Skip to Content

14 Festive Places For Christmas Afternoon Tea In London

Christmas is the perfect time for an afternoon tea in London, with all of your favourite treats on offer! From traditional scones and cakes to seasonal sandwiches and finger food, there’s something for everyone at these special venues.

Whether you want to celebrate Christmas or just have some fun together over lunchtime, I’ve got everything covered.

Here are my favourite Christmas Afternoon Tea’s in London to get you into the festive spirit! 

Disclaimer: Hi! this post may contain affiliate links which will take you to online retailers that sell products and services. If you click on one and buy something, I may earn a commission, see my Affiliate Disclosure for more details.

The Ritz

Christmas Decoration of The Ritz London
Source: Julie Mayfeng_ Dreamstime
Christmas Decoration of The Ritz London

Join family and friends for an exceptional afternoon tea with a festive twist at The Ritz, located in the iconic Palm Court.

Served with a choice of 18 loose-leaf teas, enjoy every bite as you delve into delicate finger sandwiches, festive mince pies and mouth-watering sweet treats such as freshly made pastries and scones.

Each adult will also receive a glass of Ritz Champagne and each child a Ritz teddy bear.

The Ritz choir provides classic entertainment with well-known carols, creating a warm, uplifting atmosphere. Sit back and have a look around at the beautifully decorated room with a lavishly decorated tree featuring ribbons of red and gold.

The Ritz Christmas Afternoon Tea is available to book for Christmas day, where Santa is sure to pay a visit bringing gifts to lucky children. Be sure to book quickly so you can make unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

Aqua Shard

Enjoy breathtaking views of London from Western Europe’s tallest building – The Shard!

With 360-degree panoramic views of the city through floor to ceiling windows, what better way is there to spend your afternoon?

The Christmas afternoon tea served here is just another view you won’t be able to peel your eyes away from. Tuck into festive finger sandwiches packed with delicious turkey and cranberry, fig chutney and brie fillings.

Freshly baked scones are served with sweet jam and clotted cream – and don’t forget to save some room for the mouth-watering selection of cakes and sweet treats.

Delve into a variety of hand-decorated treats, including cinnamon-spiced gingerbread biscuits and Christmas cupcakes. Try the prosecco and clementine trifle if you prefer fruity desserts. Surely that counts as one of your five a day? (That was a joke!).

Claridge’s Christmas afternoon tea

Enjoy breathtaking views of London from Western Europe’s tallest building – The Shard!

With 360-degree panoramic views of the city through floor to ceiling windows, what better way is there to spend your afternoon?

The Christmas afternoon tea served here is just another view you won’t be able to peel your eyes away from. Tuck into festive finger sandwiches packed with delicious turkey and cranberry, fig chutney and brie fillings.

Freshly baked scones are served with sweet jam and clotted cream – and don’t forget to save some room for the mouth-watering selection of cakes and sweet treats.

Delve into a variety of hand-decorated treats, including cinnamon-spiced gingerbread biscuits and Christmas cupcakes. Try the prosecco and clementine trifle if you prefer fruity desserts. Surely that counts as one of your five a day? (That was a joke!).

The Savoy Festive Afternoon Tea

Celebrating the festive season with LEGO and The Twelve Rebuilds of Christmas at The Savoy hotel, London
Source: Askoldsb Dreamstime.com
Celebrating the festive season with LEGO and The Twelve Rebuilds of Christmas at The Savoy hotel, London

Feast on a delectable Christmas afternoon tea at The Savoy. This luxury hotel has welcomed many guests over the 130 years it has been around and is renowned for its iconic afternoon tea.

Served in the infamous Thames Foyer, guests can expect to dine on traditional turkey and cranberry and truffle and eggs on freshly baked spinach bread.

Help yourself to fruit scones paired with sweet jams and cream before tasting a slice of heaven in the form of delicious pastries. Famous for its patisserie, The Savoy employs a talented team of pastry makers, with each pastry considered a work of art.

It offers an extensive range of over 30 types of tea, and the festive afternoon tea is accompanied by a cool glass of Louis Roederer Champagne. So whether you are tea-total or in the mood for a tipple, The Savoy festive afternoon tea caters to all.

The Langham

Serving afternoon tea since 1865, The Langham knows what it’s doing when it comes to Christmas afternoon tea.

Also located in Palm Court, this festive high tea is served with a selection of scrummy finger sandwiches and seasonal treats. Tantalise your taste buds with butterscotch cream macarons and a Mont Blanc matcha Christmas tree.

Other delights include dark chocolate mousse and pears poached in mulled wine with the ginger biscuit.

Help yourself to a calming cup of tea, or if you are celebrating, why not let the bubbles flow. A glass of fizz or a festive cocktail will be served on your arrival, and children will be offered water or a soft drink.

Weekend bookings provide entertainment from the resident pianist, and Christmas carols will also be performed as you enjoy your afternoon at The Langham.

Brigit’s Bakery Tea Bus Tour 

Chefs’ Bus is part of Brigit’s Bakery, who specialises in Afternoon Tea
Source: Raluca Tudor Dreamstime.com
Chefs’ Bus is part of Brigit’s Bakery, who specialises in Afternoon Tea

Why not enjoy Christmas Afternoon Tea aboard a big red bus? Hop aboard Brigit’s Bakery Tea Bus Tour for a memorable experience. This quirky play on the British tradition allows guests to tuck into a festive Afternoon Tea whilst touring the city.

The menu boasts tasty savoury goodies such as coronation chicken burgers, smoked salmon pretzels and savoury muffins. The selection of mouth-watering sweet treats includes macarons filled with dark chocolate ganache, vanilla dome tart with raspberry confit and chou pastry filled with pistachio cream and cranberry compote. 

Choose from an array of teas which includes an exclusive B Bakery Christmas tea or if you fancy something a bit stronger, there are plenty of sparkling wines available – just make sure you don’t take to the driver’s seat! 

Brigit’s Bakery Tea Bus Tour puts a unique (and quite a bizarre) spin on traditional Afternoon Tea that just works. So book a date, time (and a seat) and you’re good to go! 

The Landmark London

Get prepared to be amazed by the lavish decorations and stunning Christmas trees adorned with ribbons and twinkling lights. The Landmark wins the award for the most impeccable setting to enjoy a fabulous Christmas afternoon tea.

Relax and listen to the resident pianist as you delve into adorable finger sandwiches bursting with flavour. Don’t forget to save room for a selection of hand-decorated festive treats that are so delicate that you won’t want to eat them!

Finish your festive lunch with a steaming mug of Finest Darjeeling, or perhaps a Sencha Aloe Vera is your preference. Treat yourself to that well-deserved glass of bubbles after a hard day spent shopping for gifts.

The Landmark is known for its unmatched service, which makes the experience flow beautifully from the moment you arrive up to the second you leave.

Sketch

Get prepared to be amazed by the lavish decorations and stunning Christmas trees adorned with ribbons and twinkling lights. The Landmark wins the award for the most impeccable setting to enjoy a fabulous Christmas afternoon tea.

Relax and listen to the resident pianist as you delve into adorable finger sandwiches bursting with flavour. Don’t forget to save room for a selection of hand-decorated festive treats that are so delicate that you won’t want to eat them!

Finish your festive lunch with a steaming mug of Finest Darjeeling, or perhaps a Sencha Aloe Vera is your preference. Treat yourself to that well-deserved glass of bubbles after a hard day spent shopping for gifts.

The Landmark is known for its unmatched service, which makes the experience flow beautifully from the moment you arrive up to the second you leave.

Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill

Churchil Hyatt Regency hotel in london with its front and large clock
Source: Promicrostockraw Dreamstime
Churchill Hyatt Regency hotel in London with its front and large clock

Get set for a memorable festive afternoon tea at the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill.

Brimming with savoury bites, including Kentish blue cheese and chestnut tart with seasonal turkey and cranberry sandwiches, this Christmas afternoon tea will fill you up, ready for a walk to see the lights on nearby Oxford Street.

Served in the stylish Montagu Kitchen, the festive fancies include chocolate Yule log and handsomely decorated cakes and treats. Choose from a selection of tea served in stunning china mugs – just as it should be!

The Churchill is a convenient place to stay and is a stone’s throw away from Selfridge’s and the Marble Arch if you have some last-minute shopping to do.

The Dorchester Christmas Afternoon Tea

Book in at The Dorchester for a stunning afternoon tea with a festive twist served in The Promenade.

Enjoy a feast of fabulous finger sandwiches made with top-quality seasonal ingredients before letting loose on a selection of adorable Christmas cakes and biscuits.

The staff here are praised for their attentive yet unobtrusive service while guests are serenaded by the heavenly sounds of the choir. Book a seat on the balcony for breathtaking views of London whilst you tuck into your 5-star lunch.

Choose from a variety of speciality teas to enjoy with your sandwiches and cakes, or treat yourself to a flute of Champagne to add a little excitement.

Festive Afternoon Tea At The Connaught

You will not be disappointed with the immaculate display of goodies on offer at The Connaught this Christmas!

With the festive smell of pine in the air, settle down in the luxurious Jean-Georges tea room stunningly decorated with eye-catching decorations and twinkling fairy lights.

Take in the wintry views of Mayfair captured by the floor to ceiling windows before your festive afternoon tea is promptly served with a chilled glass of the house Champagne, Laurent-Perrier.

Dine on melt in the mouth black truffle feuillette, H. Foreman’s smoked salmon with Chipotle, iceberg lettuce and coriander; and spiced coronation turkey served with coriander mayonnaise.

You will be transported to heaven after one bite of the naughtily indulgent Christmas Log – made from raisin shortbread filled with chocolate and caramel crémeux. Dainty cakes are hand-made to look like Christmas presents, and Christmas trees are bursting with apple spiced mince, cinnamon, walnut sponge and chestnut.

Book in at The Connaught for an unforgettable Christmas experience.

The Mad Hatters Festive Afternoon Tea At The Sanderson

Kat drinking tea at the Mad Hatters Tea Party at Sandersons
Kat drinking tea at the Mad Hatters Tea Party at Sandersons

Step into the world of Alice in Wonderland at The Sanderson this Christmas. The Mad Hatters Festive Afternoon Tea puts a crazy twist on traditional afternoon tea.

Indulge in delicious hot turkey sandwiches and festive pastries followed by delicate hand-decorated cakes such as the pocket watch vanilla macaron and the luxurious chessboard chocolate gateau.

Work your way through freshly baked fluffy scones served with a generous helping of strawberry and blackberry jams with clotted cream. The magical selection of teas are presented in tiny medicine bottles and served in the King of Hearts teapots.

Enjoy this delightful feast on the covered terrace where blankets and heat lamps are provided should you feel a bit chilly. You won’t need anything more to eat for the whole day after tucking into this!

Christmas Afternoon Tea At Hilton Hotel, Park Lane

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of London by stepping into the glamorous Hilton hotel for a well-deserved spot of Christmas afternoon tea.

Served in the stylish Podium Restaurant and Bar, the Hilton takes a traditional afternoon tea and adds a Christmas sparkle to it.

Choose from a selection of classic finger sandwiches followed by strawberry and wine parfait, chocolate and chestnut tart, and a mulled wine bauble.

Indulge in light, fluffy scones with jam, Cornish clotted cream, and why not add a thick layer of salted caramel spread. Add a steaming mug of chai or a chilled flute of Pommery Champagne to the mix, and have yourself a merry little Christmas!

Bottomless Champagne Christmas Afternoon Tea At The Cavendish

Located in the heart of prestigious Mayfair, this 4-star hotel provides guests with a 5-star festive afternoon tea.

Whether you have spent your day shopping for last-minute gifts or touring the epic light displays the city has to offer, The Cavendish will welcome you with open arms – and a chilled glass of festive fizz.

Sit down and rest your feet as you are presented with a tower of tasty finger sandwiches filled with top-quality seasonal ingredients, including firm favourite turkey and cranberry plus English cucumber, cream cheese and chives.

Presented with jam filling and clotted cream are the delectable orange and cinnamon scones, as well as a beautiful selection of delicious sweet treats, including gingerbread and orange marmalade cheesecake, winter-spiced brownies and red berry cream tarts.

Prepare for regular top-ups of champagne; it is bottomless after all! Or, if it’s a little too early for the fizz, you can browse a selection of thirst-quenching teas that pair well with every bite of this impeccable Christmas afternoon tea.

katherine nairn profile pic

Kat
Hi, I'm Kat, an Australian that moved to London in 2013 to start a new adventure. What a roller-coaster that was! I love helping others move to the UK and people explore the world! I’d be honoured if you’d say, “Thanks!” with a £3 coffee on Ko-fi.

Buy me a coffee at Ko-Fi button

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.