Time to get your festive glad rags on! These are the fanciest Christmas afternoon teas in London
Now lockdown 2.0 has come to an end, we are totally immersing ourselves in the festive season and welcoming any opportunity for a Covid-safe celebration in London, which means booking ourselves in for a Christmas afternoon tea.
Yes, now some of London’s best hotels and restaurants are back up and running again, it’s the perfect way to soak up the season (not to mention a chance to glam up a bit after months in loungewear) enjoying their twinkling Christmas trees and, of course, the platters of elegant and tempting tea treats in store.
From fancy festive afternoon teas to cosy igloos overlooking the capital's skyline.
While the capital might currently still be in Tier 2, that’s not stopping us from indulging in our favourite pastime - even if we’re only allowed to enjoy it indoors with our household. After all, who doesn’t love tea, sandwiches and dainty cakes? And yes, before you ask, a traditional afternoon tea is considered a ‘substantial’ meal so a glass of bubbly is definitely on the cards.
The quintessential English tradition of afternoon tea dates back to 1840 when Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, complained she was feeling hungry around 4pm, after lunch and before her 8pm dinner time. The Duchess requested that a tray of tea, bread and butter and cake be brought to her room and, alas, a new dining ritual began.
The great news is that London isn’t short of some spectacular offerings. From the Ritz hotel’s famous Palm Court, where its festive afternoon tea is served alongside a live choir singing classic carols, to Fortnum & Mason’s tea served inside the diamond jubilee salon, the perfect respite from a spot of Christmas shopping. Whether you’re there for the sandwiches, the crumbly scones or the seasonal sweet treats, just make sure you go hungry.
So, here’s GLAMOUR’s edit of the best Christmas afternoon teas in London worth nabbing a reservation before they’re booked up. Chin chin!
The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly
As a department store famous for its tea, you'd be mad to miss trying the festive afternoon tea at Fortnums, a perfect respite after a spot of Christmas shopping. Seasonal favourites include lobster rolls, truffled Cotswold Legbar Egg Mayonnaise sandwiches and an array of freshly-made mini cakes.
From £65 per person
It doesn't get any more ritzier than The Ritz and afternoon tea here inside The Palm Court at Christmas time is just magical. Expect seasonal delicate finger sandwiches, delicious pastries, mince pies, mouth-watering Christmas cakes and freshly made scones, enjoyed alongside the Ritz choir serenading you with carols.
From £85 per person, including a glass of champagne
Decked out in its Christmas finest, a festive afternoon tea at The Savoy is unmissable. Tea savoury treats include smoked venison loin, chestnut and blackcurrant finger sandwiches made with fresh juniper bread, not to mention sweet treats including a spiced citrus delice, made with gingerbread, mandarin and white chocolate whipping ganache and a festive eclair.
From £70 per person
Another winter favourite, afternoon tea at The Dorchester is always a delight but come Christmas it's a winter wonderland guaranteed to remove any traces of bah humbug. Tuck into the classics, with a festive spin while a angelic choir perform traditional carols as you dine.
From £80 per person including a glass of champagne
Peggy Porschen Festive Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner
We love this Insta-worthy festive tea by Peggy Porschen served in the dazzling Céleste restaurant at The Lanesborough. Expect platters of moorish sandwiches, including coronation chicken and smoked salmon on homemade brioche, crumbly scones and, of course, perfect Peggy festive cakes galore.
£75 per person including a glass of champagne
The Park Room at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London, Hyde Park Corner
Overlooking wintery Hyde Park, we couldn't think of a better spot to soak up the Christmassy atmosphere in London than here. From sandwiches stuffed with roast Aberdeen Angus beef and honey roast Yorkshire ham to spiced gingerbread tarts and caramelised apple and roast chestnut Mont Blanc Christmas trees, you're in for a treat.
From £55.50 per person
Tucked away on the leafy Westbourne Terrace, Roseate House is a calm escape from the bustling city. Expect roaring fires, traditional finger sandwiches filled with the likes of turkey and cranberry and cheddar and English pickle alongside buttery mince pies and savoury scones.
From £32 per person
