We have finally reached the gateway to the holiday season. As the gates to the holiday season open, we are eager to share our favorite notable festive afternoon teas in central London. These celebratory indulgences are a perfect complement to a day at one of London’s Christmas markets, a seasonal ballet or theatre performance, or a day of shopping in Chelsea.
Brown’s Hotel
This festive season, indulge in Festive Afternoon Tea in the elegant Drawing Room of Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair. Guests will enjoy festive-inspired treats, a cozy log fire, and the magic of Christmas carols from our resident pianist. Come in with your loved ones and experience a quintessential British experience with a festive twist, and some warming mulled wine. Their Festive Afternoon Tea is available until January 2, 2022.
A special celebratory Champagne Afternoon Tea will be served on 25th, 26th, 31st of December, and the 1st of January. Advanced reservations are required. Be sure to also check out their Asprey London Christmas Tree in the lobby and be on the lookout for the Asprey London snowman!
The Chinoiserie at The Carlton Tower
The Chinoiserie at The Carlton Tower is celebrating the holiday season in the UK with a festive afternoon tea. The festive afternoon tea is served at the hotel’s lobby restaurant.
The Royal Botanical Afternoon Tea for the holidays includes a glass of ‘R’ Ruinart Brut, or an alcohol free ‘So Jennie Paris’. The tea experience begins with a selection of savories and sandwiches including Blue lobster, lime, fresh celery leaves & basil bread; and Cambridgeshire roast turkey with veal, sage & chestnut served on granary bread.
There will also be Five spice scones with Christmas jam, and handmade pastries of Christmas tree in ‘Pain d’épice’, Mulled wine macaroon and ‘Santa Sleigh’, ‘Christmas Bubbles’ and ‘Gift Box’ desserts. These include delicious seasonal flavors for a true taste of Christmas. An extensive selection of fine tea from Mariage Frères, Parisian purveyor of fine tea and the oldest tea house in France, will be served.
Corinthia London
Corinthia London is serving their annual festive afternoon tea in The Crystal Moon Lounge. Their festive tea will be served until December 25th, with additional champagne upgrades available.
Finger sandwiches include Truffle Egg Mayonnaise on Malted Granary Bread, Roast Turkey and Cranberry on White Bread, and Salt Beef and Horseradish Cream. Scones include Plain and Sultana Scones served with spiced, damson, and whisky jam as well as Cornish clotted cream.
inspired by the season is the famous afternoon tea trolley. Pastries at Corinthia London include Chesnut, Vanilla and Rum Tartlet; Chocolate-Fleur de Sel, Coconut, and Apple & Pine Marshmallows; and Chocolate & Citrus Mascarpone Mousse.
The Dorchester
Festive season at The Dorchester is always a time to remember, celebrated with close friends and family. The Dorchester offers festive-inspired menus and live music with a variety of dining experiences for everyone. These include a Festive Champagne Afternoon Tea, Christmas Carols Afternoon Tea, and a Boxing Day Jazz Champagne Afternoon Tea.
The Dorchester also serves a special children’s festive afternoon tea, as pictured above. Children are treated to a fanciful feast of scrumptious treats, bite-size sandwiches, cupcakes and more! Complimentary for children ages six and under when dining with an adult.
Egerton
The Egerton’s Hatter Afternoon Tea is celebrating the season with a festive twist. Guests will enjoy turkey and cranberry sauce sandwiches alongside more traditional choices and festive treats. These include a caramel yule log, chocolate orange torte, cranberry cheesecake and a spiced pear pudding.
Capture the spirit of the season by visiting Harrods to stock up on presents from one of the most famous department stores in the world, located on The Egerton’s doorstep.
If guests want to stay longer, the hotel’s Egerton Wonderland package includes a two-night stay in a beautifully appointed room. The package includes a welcome drink of mulled wine or hot chocolate, a Full English breakfast each morning, Festive Afternoon Tea for two, Festive Turndown each evening, and two tickets to the V&A Museum.
Peggy Porschen
Step in through the enchanting pink doors of Peggy Porschen in Chelsea, and into a world of enchantment. Peggy Porschen’s festive Afternoon Tea offers a “three-act journey” through seasonal finger sandwiches, followed by light & fluffy scones, and a finale of Nutcracker inspired treats. Add a glass of sparkles for an added touch of seasonal sparkles.
Finger sandwiches include the Christmas Turkey & Cranberry Mayonnaise; Smoked Salmon, Dill & Cream Cheese; Honey Roast Ham & Cheddar Cheese; and more. Cupcake choices include Jolly Gingerbread, Sugar Plum, and Mince Pie. Click here to read the full menu.
The Land of Sweets’ Festive Afternoon Tea will be served until January 2, 2022.
The Rubens at The Palace
Guests can enjoy the festive version of The Rubens at the Palace’s award-winning Afternoon Tea directly across the street from Buckingham Palace’s Royal Mews.
The festive afternoon tea offers fresh twists in a festive journey that pays respect to this long-standing English tradition. Treats include a “Santa’s Log” with apple and ginger sponge, Cherry Choux, and a Christmas Pudding Tart. The experience includes bottomless mulled wine. If you’re dining on Christmas Day, afternoon tea includes a glass of Champagne.
Shangri-La The Shard, London
TING Restaurant at Shangri-La The Shard is their Alpine Afternoon Tea, served daily from 12-4pm.
Savory tea sandwiches include Alpine Cheese and Ham, and Cucumber & Quark Sandwich. Pastries on the menu are a Sachertorte, and Blsck Forest Gâteaux.
Complement your festive afternoon tea experience with one of their signature winter cocktails, Aprés Ski. This cocktail is crafted with Amaretto, Dark Chocolate Liqueur, Mr Black, Cream, and Nutmeg Powder.
The Alpine Afternoon Tea is available until February 27th. Pair the experience with sweeping views of London’s city center.
St. Pancras by Searcys
Adding some sparkle to the festive season. Europe’s longest Champagne Bar will be serving up a Christmas twist on its signature Staycation Afternoon Tea.
In between holiday shopping trips, guests will a new festive afternoon tea featuring a selection of savories. These include a Smoked turkey rillette with Cumberland relish and Hot smoked salmon quiche with endive salad.
Sweet treats include cranberry and orange eclairs, blackberry macaroons and a festive Battenberg, served in a stylish suitcase.
The festive Staycation Afternoon Tea is served Monday-Saturday from 3-5pm, and Sunday from 3-4:30pm.