Perfect for visiting relatives and great for all ages, London's Christmas afternoon teas are a great way to get together over the festive season. Here's our pick of whose seasonal selections are the best in town.
Harvey Nichols
Knightsbridge and South Bank
To celebrate Harvey Nichols' partnership with The World of Tim Burton, the Knightsbridge store’s Fifth Floor Café and its OXO Tower Restaurant are both serving up a Christmas tea with a mix of gothic elegance and festive cheer. Their Christmas tea offering is a mix of gothic elegance and festive cheer. That means gold-leaf baubles layered with orange sponge and Christmas pudding mousse, tea and biscuits mini teapots filled with biscuits, peppermint candy cane macarons and cinnamon gingerbread ganache bonbons. And of course the classic finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones.
How much: £40 per person, or £50 with a glass of Champagne. Book it here.
Dates: 1 November 2024 to 28 December 2025
The Ivy Collection
Across London
For a great value Christmas tea head to any of the Ivy Collection's restaurants or cafes across London. Their festive offering sees their cake selection given a seasonal twist to feature a Coconut and chocolate snowball, a creamy Orange and cranberry éclair and a Pistachio, almond and cherry battenberg. There are also mince pies, naturally, to finish the experience.
How much? £33.75 Or add a glass of Nyetimber Classic Cuvee for £10.
Sheraton Grand London Park Lane
Mayfair - Piccadilly, London W1J 7BX
Director Richard Curtis already has a choke hold on festive films with Love Actually and he's following that up with a new Netflix release, That Christmas. Mayfair hotel the Sheraton Grand is the movie's official afternoon tea partner and they're aiming to bring it to life via the medium of cake and sandwiches. That means a menu featuring ‘Officially Nice’ sour cherry and pistachio macaron, Dasher’s salted caramel mousse, Passionfruit snowman chestnut cake and a Coronation Norfolk turkey sandwich.
How much? £65 (£80 with Champagne). The children's tea is £29
When? 21 November 2024, to 8 January 2025
Pan Pacific
The City- 80 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AB
If you're heading into the City to check out London’s tallest Christmas tree on Bishopsgate Plaza, then that's the perfect time to nip into the Pan Pacific for their festive afternoon tea. Seasonal treats on offer include a Rudolph pecan tart, a mint chocolate macaron wreath and a plum and chestnut mousse ‘bauble’ along with orange and cranberry scones. The children's version also includes biscuit decorating.
How much: £68 for adults, £29 for children.
Dates: 13 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
Grosvenor House Hotel
Mayfair- 86-90 Park Ln, London W1K 7TN
Head Pastry Chef Anthony Hurst at The Grosvenor House has used the poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas' poem as inspiration this year. Cakes being served up will include Be Present (an edible gift layered with puff pastry, raspberry coulis, and crème fraîche Chantilly and a Trimmings and Traditions gold bauble made with fig mousse and plum compote. Add to that Norfolk turkey finger sandwiches and a pianist playing carols for fully festive fun. The special children’s version of the tea will come with miniature scones with ice cream and hot chocolate.
How much: £70 per person, or £83 with a glass of Champagne. and £35 per child (up to 12 years).
Dates: 19 November 2024 to 2 January 2025
The Lanesborough
Knightsbridge - Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
The hotel's Bridgerton-inspired tea has been given a festive makeover for Christmas. There will be finger sandwiches of roast Norfolk turkey with cranberry, chestnut and sage, warm miniature mince pies, a selection of sweet treats named after moments in the TV series and Christmassy cocktails too.
How much: £98 per person with a Festive Cocktail. £105 per person with a glass of Champagne
Dates: 3 November 2024 to 8 January 2025
Rails Restaurant
King's Cross - Pancras Rd, London N1C 4TB
If you're arriving or leaving London via King's Cross, then the festive afternoon tea at the RAILS Restaurant will be a pretty handy bolt-on to any London trip for Christmas shopping. Savouries include turkey and cranberry or brie and apple, as well as a leek, thyme and Comté quiche while those with a sweet tooth will want the eggnog tart with a gingerbread man and red cherry and chestnut yule log.
How much: £39.50
Dates: 14 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
JOIA Bar
Battersea - 15th Floor, 1 Electric Blvd, Nine Elms, London SW11 8BJ
Looking for a festive tea offering with an amazing view across London? At JOIA they're serving up a weekend winter afternoon tea on Saturdays and Sundays. Expect a classic selection with a seasonal twist so the finger sarnies include turkey and cranberry and the scones come with a strawberry and mulled wine jam. For drinks, your options include a cup of loose-leaf tea, a glass of Champagne, or the 'De Nata' cocktail inspired by the Portuguese tart, featuring rum, toasted milk, vanilla custard and sherry.
How much: £55 or £65 with a glass of Champagne
The Savoy
Strand - The Strand, London WC2R 0EZ
Be the first in to try the new Gallery restaurant that's taken over the lounge space at The Savoy. Festive takes on classic afternoon tea treats include a Coronation turkey sandwich and a Mont Blanc with chestnut cream and blackcurrants. There are also vegetarian and plant-based versions of the menus so it's great for everyone.
How much: From £95
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