‘Tis the season for unashamed over-indulgence, so it’s definitely time for a Christmas afternoon tea. Few things are as quintessentially British and indulgent as an afternoon tea – but with a Christmas afternoon tea, that indulgence really kicks into overdrive. Cute cafés and fancy hotels alike have been unveiling the best Christmas afternoon teas in London, and we really do want them all. Ah go on, it’s Christmas – we all deserve a treat, right?
1. The Savoy
Starting with the big dogs of the Christmas afternoon tea game isn’t exactly a cheap endeavour. But seventy-eight of your hard-won English pounds will win you a mouthwatering selection of carefully prepared sandwiches, with fillings such as Scottish salmon gravaldax with fennel pollen and spinach bread, or Burford Brown eggs with Wiltshire truffle.
The Savoy’s afternoon tea pastries and signature Savoy cakes are equally inviting, with delights such as white chocolate ganache and spiced cherry compote and a candied fruits Christmas cake on the menu. There’s also the option to add a glass of fizz, but this will, unsurprisingly, push the price even higher.
Address: The Strand, London, WC2R 0EZ. Nearest train station is Embankment or Charing Cross. Find out more here.
2. The Langham
The Langham is set to unveil a magical Christmas afternoon tea experience that beautifully blends its own storied past with the whimsical charm of Hamleys, the world-renowned toy store. This specially crafted festive offering caters to both young guests and the young at heart.
For children, the hotel has designed an enchanting menu that brings beloved toys to life through delectable pastries. Imagine indulging in a Caramelia and vanilla mousse, its smooth texture punctuated by the playful crunch of caramelised rice krispies. Or picture a cinnamon sponge cake, redolent with the warm spices of the season, layered with spiced apples and crowned with a silky caramelised white chocolate topping. These whimsical creations, shaped to resemble iconic historic toys, will be presented on charming miniature tea stands and dainty chinaware, adding an extra touch of wonder to the experience.
Address: 1C Portland Pl, London W1B 1JA. Available daily from 7 November, 12:30 to 17:00. £55pp for children, from £100pp for adults. Find more information here.
3. Straits Kitchen, Pan Pacific London
Experience a magical festive afternoon tea at Pan Pacific London, a distinguished Forbes five-star hotel. Served in the elegant Straits Kitchen, this delightful menu features seasonal treats like Rudolph pecan tarts, mint chocolate wreath macarons, and plum and chestnut mousse ‘baubles’, alongside delicate finger sandwiches and orange and cranberry scones.
For younger guests, the hotel offers an immersive children’s afternoon tea that includes fun interactive activities such as biscuit decorating and cupcake crafting. This enchanting experience promises to create lasting holiday memories for guests of all ages.
Address: 80 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AB. From £68 per person, Children’s Afternoon Tea from £29 per person. Available from 13th November to 5th January – Thursday to Monday between 1pm and 4pm. Find more info here.
4. Lanes of London, London Marriott Hotel Park Lane
Situated just steps away from London’s renowned shopping districts, the London Marriott Hotel Park Lane offers a stunning Festive Afternoon Tea that’s perfect for unwinding after a day of holiday shopping. This visually appealing tea includes an assortment of delicate finger sandwiches, complemented by an array of delightful pastries and classic sweets.
Highlights include whimsical milk chocolate and nutmeg reindeer, a charming vanilla mince pie log, and the impressive snow globe deco ball. Guests can enjoy these treats alongside a selection of flavorful JING teas, making it a truly festive experience.
Address: 140 Park Lane, W1K 7AA. From £50 per person inclusive of a glass of bubbles. Available from 21st November to 3rd January, daily between 12pm – 4pm. More info here.
5. Wellington Lounge, InterContinental Park Lane
Experience royal indulgence at the Wellington Lounge in InterContinental London Park, where festive afternoon tea is served on exquisite Renaissance Gold Wedgwood teaware. This sophisticated menu masterfully blends traditional elegance with contemporary culinary artistry.
Savoury highlights include regal delicacies such as Pheasant En Croute Royale, Scottish Lobster Bliss, and Champagne Cured Salmon accompanied by a delicate Caviar Éclair. The sweet selection promises equally impressive treats: freshly baked scones, a whimsical Jubilant Bauble Cake, and the Elizabeth I Syllabub Crown – a decadent British apple cake crowned with a luxurious calvados mousse.
Address: One Hamilton Place, Park Ln, London W1J 7QY. From £74 per person, or £84 per person with a select glass of Champagne | £35 for children under 12 years old. Available from 1st November-1st January, Wednesday – Sunday between 1pm – 5pm. More info here.
5. Grosvenor House
From November 19, to celebrate the festive season, the ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas poem will be transformed into a delightful pastry experience at Grosvenor House. Inspired by Clement Clarke Moore’s timeless poem, this enchanting menu, crafted by Head Pastry Chef Anthony Hurst, will evoke nostalgia and excitement, capturing the magic of Christmas Eve.
Address: Grosvenor House, JW Marriott Grosvenor House London, Park Lane, Mayfair, London, W1K 7TN. Find more info here.
6. RAILS Restaurant, Great Northern Hotel
Escape the hustle and bustle of King’s Cross and find solace in the cozy ambiance of RAILS Restaurant, located on the first floor of the Great Northern Hotel. The festive menu features a delightful selection of savory treats, including turkey and cranberry sandwiches, brie and apple sandwiches, and a leek, thyme, and comté quiche.
For dessert, indulge in an eggnog tart adorned with a gingerbread man, a spiced apple crumble muffin, and a red cherry and chestnut yule log, complemented by fluffy scones served with generous amounts of jam and cream. Raise a toast to the festive season with tea from the East India Company or enjoy a glass of sparkling wine.
Address: RAILS Restaurant, Great Northern Hotel, Pancras Road, King’s Cross, London N1C 4TB. From £39.50 per person. Available from 14th November, Thursday – Sunday from 1pm – 5pm. Find more info here.
7. Biscuiteers
The biscuit-makers par excellence go ever bigger during the Christmas period. As you’d expect, this Christmas afternoon tea includes a smörgåsbord of festive biscuits, in the shape of trees, presents, and festive jumpers. Biscuiteers are also a dab hand at patisserie, so this tea also boasts treats like Christmas pudding macaroons, cranberry and orange scones with festive jam and cream, and a coconut and pineapple snow cake. Which feels a little like showing off, TBH.
Address: Eccleston Yards, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9AZ. You can find out more and book here.
8. Royal Lancaster London
The Royal Lancaster London presents a magical Christmas Afternoon Tea available from November 25, 2024, to January 5, 2025, served in the elegant Hyde Café. This festive experience features an exquisite selection of seasonal delicacies, including traditional sandwiches like roast turkey with cranberry jam, smoked salmon with cream cheese, and vegetarian options with pickled radish and herb cream cheese.
The sweet course is a visual masterpiece, showcasing a festive candle made of rich chocolate and prune cake, a frosty snowman macaroon filled with yuzu ganache and cranberry compote, a ginger shortbread Christmas star with white chocolate crèmeux and mango center, and a Tiffany blue bauble dessert with coconut mousse and blackcurrant gel. Warm scones served with clotted cream and preserves complete the experience, while guests can choose from Camellia’s Tea House selections or enhance their afternoon with a glass of champagne.
Address: Royal Lancaster London, located at Lancaster Terrace, London W2 2TY. Priced at £59 per person (Wednesday to Friday), £64 per person (Saturday & Sunday), and £85 on Christmas Day. More info here.
9. Claridge’s
Indulge in an Afternoon Tea at Claridge’s, Mayfair, a classic-yet-contemporary spot that celebrates Claridge’s art deco style. Afternoon Tea is served in The Foyer & Reading Room, a picturesque dining area with a striking Chihuly sculpture that hangs like a chandelier and a grand piano.
The menu offers a traditional combination of sweet and savoury delicacies such as poached Scottish salmon and pastries that reflect the fruits of the season, accompanied by a wide selection of teas including Claridge’s Blend.
Address: 49 Brook Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 4HR.
10. Fortnum & Mason
Experience one of London’s most famous evening traditions at Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, where you can enjoy their Christmas afternoon tea featuring classic finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves, delectable pastries, and a selection of rare teas.
This season, the tea offers an elegant mix of traditional and festive elements in a luxurious setting. Serenely presented on fine china in the stunning salon, the experience is enhanced by a beautiful ambiance and impeccable service.
Address: 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London, W1A 1ER.