The best Christmas afternoon tea in London

Afternoon tea at The Langham, dating back to 1865, is a timeless classic. Fitted with dramatic lighting, comfy seating, and mirrored walls, the Palm Court salon provides a futuristic, luxurious setting. This year, they've teamed up with famed toy store Hamley's for special Christmas afternoon tea menus. The children's version features patisserie shaped like legendary toys, while the adult version reimagines nostalgic childhood favourites with a cheery Christmas twist.

Dalloway Terrace has transformed into a gleaming winter escape in partnership with Champagne house Charles Heidsieck, blending festive charm with elegant pour-ready glamour. Inside, guests step into a cosy golden haven made for long lunches, sparkling evenings, and a Christmas-ready afternoon tea. The festive afternoon tea comes complete with seasonal savouries, patisserie, and a children's version so everyone gets in on the magic.

A stylish five-star hotel with splendid views of Hyde Park, the Royal Lancaster London houses the Hyde Café, a beautiful, elegant space for a quintessentially British experience. Prepared in collaboration with the Natural History Museum, the festive afternoon tea spans an assortment of delicately crafted sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and tempting botanically-themed patisserie, accompanied by a global selection of Camellia's Tea House teas and the option to add champagne. 

Brigit's Bakery is a popular afternoon tea choice year-round, and it goes all out for Christmas. The café is famed for its bus tours, where you can enjoy afternoon tea on a double-decker as you ride around town taking in the sights. During the winter holidays, Brigit's Bakery offers different afternoon tea bus tours, including ones that take you past London's most iconic Christmas lights.

The iconic Ritz hotel next to Green Park is famous not just for its luxurious accommodation but also for its afternoon tea. The Palm Court salon becomes an Edwardian winter wonderland with beautiful festive decor, ensuring a magical setting for your Christmas afternoon tea. The menu includes 20 top-quality loose-leaf teas, delicate finger sandwiches, mouth-watering pastries, and freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserves. It's all accompanied by a choir singing classic Christmas carols, and kids receive their own Ritz teddy bear.

The Lanesborough's luxury afternoon tea is inspired by the hit Netflix series "Bridgerton" and gets a seasonal makeover. The Queen Charlotte Festive Afternoon Tea features signature Lanesborough teas, including a special Queen Charlotte blend, homemade scones, tasty sandwiches, royalty-themed pastries, and a special festive cocktail. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are all available, as well as a kids' menu.

The five-star Corinthia hotel in Westminster caters to upscale crowds with its premium luxury offering. You can enjoy Christmas afternoon tea bathed in the glow of glistening Baccarat crystals here, with the festive menu including seasonal finger sandwiches and sweet delicacies. You can enhance your experience with champagne or sparkling tea, or even add a caviar course for the utmost indulgence.

Visit the iconic Dorchester for an uplifting seasonal afternoon tea. Served in the stylish Promenade in the heart of the hotel, the festive afternoon tea includes an assortment of homemade finger sandwiches on artisan bread, a seasonal pre-dessert from the chef, a selection of exquisite pastries, and exclusive teas. You can also gift the experience to a loved one – they'll even get a beautiful seasonal bouquet to take home when they've finished.

Offering five-star luxury in Marylebone, the iconic Landmark London hotel boasts a memorable glass-roofed atrium and tall palm trees. It's there in the Winter Garden that you can enjoy one of the finest Christmas afternoon teas in London, featuring a selection of seasonal sandwiches, warm scones with jams hand-picked by the executive chef, and festive desserts. A glass of champagne is also included in the price.