Guide to Christmas afternoon tea in London

Renowned French chef Yannick Alléno brought his culinary expertise to the Four Seasons Park Lane luxury hotel in 2023. A British interpretation of Alléno's gastronomic zeal, Pavyllon London offers an all-day menu highlighting the chef's signature culinary methods like extraction and fermentation. The seasonal afternoon tea here features exquisite takes on classics such as the After Eight Granola or the Chestnut Pavlova, and is accompanied by teas from around the world and the hot chocolate of the day.

With their Art Deco features and welcoming atmosphere, The Ivy restaurants are a bastion of Britishness, serving traditional British food and drinks at various locations around the countries. Afternoon tea is a big part of that and it gets a festive makeover during the Christmas season. The Ivy's festive afternoon tea is a fashionable, sociable mid-afternoon treat that you can add a glass of Nyetimber Classic Cuvee to as well.

Served in the opulent Foyer and Reading Room, the Festive Afternoon Tea at the five-star Claridge's hotel is an exercise in indulgence. Beautifully presented, the extravagant treat features finger sandwiches, fresh scones, patisserie, and world-class teas, with everything prepared from ingredients of the highest quality and with meticulous care. For that extra little festive delight, you can also add a glass of champagne or rosé champagne.

The iconic Ritz hotel next to Green Park is famous not just for its luxurious accommodation but also its afternoon tea. This year the Palm Court salon has been turned into an Edwardian winter wonderland with beautiful festive decor, ensuring a magical setting for your Christmas afternoon tea. The menu includes 18 top-quality loose-leaf teas and an array of delicious treats, and it's accompanied by a choir singing classic Christmas carols. On Christmas Day, Father Christmas is even stopping by.

Don't be surprised if you look out of the window while at Tíng and see Santa Claus going past on his sleigh. Offering the highest dining experience at The Shard, the Asian-inspired restaurant serves a festive afternoon tea in its lounge. Featuring limited-edition pastries inspired by the signature scents of Jo Loves Christmas Collection, the beautifully presented tea can be elevated further with the addition of champagne.

Going back to 1865, afternoon tea at The Langham is a timeless classic. Fitted with dramatic lighting, comfy seating, and mirrored walls, the Palm Court salon provides a futuristic, luxurious setting. The Christmas afternoon tea here is prepared in collaboration with the famed Liberty department store and draws inspiration from its iconic fabrics and designs.

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, along with 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.

During the festive season, the luxurious Carlton Tower Jumeirah in Knightsbridge transforms into a winter utopia, transporting guests to a fairytale snowy village with the help of floral installations, crystalised ornaments, and other decor. The seasonal twist on the hotel's award-winning afternoon tea includes savoury sandwiches and beautiful patisserie, as well as an assortment of special scones.

Served in the Orchid Lounge, Pan Pacific London's festive afternoon tea is influenced by Asian cuisine and includes siu mai dumplings and sui bao instead of the classic finger sandwiches. Carefully-crafted by the luxury hotel's pastry chefs, the Kaleidoscope Collection Festive Afternoon Tea intertwines colours, reflections, and light in a mesmerising, magical holiday treat.

With its convenient central location, sleek, comfortably appointed rooms, and all-day dining and wining options, The Biltmore Mayfair is a top choice for out-of-town visitors in need of luxury accommodation. In the hotel's Tea Lounge you can enjoy a festive afternoon tea with tasty treats like turkey sandwiches, mulled wine cured salmon, chestnut mousse, and more.

One of the most famous afternoon teas in the whole world is served in The Thames Foyer at The Savoy, in an elegant atrium with a glass dome, a central gazebo with a live pianist, and views of the river. The festive afternoon tea is on offer throughout the holiday season, but gets extra sparkle on Christmas Day with four special sittings. The venue undergoes a beautiful seasonal transformation as well.

The Dilly is a five-star hotel located right next to Piccadilly Circus. From its prime location, it serves a themed afternoon tea inspired by the city itself. You can feast on London landmarks such as Big Ben and iconic imagery like the red telephone box. During the holiday season, the afternoon tea gets a festive makeover with seasonal flavours and designs. Vegetarian and children's menus are available as well.

The five-star Corinthia hotel in Westminster caters to upscale crowds with its premium luxury offering. You can enjoy afternoon tea bathed in the glow of 1,001 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.

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 bus tours, including ones themed after the Grinch, Peppa Pig, and Paddington that are sure to keep the kids entertained.

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.

The oldest theatre in London, Theatre Royal Drury Lane has hosted spectacular shows and events for decades. It also houses the Grand Saloon, an elegant café where afternoon tea is served daily on bespoke fine bone china. During the festive season, the Saloon is decorated with beautiful seasonal ornaments and twinkling lights, and the festive afternoon tea menu caters to various dietary requirements, including vegan and gluten-free.

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. The festive afternoon tea spans an assortment of delicately crafted sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and tempting patisserie, accompanied by a global selection of teas and the option to add champagne. 

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 a festive afternoon tea with a selection of seasonal sandwiches, warm scones with jams hand-picked by the executive chef, and festive desserts. A glass of champagne is included in the price as well.

The Park Corner Brasserie at the London Hilton in Park Lane is a modern British restaurant that serves a signature afternoon tea. The festive edition of their interpretation of this beloved ritual includes six playful courses, accompanied by a menu of unique loose-leaf teas by Tregothnan, a Cornwall-based company that provides the only tea grown in England.

The 2023 festive afternoon tea at the InterContinental London hotel in Mayfair sprinkles festive cheer all over its traditional afternoon tea offering. Choose between an ordinary and a vegetarian menu and enjoy treats such as baked Cotswold smoked brie, honey-baked parsnips, a Christmas log, classic scones with clotted cream, spiced satsumas, and flavourful festive teas. Alcoholic upgrades are available as well.