Christmas in London is already magical, but why not take it to the next level with an indulgent festive treat? We’ve rounded up five of the best spots to enjoy a Christmas-themed afternoon tea with family and friends.
The Lanesborough’s award-winning afternoon tea never fails to impress but it’s particularly special at Christmas time. Served in the opulent surroundings of Céleste, guests will enjoy a choice of teas, homemade scones, and sandwiches made with bread coloured by turmeric, beetroot and matcha. Diners with a sweet tooth can look forward to hazelnut snowballs, bite-size pear and almond tartelettes, and chocolate baubles filled with chocolate mousse and banana confit. Afternoon tea is accompanied by festive tunes played on the piano, plus carol singing from the City Academy Chamber Choir on December 8th and 9th.
Available until 31st December. £55 per person or £65 with a glass of Irroy Champagne.
Scoff & Banter are serving a winter-themed afternoon tea at their restaurants in Canary Wharf and Kensington – handy if you’re going ice-skating at the Natural History Museum. Alongside the traditional scones, there are winter-inspired pastries like spiced carrot cake and mandarin dark chocolate cake to enjoy. Their finger sandwiches deserve a special mention, with fillings ranging from Scottish smoked salmon and lemon butter to rare roast beef with horseradish mayonnaise. Add a glass of prosecco and you’ve got the perfect pre-Christmas treat for family and friends.
Available until 20th January 2019. £30 per person or £36 with a glass of prosecco.
Whether you’re heading to the theatre or doing some Christmas shopping, a visit to B Bakery is the perfect way to relax and unwind. After salmon blinis and coronation chicken buns, you can indulge your sweet tooth with Santa’s cupcakes, chocolate tarts, and gingerbread and coffee sablé. Enjoy a cup of their special Christmas tea or embrace the festive spirit and upgrade to bottomless prosecco, Champagne or gin cocktails. Afternoon tea can also be enjoyed on one of their double-decker bus tours – a wonderful way to check out the Christmas lights!
Available from 31st December from £33 per person.
At the five-star Corinthia Hotel, afternoon tea is served in the Crystal Moon Lounge beneath a stunning Baccarat crystal chandelier. Once you’ve chosen your tea and enjoyed a selection of sandwiches, you can indulge in seasonal cakes and fancies from the afternoon tea trolley. The festive selection includes rum vanilla chocolate truffles, mandarin and chestnut mousse with hazelnut sponge, and a vanilla, white chocolate and cranberry snow ball. Once you’ve eaten your fill, take a stroll to Trafalgar Square to admire the huge Christmas tree donated by the city of Oslo each year.
Available until 31st December. £55 per person or £65 with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne.
Throughout December, the Mirror Room will be giving their art-themed tea a festive twist. Alongside elegant finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones, diners will enjoy Cubism and Pop Art-inspired sweets and pastries created by executive pastry chef Mark Perkins. Be sure to save room for a mince pie or the delicious raspberry choux. On Saturdays and Sundays, Father Christmas will be paying the hotel a visit to grant Christmas wishes to children and adults alike.
Available through December from £65 per person.
Hungry for more? Check out the festive tea offerings at The Rosebery Lounge, Hotel Café Royal, and The Langham, or browse our list of top London tearooms.
