Top 15: London’s Best New Festive Afternoon TeasBy Angelica Malin
Looking for the best festive afternoon teas in London? Whether it’s a special, one-off tea collaboration or a sparkling, film-themed tea, we’ve found some of London’s best new Christmas-inspired teas this year:
Best Festive Afternoon Teas in London: Our Favourites
For a Magical Tea: Town House at The Kensington
What: Looking for something fun in London? Try out this festive tea inspired by Beauty and the Beast at the Town House in Kensington. The Kensington is offering a special afternoon tea with a magical twist – brought back especially for December with a festive spin. This afternoon tea, named Tale as Old as Time, is complete with charming Mrs. Potts and Chip Potts crockery!
Eat and Drink: All the treats and savouries featured in this whimsical festive afternoon tea are inspired by the characters and scenes of the film, with a festive spin. One of the best festive afternoon teas in London – expect everything from delicious roast venison with Yorkshire pudding to roast turkey with cranberry sauce sandwiches, vanilla and gold jelly, chocolate mince pies and Specaloos marzipan.
Price: Tale as Old as Time Tea is £38.50 per person or £50 with a glass of Champagne.
Where: 109-113 Queen’s Gate SW7 5LR
What: Looking for something fun and playful? Try this Charlie and the Chocolate Factory inspired afternoon tea, which takes on a festive twist during the Christmas period. From gingerbread and orange chocolate pops to cinnamon and chestnut brioche and decadent golden eggs, every item reflects the wit and wonder of Roald Dahl’s classic tale.
Eat and Drink: There’s sandwiches such as turkey and cranberry on onion bread, smoked salmon on poppy seed bread and Montgomery cheese scone with bacon jam. For sweets, expect home-made candy floss, chocolate caramel milk, Christmas pudding pops and cinnamon swirl brioche. Teatime treats are presented with a selection of award-winning seasonal loose leaf teas from Canton Tea.
Price: £44 per person. Afternoon tea with a glass of Champagne or a cocktail Charlie – £54 per person. Afternoon tea with a glass of Rosé Champagne – £57 per person.
Where: 1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ
What: For a tipple, head over to Mr Fogg’s for a drunken twist to the traditional afternoon tea with a bottomless booze affair. You can choose from Gin Teas or Champagne Teas to accompany your food, such as Festive Afternoon gin tea with Earl Grey gin, orange marmalade and Cointreau, or Pear Pudding champagne tea with calvados, pear cider, cherry liqueur and champagne.
Eat and Drink: The Festive Tipsy Tea Sip comes with two bottomless booze options; the bottomless pot of gin tea or the bottomless pot of champagne tea. Yes, please. Expect lots of festive-themed treats, including mini Christmas puddings, festive mince pies, plus turkey and cranberry sandwiches.
Price: The Festive Tipsy Tea with just one pot of gin tea or Champagne tea is £45 per person.
Where: 15 Bruton Lane, Mayfair W1J 6JD
For a Modern Tea: York and Albany
What: Stop by Gordon Ramsay’s York & Albany for a Christmas-themed afternoon tea menu in North London. York & Albany provides all day dining, serving up a tasty menu of modern British food with the freshest ingredients available throughout the year. One of the top festive afternoon teas in London, for sure.
Eat and Drink: The tea features decadent festive finger sandwiches like smoked salmon and dill, roast turkey and cranberry, and brie with red onion chutney. Sweet treats include cranberry cheesecake, mulled wine macaroons and mince pies. And then there’s York & Albany’s expansive list of specialty teas including lemon grass and ginger and spearmint and liquorice.
Price: The festive Afternoon tea is priced £24pp or £30pp with a cup of mulled wine.
Where: 127-129 Parkway, London NW1 7PS
Best Festive Afternoon Teas in London: Collaborations
For a One-Off Tea: Hotel Café Royal x Diptyque
What: This year, Hotel Café Royal are collaborating with French artist and perfumer, diptyque, to create their Festive Diptyque Afternoon Tea. The afternoon tea features pâtisseries inspired by four iconic diptyque scents, with pastries inspired by the brand’s iconic scents. What’s more, each guest enjoying the diptyque Afternoon Tea will receive a beautiful gift set to take away, a Baies Candle – diptyque’s most popular scent.
Eat & Drink: The diptyque-inspired pâtisseries include Oyebo, a raspberry and lemon mousse tart, Benjoin, a Victoria sponge with vanilla buttercream, and Jasmine, a pistachio cake with jasmine tea. The tea also includes festive sandwiches, such as roast Norfolk bronze turkey with chestnut stuffing and cranberry sauce, scones with seasonal jam, as well as a range of exclusive blends and teas.
Price: The Festive Afternoon Tea is priced at £55 per person, or £65 paired with a glass of Laurent-Perrier NV. The diptyque Afternoon Tea with a diptyque gift set is £70, or £80 paired with a glass of Champagne.
Where: 68 Regent St, Soho, London W1B 4DY
For a Unique Collaboration: The Savoy x Penhaligon’s
What: This year, The Savoy brings you the sights, scents and tastes of a Victorian Christmas with British fragrance house Penhaligon’s. Enter a timeless winter wonderland and witness the magnificent Christmas tree adorning their beautifully bedecked festive Front Hall. Indulge your senses throughout the hotel, as Penhaligon’s signature festive fragrance and stunning decorations greet you at every turn.
Eat and Drink: The Scents of Christmas Penhaligon’s afternoon tea features refined pastries crafted to highlight the aromas of Christmas, with ingredients such as mulled pears, brandy mousse, gingerbread, chestnut, and clementines. Expect sandwiches of Scottish smoked salmon with lemon infused crème fraîche and watercress on Norfolk crunch bread, turkey with cranberries on walnut bread and classic egg and mustard cress on white bread. There’s also freshly-baked scones with Cornish clotted cream, homemade orange curd and winter preserve and mulled wine eclairs with dark chocolate crémeux, winter cranberry pie and festive battenberg cake.
Price: The Scents of Christmas Penhaligon’s afternoon tea is £68, £85 with a glass of Louis Roederer Vintage 2009 or £145 with a glass of Louis Roederer Cristal. To find out more details about Christmas at The Savoy, or to make a reservation, please call the Reservations team on +44 (0)20 7420 2111 or email savoy@fairmont.com
Where: Strand, London, United Kingdom, WC2R 0EU
Best Festive Afternoon Teas in London: 5* Teas
For a Traditional Tea: The Dorchester
What: ‘Tis the season to be jolly and what better way than with a festive afternoon tea served in the elegant surroundings of The Promenade at The Dorchester for a welcome dose of Yuletide cheer. A selection of Christmas themed pastries take centre stage, while mainstay favourites including traditional finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and homemade jams are accompanied by rare and grand teas.
Eat and Drink: Enjoy an Under the Mistletoe cocktail with pomegranate, gingerbread and lime garnished with mint and redcurrant, warm raisin and plain scones from their bakery, served with homemade strawberry jam, a seasonal jam and Cornish clotted cream. One of our favourite festive afternoon teas in London, for the ultimate celebratory experience, enjoy with a chilled glass of Laurent-Perrier champagne while our pianist keeps you and your party entertained.
Price: £68 per person, additional glass of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Champagne NV £14 Additional glass of Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Champagne NV £21. Weekdays from November 20 2017 to January 1, 2018. Weekends December 30-31, 2017 only.
Where: 53 Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1K 1QA
For a Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience: The Ritz
What: During the Christmas season, traditional afternoon tea in The Palm Court at The Ritz will be given a festive twist. Palm Court will be transformed into an Edwardian winter wonderland, surrounded by rich red and gold trimmings and a beautiful lavishly decorated Christmas tree in the centre of the room, making it feel enchanting. Each adult will receive a glass of Ritz Champagne and each child will receive a Ritz teddy bear.
Eat and Drink: You can enjoy with your family and friends, servings of delicate finger sandwiches, delicious pastries, mouth-watering cakes and freshly made scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve whilst listening to the glorious sounds of The Ritz choir singing carols. Sandwiches include ham with mustard mayonnaise on sliced brioche, cheddar cheese with chutney on tomato bread and Scottish smoked salmon with lemon butter on Sourdough bread. Pastries include fresh scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve, warm mince pies and traditional cakes.
Price: Christmas Afternoon Tea is £80 per adult and £50 per child. Available from Saturday 25th November until Saturday 30th December 2017.
Where: 150 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9BR
For a Special Christmas Tea: Claridge’s
What: Afternoon tea at Claridge’s is always an occasion, but during the festive season it takes on a special magic. Enjoy your festive tea with a glass of champagne and, at weekends, the sound of Christmas carols being sung in the Foyer.
Eat and Drink: Tea includes a choice of 24 teas from around the world, a seasonal selection of finger sandwiches and freshly-baked scones with Marco Polo Noël jelly and Cornish clotted cream. There’s also a selection of festive-themed pastries, an additional course of Christmas pudding, a glass of Laurent-Perrier champagne and s surprise gift on departure.
Price: £85 per person. Monday to Friday and £90 per person, Saturday and Sunday.
Where: Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR
Best Festive Afternoon Teas in London: New Launches
For a Very British Tea: Westminster Abbey
What: This month, Cellarium Café & Terrace at Westminster Abbey – one of London’s most iconic landmarks – is launching its special Christmas Afternoon Tea served in historic surroundings. The Cellarium Café & Terrace sits within the ancient cellars at the heart of Westminster Abbey and is the perfect place to immerse yourself in this indulgent British tradition.
Eat and Drink: One of our favourite festive afternoon teas in London, the specially-curated festive themed menu features classic afternoon tea items, made with traditional Christmas ingredients. From Brussel sprout and Stilton tart, to chocolate ganache topped gingerbread star, andChristmas spiced teas or a cranberry Bellini, it’s an tea of celebration.
Price: The Festive Afternoon Tea is £21.50 per person, or £25 with a cranberry Bellini from 12-4pm. Book by emailing westminsterabbey@benugo.com or calling 020 7222 0516.
Where: 20 Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey, London, SW1P 3PA
For a New Festive Tea: InterContinental London
What: Located on the vibrant Greenwich Peninsula, the InterContinental London has created a new Christmas-inspired afternoon tea, perfect for getting into the festive spirit. With 34 crafted teas from The East India Company, the hotel invites you to indulge in tea, themed pastries, delicious sandwiches and homemade cakes.
Eat and Drink: Start with a selection of finger sandwiches, including lightly hay smoked chicken, tarragon and apple on basil bread, hen’s egg with red mustard cress on potato and tomato bread and Scottish salmon with dill and crème fraîche on beetroot bread. There’s also homemade scones – spiced fruit and plain scones served with homemade strawberry jam and Cornish clotted cream – plus a selection of cakes and fancies including festive macaroon, clementine bonbon tart, chocolate and ginger cake, cherry and pistachio delive and Meridian mince pies.
Price: The Festive Afternoon Tea is £31 per person. The Ruinart Champagne Festive Afternoon Tea is £44 per person. Book by emailing christmas@iclondon-theo2.com or calling 020 8463 6868. Runs 20th November and 23rd December 2017.
Where: InterContinental London, The O2, 1 Waterview Dr, London, SE10 0TW
For Something Special: Lord’s Cricket Ground
What: If you want something special, indulge in Christmas Afternoon Tea in the Long Room at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Sunday 10th December. The Long Room at Lord’s Cricket Ground Pavilion is one of the sports world’s most celebrated interiors. Featuring some of the finest paintings in MCC’s impressive collection, the revered Long Room is at the heart of cricket’s grandest clubhouse!
Eat and Drink: Alongside all the firm favourites included in the regular Traditional Afternoon Tea, this special tea will help people get in to the festive spirit with homemade mulled wine and traditional mince pies, all the while enjoying the sounds of the festive season from carol singers, who take to the stage next to a spectacular Christmas Tree, which adorns the Long Room.
Price: Tickets for the Christmas Afternoon Tea are priced at £56 or £67 with a glass of Champagne and are available from the Lord’s website.
Where: More details, should you require them can be found here.
Best Festive Afternoon Teas in London and Beyond
For a Getaway: Down Hall Hotel & Spa, Essex
What: This Christmas, there’s no better place for a break than Down Hall Hotel & Spa, one of England’s most established country house hotels on the Essex border. Hosted in the winter wonder of Down Hall’s magnificent main lounge, guests can relax and feel the festive sparkle with a glass of champagne, accompanied by three tiers of savoury and sweet delicacies.
Eat and Drink: Seasonal sandwiches have been given the flavour of Christmas with fillings of roasted turkey and cranberry mayonnaise, smoked salmon with cream cheese, and hen’s egg with citrus mayonnaise and rocket. Keep away from the candy canes and feed your sweet tooth with warm, freshly made plain or cranberry buttermilk scones with clotted cream and jam, alongside pistachio and raspberry Battenberg, red velvet cakes, Oreo cookie cheesecake and clementine meringue pie, all served with a selection of teas or coffee.
Price: The Festive Afternoon Tea will be £30 per adult and £15 per child. Served daily throughout December, from 2pm-5pm.
Where: Down Hall Hotel & Spa, Matching Road, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM22 7AS
For Something Special: Chewton Glen, Hampshire
What: This Christmas, indulge in a classic afternoon tea with a festive twist at Chewton Glen – one of the UK’s best hotels. Chewton Glen is a 5 star luxury country house hotel in Hampshire, England with an award-winning New Forest spa and a world-class restaurant.
Eat and Drink: Start with a glass of champagne or Winter Pimm’s, served with selection of festive sandwiches, including smoked salmon and dill, turkey, cranberry and chestnut stuffing and cucumber with cream cheese and chive. There’s also some great sweet treats – cinnamon and golden sultana scones, and plain scones clotted cream and strawberry jam, followed by spiced chocolate cupcakes, mince pies, hazelnut and praline macarons, Mandarin and white chocolate slice, and treacle tart.
Price: £29.50pp or £39.50pp with a glass of Champagne or Winter Pimm’s
Where: Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, New Forest, Hampshire, England, UK BH25 6QS
For a Homemade Tea: The Salutation, Kent
What: Looking for something tasty? Try the Christmas afternoon tea in the Drawing Room at The Salutation, Kent. We love their delicious homemade cakes, which include mince pie, Christmas cake with almond icing, freshly-made scones, and chocolate hazelnut gateau.
Eat and Drink: One of our favourite festive afternoon teas in London and beyond, there’s a selection of sandwiches including turkey and cranberry, cucumber pickle and eg, alongside savouries such as smoked ham hock in brioche, mature cheddar with tomato and apple chutney and Stilton and broccoli quiche.
Price: Festive Afternoon Tea is £18 or £29 with Champagne.
Where: The Salutation, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9EW
For a Northern Tea: The Midland Hotel, Manchester
What: If you’re looking for a feast up north, try this Festive Afternoon Tea at The Midland Hotel in Manchester. The tea features homemade mulled wine or a glass of champagne, with all the delicious local food.
Eat and Drink: Begin with a selection of sandwiches, including roast turkey with stuffing and cranberry, smoked salmon and prawn with rocket and cream cheese with chestnut and sage. Follow with the best plain and cranberry and white chocolate scones with Cornish clotted cream and Mrs. Darlington’s jams, and a assortment of home-baked cakes, including mince pies, caramelized pear mousse and mulled wine jelly, and cinnamon and clementine frangipane.
Price: Festive Afternoon Tea is £37 per person. Served Monday-Thursday.
Where: The Midland Hotel, Manchester, M60 2DS
