Enjoy afternoon teas with a very merry twist and experience this season's best in central London. Escape the bustle of everyday life as you sip tea (or champagne) and reconnect with loved ones. Pick from our favourite festive afternoon teas for a unique Christmas present and way to wind down 2023.
An afternoon tea in the extravagant surrounds of the Grade II listed The Grill Room at Hotel Café Royal is an inspired choice this Christmas. Experience its renowned afternoon tea, sprinkled with some extra festive magic. Sample savouries such as black truffle palmier, beef Wellington, and and turkey and stuffing sandwiches ahead of the main event: its desserts. Delight in festive scones, a sumptuous Mont Blanc, and fruity nougat.
Enjoy the refined glamour of Oscar Wilde’s favourite salon for £85 per head or £95 with a glass of Champagne.
Combining two iconic venues this years festive afternoon tea at The Langham is created alongside legendary department store Liberty London. Prepare for a stylish experience set to the soothing soundtrack of the hotel's piano in the elegant Palm Court, as you work your way through sandwiches, scrumptious scones, seasonal cakes and delicious patisserie inspired by Liberty’s famous fabrics. Add a glass of Tattinger Champagne for an extra special treat.
From 8 November until 31 December.
You're guaranteed a Sweet Afternoon at Cakes & Bubbles this Christmas. Alongside some of its famous desserts like the iconic Cakes & Bubbles Cork and Golden Egg Flan, tuck into snappy gingerbread men, winter plum cake and more festive fancies. Enjoy all this sat on the curve of Regent Street for £50, with a glass of bubbles for £65 or - for an afternoon that could become an evening - with a three-course wine pairing for £99.
4. Dukes
Dukes’ elegant Drawing Room overlooking a quaint courtyard creates the perfect setting to enjoy traditional teatime. Nibble on finger sandwiches and an assortment of decadent festive cakes and treats such as Bouche de Noel and cinnamon tart. You’re spoilt for choice - will it be teas from The East India Company from £45 per person, a glass of Champagne from £55, or – our personal favourite – a bespoke Dukes’ mini Martini pairing for £62.50?
5. The Ritz
Celebrate the festive season with a twinkling twist on the usual decadent offerings as part of a festive afternoon tea at The Ritz. Served in its Palm Court – which is adorned with sparkling Edwardian-style decorations – this tea combines finger sandwiches and scones with festive classics such as mince pies and Christmas cakes. If you have kids in tow, they may even have a chance to meet Father Christmas!
Enjoy this festive treat for £105 per adult (including a glass of champagne), or £65 per child.
6. Haymarket Hotel
The seasonal touches to afternoon tea at the Haymarket Hotel are what make it extra special. Start with savouries like its sage, chestnut and onion Scotch quail egg and roast turkey sandwiches, followed by chocolate orange roulade, a sweet Santa macaron and more festive fancies alongside fresh scones.
Book your table for £45 per person with the usual choice of coffee or tea, or hot chocolate. For £57 you can toast to the perfect afternoon with a glass of champagne.
Plan more time together and settle in to a leisurely Christmas meal in London’s West End. Don’t want your evening to end? Prolong the party with the best places for a Christmas cocktail nearby.