If you’re visiting the UK over the holidays, you’ll definitely want to indulge in the best Christmas tea in London. Afternoon tea was introduced in England by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in the year 1840. The Duchess would become hungry around four o’clock in the afternoon. The evening meal in her household was served fashionably late at eight o’clock, thus leaving a long period of time between lunch and dinner.
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Map of Christmas Afternoon Tea in London
Is Christmas a good time to visit London?
IMHO I think Christmas is a marvelous time to visit London. The city comes alive with several Christmas festivities including festive afternoon tea, Christmas markets, Christmas displays and more.
What time is afternoon tea in London?
Traditionally, you’ll usually find it from the hours of 1pm to 6pm.
What to wear to afternoon tea in London?
Most of the places listed in this blog post recommend wearing smart casual. Translation? Don’t go dressing like a rag muffin drugstore cowboy. Need further clarification? Don’t dress like a slob. Wear something nice!
Where is best for afternoon tea in London?
Afternoon tea in London is a British tradition since 1840. It’s ingrained into the culture. You really can’t go wrong with any of these delectable afternoon teas listed here.
1. Skyline Festive Afternoon Tea at Tīng Shangri-La at The Shard
You’re definitely in for a festive treat for the skyline Christmas afternoon Tea at Tīng. Relax with panoramic views over London as you enjoy tea, delicate finger sandwiches, and savory delights. Plain and Raisin scones will be served alongside delicious charming designed pastries, including Paris Brest, Cinnamon Plum Tart, complete with a marvellous Spiced Pear and Vanilla Christmas Shard pastry to share. View the festive afternoon tea menu at Tīng here.
When: November 7, 2022 – January 31, 2023
2. Magical Afternoon at Wands and Wizard Exploratorium
Wand and Wizard is broadly inspired by fantasy and science-fiction and is a place for fans of magic. You may see many of your favorite references to Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and Star Wars. Rest assured, you’re in good company with your fellow geeks. When participating in the Christmas Wizard Afternoon Tea, you then select your wand and are led to an interactive work station where you cast spells with your wand to control your tea stand and open your locked puzzle chest, which contains your ingredients. Now this totally sounds like an afternoon of fun!
When: December 7, 2022 – December 31, 2022
3. Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios Tour Christmas Afternoon Tea
Now onto the official Harry Potter Christmas afternoon tea. Don’t miss out on this fantastic event with Hogwarts decked out in all of its holiday glory and then followed by tasty treats. My advice? As soon as tickets go on sale, book them. They sell out super fast. You can book your Harry Potter Christmas tea here. On the menu this year is a Golden Snitch Choux, bun cookies, cream Cheesecake, Luna Lovegood Little Loaf Raspberry, and white chocolate macaroons.
4. B Bakery Christmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
The B Bakery Christmas After Tea Bus Tour kicks it off like no other with the incredible Christmas lights and views. You’ll start with finger sandwiches and savory muffins followed by sweet, handmade patisserie treats like chocolate cupcakes and yuzu meringue tarts. They will be served alongside our classic scones with clotted cream and jam, plus the usual scrumptious selection of Brigit’s Teas. View the B Bakery’s festive afternoon tea menu here.
When: November 14, 2022 – January 8, 2023
5. Festive Afternoon Tea at The Langham
The Langham is the birthplace of afternoon tea. This is probably the most bougie afternoon tea for a reason. This luxury afternoon tea in London will treat you to a variety of finger sandwiches like smoked turkey, chestnut and raisin stuffing, cranberry bread, and roast ham. It’ll then be followed by their Christmas cheese scone, port red onion chutney, and Stichelton. Their exquisite pastries inspired by the nation’s favorite treats such as figgy pudding. You can book your Christmas afternoon tea at the Langham here.
When: November 14, 2022 – January 2, 2022
6. Festive Afternoon Tea at The Orchid Lounge at Pan Pacific
The Orchid Lounge at Pan Pacific Christmas afternoon tea is high up on my list for how delicate, feminine, and pretty it is. This year, they took inspiration from the Sugar Plum Fairy from the Nutcracker. Award-winning Executive Pastry Chef, Cherish Finden, curates seasonal collections with a twist not found anywhere else in London. She brings her unique flair for Asian flavors to the traditional British Afternoon Tea with the Singaporean-inspired Kopi Tiam, celebrating bao, dim sum and choux. View the festive afternoon tea menu at the Orchid Lounge here.
When: November 7, 2022 – January 2, 2023
7. Festive Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea at The Dilly
The official Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea brings to life the classic story by London author Beatrix Potter. Christmas is the perfect time to treat yourself, so why not enjoy the ultimate indulgence pairing classic treats with festive sparkle. Cranberry scones, sugar snowflakes, and white chocolate bunny ears await. This Christmas afternoon tea is so freaking cute, I don’t even want to eat it. View the Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea menu here.
When: November 18, 2022 – December 31, 2022
8. Christmas Afternoon Tea at Biscuiteers
The festive afternoon tea at Biscuiteers was voted Best Festive Afternoon Tea by Luxury London Magazine! Their luxurious festive afternoon tea is inspired by the indulgent flavors of Christmas. All their treats are handmade in their in-house patisserie kitchen, featuring locally sourced ingredients. Their finger sandwiches include wild Scottish smoked salmon, turkey and cranberry, cheese and chutney, as well as cucumber and cream cheese. You can take a look at their full festive menu here.
When: November 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022
9. Festive Afternoon Tea at Four Seasons London at Park Lane
The festive afternoon tea at Four Seasons Park Lane in London is one fit for a queen. Nestled within the heart of Mayfair and a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace, there isn’t a more fitting location to celebrate the holidays. You’ll be treated to finger sandwiches such as Neal’s Yard Goat cheese and walnuts as well as white Portland Crab. Then, indulge in decadent desserts such as a pear and raspberry delice and a pistachio bauble. View the Four Seasons Park Lane festive afternoon tea menu here.
When: November 4, 2022 – January 8, 2023
10. The Rotunda Bar & Lounge, Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square
The Rotunda’s festive afternoon tea will kick off with classic finger sandwiches like smoked salmon, dill and capers, and coronation turkey. Enjoy a Christmas-themed patisserie such as The Reindeer, made with pear marmalade, lime zest chantilly, and peanut biscuit. You’ll get to try The Bauble, a chestnut mousse with a golden mandarin and saffron glaze – all served on a special Santa’s Sleigh. Of course there will be freshly baked scones, seasonal jams, lemon curd, and Devonshire clotted cream. You can view the Rotunda Bar & Lounge festive afternoon tea menu here.
When: November 4, 2022 – January 8, 2023
11. Festive Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough London
The Lanesborough is at its most magical during the festive season, softly sparkling with Christmas décor and full of merriment. Executive Pastry Chef Salvatore Mungiovino playfully presents the flavors of the season. Their sandwiches include oak smoked salmon as well as Granny Smith apple and horseradish Truffled duck and turkey sausage roll. YUM! You can view The Lanesborough London festive afternoon tea menu here.
When: November 11, 2022 – January 8, 2022
12. Christmas Afternoon Tea at Marriott County Hall
Step inside The Library and be transported back to the glitz and glamour of the roaring 1920s. Located in the Marriott Hotel County Hall, The Library decor features oak bookcases stacked with the classics and adorned with busts of literary and historical figures. Indulge in history whilst enjoying spectacular views over the River Thames and Big Ben. Indulge in our home-made festive scones, selection of savoury finger sandwiches and beloved trio of cakes. I’m honestly super enamored by the Big Ben cakes. You can view the Christmas afternoon tea menu at Marriott County Hall here.
When: November 14, 2022 – early January 2023
13. Festive Afternoon Tea at Hyatt Regency London Churchill
Tucked away behind bustling Oxford Street and ideally located to explore the boutique shops and characterful streets of the London village of Marylebone, experience impeccable service and an occasion to remember. Pastry Chef Aurelien Dupont, has created a brand new Afternoon Tea menu for The Montagu Kitchen, which includes delectable pastries, such as milk chocolate and coconut macaroons or apple, cinnamon and vanilla blossom. You can view the Montagu Kitchen’s afternoon tea menu here.
When: December 1, 2022 – December 30, 2022
14. Festive Afternoon Tea at InterContinental at The O2
As you know afternoon tea is a quintessentially British affair. Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year by treating yourself. Enjoy a selection of carefully-chosen savory and sweet treats with spiced cranberry and plain scones served with fig and strawberry preserve and Cornish clotted cream. I don’t know about you, but those pastries look so drool worthy! You can view the Christmas afternoon tea menu at The O2 Intercontinental here.
When: December 1, 2022 – January 8, 2023
15. Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace
Expect a scrumptious feast of cakes, pastries, and seasonal flavors that pay tribute to the long-standing English tradition of Afternoon Tea, including a glass of mulled wine and if you’re dining on Christmas Day, a glass of Champagne. Set against the tranquil backdrop of live piano music in either The English Grill or The Palace Lounge. You can view the Christmas afternoon tea menu at Rubens here.
When: November 14, 2022 – January 1, 2023
16. Festive Afternoon Tea at the Hyde Cafe at the Royal Lancaster
The Hyde Cafe Christmas afternoon tea features sandwiches of Scottish salmon rillettes with horseradish on beetroot flavored bread and an egg sandwich with truffle and wholemeal bread. For their sweet treats, bite into Santa’s hat which is an orange bakewell tart, cranberry gel, mandarin orange mousse. You can view the festive afternoon tea menu at Hyde Cafe here.
When: November 26, 2022 – January 7, 2023
17. The Savoy Christmas Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea at Savoy is considered one of the BEST luxury high teas in London. With the gorgeous decorations and festive flavors, you’re bound to have one magic filled afternoon. Their tea begins with a mix of traditional finger and open sandwiches, alongside freshly baked scones with clotted cream and lemon curd. You’ll indulge in a selection of festive sweet treats, plus a glass of Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé, which is presented on a bespoke oak wood trolley dressed as a miniature replica of The Savoy Theatre.
When: November 13, 2022 – January 6, 2023
18. Christmas Afternoon Tea at Sofitel London St James
During the Christmas season, traditional afternoon tea in The Rose Lounge will be given a festive twist by Executive Head Pastry Chef Lerrick Coelho. Enjoy a choice of 15 different types of loose-leaf tea, assortment of delicate savory dishes, delicious pastries, and freshly made scones with Cornish clotted cream and homemade seasonal jam.
With tasty desserts like the coconut and raspberry Macaroon, pear and vanilla delice chocolate, and cherry cube carrot cake, you can’t go wrong. You can view the Sofitel St James London festive afternoon tea menu here.
When: November 17, 2022 – January 8, 2023
19. Festive Afternoon Tea at Conrad St James
Festive afternoon tea in The Orchard tea room is a true delight with its stunning floral decorations and wonderfully relaxed ambience. It features a beautiful glass roof that lets in light and enhances space’s sophisticated, contemporary design. Their elegant Afternoon Tea menu is classically based with some fresh ideas and delicious sweet and savory specialities, making it even more of an occasion. You can view the festive afternoon tea menu at the Orchard Room here.
When: December 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022
20. Festive Afternoon Tea at InterContinental London Park Lane
The Wellington Lounge is an ideal meeting place for an early morning coffee and pastries, award-winning afternoon tea or an all-day-menu featuring classic seasonal dishes. Standing proudly on the former site of 145 Piccadilly—Queen Elizabeth II’s former childhood home—the Wellington Lounge pays respect to its heritage by offering traditional afternoon tea with a modern twist for an experience fit for royalty. To be real, I’m already sold with the Christmas ornament desserts. You can view the Christmas afternoon tea menu at Intercontinental London Park Lane here.
When: November 17, 2022 – January 1, 2023
21. Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea at Hilton on Park Lane
Some of the tasty desserts on the 2022 menu include a Chestnut and Cassis yule log, Santa’s Christmas Trifle, Black Forest Parcel, Praline Paris-Brest, Eggnog Mandarin Cheesecake, and LollySticky Toffee Pudding and Toffee Sauce. You can view the Winter Wonderland afternoon tea menu here.
When: December 1, 2022 – January 3, 2023
22. Festive Afternoon Tea at The Landmark London
The Landmark London offers the most exquisite Afternoon Tea served beneath the elegant high palms of our famous Winter Garden Restaurant. The setting is serene and magical, the atmosphere relaxed and refined with the soft sound of piano and daylight twinkling through. Indulge in an irresistible assortment of delicacies, delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with rich Cornish clotted cream and delicious preserves, along with a selection of crafted cakes and pastries. You can view the Christmas afternoon tea menu at the Landmark London here.
When: December 1, 2022 – January 4, 2023
23. Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Lane at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience, celebrating the ceremony and pageantry of an exquisite afternoon tea by Lily Vanilli.Surrounded by elegance from the moment you enter, the Grand Saloon features dazzling chandeliers, ornate ceilings, beautiful furnishings and fine art. You can view the Christmas afternoon tea menu at the Lane here.
When: December 1, 2022 – December 24, 2022
24. The Ivy Asia
Would this be Gina Bear’s blog without a little Asian inspiration? 😉 The Ivy Asia across London is partnering exclusively with Champagne Laurent-Perrier for a glitzy and glamorous handcrafted afternoon tea. The menu will feature handmade aromatic duck spring rolls, steaming vegetable dumplings and hand-rolled ripe avocado maki rolls. For those with a sweet tooth, there will be a selection of Japanese mochi, with fresh mini chocolate samurai and warm passionfruit and coconut doughnuts to indulge in.
When: November 28, 2022 – December 30, 2022
25. The Dorchester Festive Afternoon Tea
Taking tea at The Dorchester, surrounded by luxury, tradition and delicious cakes, is the true definition of a day in London spent well. With a new season comes a whole new selection of afternoon tea delights. Enjoy traditional afternoon tea, perhaps with a glass of champagne as you indulge in our favourite past time. There’s no better way to celebrate an occasion or spend time with friends and family. View the Dorchester’s festive afternoon tea menu here.
When: November 21, 2022 – January 3, 2023
26. Strand Palace Festive Afternoon Tea
Inspired by the 100-year heritage of Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop, a treasure trove of traditional toys and pop-up paper theatres in the heart of Covent Garden, adults and children alike will delight in a wonderfully festive Afternoon Tea that draws on the whimsical world. View the Strand Palace Christmas afternoon tea menu here.
When: November 7, 2022 – December 31, 2022
27. The Parlour at Great Scotland Yard Christmas Afternoon Tea
Indulge in an Afternoon Tea with a twist at Great Scotland Yard, a 5-star hotel where tradition and history meets modern luxury. The former home of the Metropolitan Police, this historical institution now fuses classic glamour with bold art. Every thoughtful detail of its interior design tells the story of its prominent past. Celebrate Christmas time with a Floris London Festive Afternoon Tea in The Parlour at Great Scotland Yard Hotel.
When: November 28, 2022 – January 2, 2023
28. Christmas Afternoon Tea at the Ritz London
The Ritz Club will be transformed into an Edwardian winter wonderland, surrounded by rich red and gold trimmings and a beautiful lavishly decorated Christmas tree, making it feel enchanting. Enjoy your choice of 18 different types of loose-leaf tea, servings of delicate finger sandwiches, delicious pastries, mince pies, mouth-watering Christmas cakes and freshly made scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve with a glass of Glass Barons de Rothschild. You can’t go wrong with Christmas afternoon tea at the Ritz London. View the Ritz Club festive afternoon tea menu here.
When: November 19, 2022 – January 1, 2023
29. Festive Afternoon Tea at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
The Mandarin Oriental has afternoon tea near Hyde Park London. You can expect a holiday setting consisting of a roaring log fire, Christmas decorations and views over festive Knightsbridge. As well as a special festive Afternoon Tea for adults, our talented pastry team have dreamed up a jolly children’s one, complete with a special Jellycat toy. You can view the festive Mandarin Oriental afternoon tea menu here.
When: November 21, 2022 – January 2, 2023
30. Christmas Afternoon Tea Oscar Wilde Bar at Hotel Cafe Royal
Held exclusively within this Grade II listed room, an afternoon tea experience at Hotel Café Royal is truly unique. As gilded features decorate the mirrored room and artistic ceilings, delightful delicacies, sumptuous sweets, and overflowing Champagne and teas make the entire service one to remember. Plus, with live piano and an intimate setting, you will find yourself transported to a time gone by, one where patrons of old waltzed through the halls of this hallowed building. Some of their most famous guests include Princess Diana, David Bowie, and Elizabeth Taylor.
When: November 16, 2022
Christmas afternoon tea in London is sure to make your highlight list during the holiday season. Honestly every single one of these places look fantastic and it will be hard for me to choose which place I’d like to visit for afternoon tea in London.
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