words of the classic nursery rhyme, they're the prettiest way to transport Easter hauls. Available from: Gail's (£15, in store) Waitrose No.1 simnel cake Available from Waitrose (£15) The simnel cake is a classic Easter centrepiece, and a must-have for marzipan lovers. Winner of the best simnel cake in our 2026 Easter Supermarket Awards, this Waitrose option has a pretty design and smart fluted marzipan edge, which is evenly toasted. It's a generous size, and has a good spice level and lovely texture. The marzipan also delivers a good depth of almond flavour. Available from: Waitrose (£15) Honey & Co hot cross buns Available from Honey & Co (£3.90, in store) This is another gourmet hot cross bun to seek out this Easter. Usually, we’re adamant that a hot cross bun should be toasted and (heavily) buttered, but these Honey & Co buns impressed enough that we’d eat them just as they are. They’re lightly spiced with cardamom and mahleb (far from your usual flavours), have a sticky glaze and are studded with extra-juicy pieces of candied peel and sour cherries. Available from: Honey & Co (£3.90, in store) Ask Mummy & Daddy jelly carrots Available from Not on the High Street (£3.29) Have a break from all that Easter chocolate and try these fun sweets instead – they're soft and squidgy with moreish tang, and are even vegan-friendly. Add to Easter baskets or enjoy them as part of the Easter egg hunt share tub that's filled with marshmallows, mini eggs and sour sweets. Available from: Not on the High Street (£3.29) Well & Truly Easter truffles Available from Ocado (£6), Sainsbury's (£6), Well & Truly (£5.99) Another vegan-friendly gem we've discovered this Easter, these indulgent truffles are made with oat milk chocolate and have silky Piedmont hazelnut paste centres. They're also gluten-free and made with ethically sourced, single-origin Fino de Aroma cocoa for an Easter treat you can feel good about. Available from: Ocado (£6) Sainsbury's (£6) Well & Truly (£7.99) More Easter gift reviews Best gift ideas for chocolate lovers Best chocolate subscriptions and clubs Best chocolate hampers
Simplify your week with this batch cook meal plan, featuring flavour-packed dishes you can prep in advance for easy, satisfying weekday meals
Batch cooking is the ultimate way to make weeknight dinners easier, and this meal plan is designed to help you do exactly that. With a little extra time in the kitchen upfront, you’ll cook once and enjoy twice, serving one portion now and freezing the rest for those days when you need something comforting and ready to go. These recipes have been carefully chosen by our editors for their ability to reheat beautifully, without compromising on flavour or texture. From rich, slow-simmered sauces to hearty pies and soups, each dish is built to deliver maximum reward for your effort, making future meals feel just as satisfying as the first. There’s plenty of variety in this plan to keep weekdays interesting, with recipes built around ingredients that deliver both flavour and practicality when cooking in batches. Green chillies bring a fresh, rounded heat to the chicken pot pies, cutting through the richness of the creamy filling, while lentils in the tomato soup offer both body and excellent nutritional value. The addition of sumac, a sharp, citrusy spice, lifts the dish without the need for extra acidity. The black bean peanut butter mole draws on classic Mexican flavour pairings, where nuts are used to add depth and viscosity to sauces, and can be served as a filling for tacos, jackets or quesadillas. Smoked haddock’s firm texture makes it a natural fit for a warm bowl of chowder, and spiced minced meat adds substance to the traditional tomato and egg in this keema shakshuka. Both are robust, protein-rich meals that holds up well over the week. Designed with efficiency in mind, this plan helps you make the most of your time and ingredients, reducing both effort and food waste. Stock your freezer with these meals and you’ll always have something delicious on hand, whether you’re short on time or simply don’t feel like cooking. To keep things simple, use the in-app shopping list to add ingredients from each recipe, then check the My Good Food tab for one clear, organised list before you shop.
22 places kids can eat free this Easter holiday 2026
Easter holidays don’t have to mean overspending, especially when eating out. From pizza chains to family-friendly cafés, here’s where kids can eat free (or for £1) across the UK this Easter.
The Easter holidays are here, which means two weeks of keeping the kids entertained! If you’re staying closer to home this year, there are plenty of fun ways to fill the days, from fun Easter craft ideas to make at home to easy, child-friendly Easter baking recipes. Of course, Easter is also a great excuse to head out and spend quality time together. But with the cost of days out quickly adding up, eating out as a family can feel like a stretch. The good news? Plenty of restaurants, cafés and high street favourites across the UK are offering kids eat free (or for £1) deals this Easter holiday, helping you treat the family without blowing the budget. Where to find kids-eat-free deals? 1. Where: Franco Manca (select locations) When: Ongoing Known for its sourdough bases and simple, high-quality toppings, Franco Manca is a staple for a family friendly meal. Children under 12 can enjoy a free pizza when accompanied by an adult ordering a full-priced main over the Easter holidays, making it perfect for a low-key lunch or early dinner. 2. Where: Las Iguanas (select locations) When: Ongoing Family-friendly and full of flavour, Las Iguanas runs a kids eat free deal via its app during holidays, including Easter. Niños under 12 can enjoy a main, two sides and dessert for free when an adult orders a main meal, valid Sunday-Thursday. Their Latin-inspired menu items range from cheesy quesadillas to mild Bahian curry, with delicious churros to end the meal. 3. Where: Preto When: Ongoing For something a little different, head to Preto for a Brazilian-style rodizio feast. Kids under 10 eat free with a paying adult, and the endless grilled meats and sides make it a fun, interactive dining experience. Valid all weekend and weekdays from 4pm. Download a voucher from their website and show it to staff. Proof of age may be required. 4. Where: Zizzi When: Easter holidays If your family leans towards pizza and pasta, Zizzi is an easy crowd-pleaser. This Easter, little diners can tuck into a free three-course Bambini meal when an adult orders a main: think fresh dough balls, pasta and a sweet treat to finish. You’ll just need to sign up to the Zillionaires’ Club via the app before you go. 5. Where: Gordon Ramsay Restaurants (select locations) When: Ongoing For something that feels a little more special, select Gordon Ramsay restaurants offer kids a free main from the children’s menu when adults order two courses from the à la carte menu, including a main. It’s a chance to elevate a family meal without the usual price tag. 6. Where: YO! Sushi When: Ongoing Turn lunch into an experience at YO! Sushi, where dishes whizz past on the conveyor belt. During the Easter break, kids can enjoy a free bento box (with options like prawn katsu and chicken teriyaki) when you spend £10 as an adult, making it a fun and interactive lunch outing. 7. Where: Angus Steakhouse When: Ongoing Right in the heart of the city, Angus Steakhouse is a handy pit stop after a day of sightseeing. Children aged eight and under can eat free from noon to 5pm with a paying adult, choosing from comforting classics like mac & cheese or chicken tenders. 8. Where: Beefeater and Brewers Fayre When: School holidays If you’ve got early risers, this one’s a win. With every adult breakfast (£10.99), up to two kids eat free, meaning you can fill up on a full English and a wide spread of continental favourites before heading out for the day, without the extra cost. 9. Where: The Mayfair Chippy Knightsbridge When: 28 March-12 April For a special Easter outing, The Mayfair Chippy is offering a kids eat free deal with every adult main. From 3-6 April, families can also get 20% off Paradox Museum London tickets (after 3pm), where interactive exhibits and optical illusions promise plenty of fun. Better still, museum tickets unlock 20% off your meal at the restaurant, making it an easy day-to-dinner plan. 10. Where: Bill's When: 30 March-10 April At Bill’s, up to two children eat free all day with the purchase of any adult main, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Young diners will also take home a free limited-edition colour & read me book to help with Frank’s fantastic easter hunt! 11. Where: Bella Italia (select locations) When: Ongoing Bella Italia is a go-to for family-friendly Italian classics, and their kids’ offer is one of the most generous. From Sunday to Thursday throughout Easter break, children can enjoy three courses and a drink on the house when an adult orders a main. The menu caters for ages two to 11, making it a great-value option for a proper sit-down meal. 12. Where: Pizza Hut When: Ongoing If you’ve got big appetites to satisfy, Pizza Hut’s dine-in restaurants are hard to beat. For a family pizza night, enter code KEF for one free kids buffet per £9.99 spent at Pizza Hut Restaurants. After 3pm, the same code gets you a free kids meal deal. The offer is valid for dine-in only, all day, every day. 13. Where: The Real Greek When: Ongoing Every Sunday, children under 12 can enjoy a free meal at The Real Greek with each adult spending £15 or more. The offer includes a main, drink, and ice cream or sorbet, so little ones can get a taste of the Mediterranean. 14. Where: ASK Italian When: 27 March-19 April If your kids love pizza with a playful twist (hello, Happy Face Pizza), ASK Italian is worth a look. Download the ASK Perks app to unlock free kids’ meals with an adult main during the Easter holidays. 15. Where: Dunelm Pausa Cafes When: Ongoing A trip to Dunelm can end with a treat for the kids, who eat free when an adult spends at least £4. The deal includes a main, drink, and two snacks, making it a convenient pit stop for families out shopping. 16. Where: Future Inns When: Ongoing If you’re planning a trip to Cardiff, Future Inns offers a straightforward perk: under-fives eat free with any adult meal, whether you’re stopping in for breakfast, lunch or dinner. 17. Where: OK Diners When: Ongoing With its retro 1950s feel, OK Diners adds a bit of novelty to mealtimes. Kids under 10 eat free with an adult main, making it a fun and affordable stop on a road trip. 18. Where: Morrisons When: Ongoing At any of Morrisons’ nearly 400 cafés nationwide, under-16s can enjoy a free meal when an adult spends £5 or more on a meal. The offer is available all day, every day, with kid-friendly choices like chicken dippers, fish fingers, and mini cheese pizzas. The offer also extends to the Kids Pick n Mix meal deal from the fridge. 19. Where: Purezza When: Ongoing For plant-based families (or anyone curious to try it), Purezza offers a relaxed setting where kids under 10 can enjoy a free mini pizza alongside every full paying adult. Where can children eat for £1? 20. Where: IKEA When: Ongoing A trip to IKEA is always an adventure for little ones, and the restaurant keeps things budget-friendly with kids’ meals from 95p. Options include penne pasta with tomato sauce to their iconic meatballs and mash. Combine a meal with one of their free family activities or workshops for a budget-friendly day out. 21. Where: Dobbies When: Ongoing Turn a garden centre visit into a full family outing. Fuel for a long day of exploring by heading over to the restaurant for a kids’ breakfast when an adult orders a traditional or full breakfast, or a hot meal or pick ’n’ mix lunch box with any adult main, all for just £1. Each meal includes a free child’s drink. Sunday roasts incur a £1 supplement. 22. Where: Sizzling Pubs When: Ongoing For every adult meal purchased, children can choose a main from the kids’ menu for just £1. The offer runs Monday to Friday from 3pm, with an earlier start at noon during school holidays. For more kid-friendly holiday inspiration: Easter kids' recipes 14 ways to use up leftover Easter chocolate with kids How to throw an Easter egg hunt The best Easter baking recipes Easter party ideas