Top 10 Themed Afternoon Teas to Try This Christmas in London

Top 10 Themed Afternoon Teas to Try This Christmas in London

Whether you’re looking for a festive afternoon tea with all the trimmings or a seasonal treat with a sprinkle of quirkiness, I’ve got you covered. London has plenty to offer over the holiday season, especially in the wonderful world of afternoon tea and today I’m going to share with you the greatest of the great.

There’s something magical about getting together to sip the most classical tea blends at some of London’s iconic venues – Fortnum & Mason, The Ritz and The Savoy, to name a few. While the big hotels and shops provide guaranteed fun, there are other locations that offer an unusual festive experience. We can agree that the more quirky places can be as fun as the traditional spots.

If you enjoy exotic teas, delicious sandwiches and expertly crafted cakes and treats, make sure you check these afternoon teas with a seasonal twist. Sipping a nice warm cuppa at some of the capital’s most iconic venues has never been so charming.

I’ve compiled a list of locations and prices so you can organise a couple of fun hours eating, drinking and talking. Please note that this list of venues is arranged by date and that some of these require booking in advance, so it’s best to not leave things for the last minute.

Without further ado, let’s check the best venues across the British capital: From stunning historic locations to modern surroundings, here are London’s best themed afternoon teas happening this winter.

1. Claridge’s

Claridge’s Afternoon Tea – Image sourced from their website

Step through the stunning frosted doorway at Claridge’s in Mayfair and marvel at its magnificent Christmas tree before treating yourself with a traditional afternoon tea. Start with finger sandwiches, then try an éclair with clementine crémeux, winter spiced pear, and Claridge’s famous Christmas pudding. Its opulent afternoon tea is full of seasonal treats and comes with Laurent-Perrier champagne and specially selected teas.

Before you go, make sure you explore in detail this year’s tree and train installation. It was created by world-famous designer Christian Louboutin.

When: 12 November to 1 January
Where: Brook St, W1K 4HR (Google)
Nearest Tube: Bond Street
Price: From £90 per person

2. sketch

Christmas Afternoon Tea at Sketch – Image sourced from their Twitter

You’ll find separate areas and restaurants within Sketch: The Parlour, The Lecture Room & Library, The Glade, The Gallery and The East Bar and Pods. Step into the Gallery’s pretty pink interior for the most memorable afternoon tea experience. Delve into the likes of foie gras tartelette, blackcurrant marshmallows and spiced orange cake.

Sketch, a quirky place that seems taken out of Alice in Wonderland, is famous because it is where celebrities hang out. However, the place is really worth it and during the Christmas season it’s even more charming. On the other hand, the interior design is epic (thanks for a wonderful job India Mahdavi), the food is tasty and fun to eat and the atmosphere is great. It feels like being in a movie.

When: 12 November to 5 January
Where: 9 Conduit St, W1S 2XG (Google)
Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus / Piccadilly Circus
Price: From £85 per person

3. Aqua Shard

Festive afternoon tea at Aqua Shard – Image sourced from their website

The Shard is not only London’s (and Europe’s) tallest building but also a place to admire London’s beauty while sipping tea (and alcohol). This is the perfect venue to treat someone who loves architecture to a Christmas day out at Aqua Shard.

Enjoy the festive afternoon tea menu along with panoramic views over the capital. Sandwiches on the special menu include turkey, cranberry and lettuce, and fig chutney and brie. Additionally, gingerbread, milk chocolate and coffee Christmas tree, a sweet clementine and prosecco trifle, and a pear and cinnamon Santa hat. All that, I insist, with the best views of London.

When: 18 November to 1 January
Where: Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY (Google)
Nearest Tube: London Bridge
Price: From £49 per person

4. The Hansom, St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel

The Hansom, St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel – Image sourced from their website

St Pancras Station and Hotel were designed in 1868 by George Gilbert Scott, the grandfather of Giles Gilbert Scott of Tate Modern. The design resembles that of a cathedral. The interiors are similarly lavish and it features one of London’s most beautiful bars and restaurants. One of them, The Hansom, has launched its own festive afternoon tea to tempt in shoppers, travellers and hotel guests.

You can expect things like an edible Christmas bauble with mulled wine mousse, dark chocolate and mandarin mousse Christmas trees, strawberry and coconut baubles and vanilla and raspberry wreaths. The sandwiches have a festive twist too and freshly-baked scones complete the line-up.

When: 18 November to 5 January
Where: St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London, Euston Rd, London NW1 2AR (Google)
Nearest Tube: King’s Cross St Pancras
Price: From £38 per person

5. The Connaught

The Connaught Afternoon Tea – Image sourced from their website

The ultra-swish Connaught Hotel is ranked as one of London’s best places to eat and drink. One of those venues that you need to check is the stunning Jean-Georges, where you’ll be able to treat yourself to the most wonderful afternoon tea. Interior architect John Heah has transformed the dining room into a contemporary neighbourhood restaurant. Stained glass accents by artist Jean-Michel Othoniel add to the vibrant mood, which dazzles from day to night. Enjoy a whimsical selection of delicious bites such as chestnut pastry with pear compote, and spiced chocolate fondue with gingerbread. They’re almost too sweet to eat!

Don’t miss the bar, it was designed by David Collins, evoking English and Irish Cubist art of the 1920s. Martinis are served in the most special way: A trolley is wheeled to your table and the drink is made in situ before your eyes.

When: 19 November to 1 January
Where: Carlos Pl, W1K 2AL (Google)
Nearest Tube: Bond Street
Price: From £75 per person

6. The Ritz

The Ritz Christmas Afternoon Tea – Image sourced from their website

During the Christmas season, traditional Afternoon Tea in The Palm Court at The Ritz is given a festive twist. As well as delicious finger sandwiches, seasonal pastries and 21 varieties of fine tea, you’ll be treated to classic carols for a quintessentially British afternoon tea experience at Christmas in London.

When: 23 November to 30 December
Where: 150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR (Google)
Nearest Tube: Green Park
Price: From £80 per person

7. Podium at The London Hilton on Park Lane

Podium at The London Hilton on Park Lane – Image sourced from their website

The London Hilton on Park Lane, a Brutalist masterpiece by American architects Lewis Solomon Kaye & Partners and William B. Tabler Architects, has become a London icon. On top of its impressive architectural features, the hotel is known for its remarkable restaurant and bar.

Park Lane offers a Christmas afternoon tea that’s great before you join the crowds at nearby Winter Wonderland. Tuck into scones, seasonal sandwiches, and festive fancies; including a chocolate and chestnut tart, passion and coconut log, chocolate Christmas tree, a mulled wine bauble, and a strawberry and lime parfait.

When: 23 November to 6 January
Where: 22 Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1K 1BE (Google)
Nearest Tube: Hyde Park Corner
Price: From £39 per person

8. One Aldwych

One Aldwych Festive Afternoon Tea – Image sourced from their website

Relive your childhood with the Festive Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych, a Christmas-themed twist on its popular Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tea. Tuck into treats such as gingerbread cake pops, mulled-wine jelly and cinnamon-glazed brioche buns, then toast the festive season with a glass of Lallier Grand Cru champagne or a Cherry Delight cocktail.

When: 27 November to 5 January
Where: 1 Aldwych, WC2B 4BZ (Google)
Nearest Tube: Temple
Price: From £68 per person

9. The Savoy

Savoy Afternoon Tea – Image sourced from their website

Whilst The Savoy Hotel might be best known for its American Bar (crowned Hotel Bar of the Year for multiple years), it also hosts an impressive Festive Afternoon Tea in its elegant surroundings: decked out with lavish decorations and a spectacular Christmas tree.

Served in the Thames Foyer, this London afternoon tea features traditional flavours of Christmas, from turkey tart, to festive fruit cake and mince pies.

When: November to December
Where: 2 Savoy Ct, Strand, WC2R 0EZ (Google)
Nearest Tube: Charing Cross
Price: From £78 per person

10. The Landmark London

The Landmark London Afternoon Tea – Image sourced from their website

The Landmark London, built in 1899 as a Victorian era railway hotel, was refurbished in 1993, restoring its original grandeur. The most luxurious atmosphere can be found within its central space: The Winter Garden.

The five-star hotel offers a delightful Festive Afternoon Tea decked in beautiful Christmas decorations. The Landmark London seasonal spread includes gingerbread mousse, pistachio and cranberry opera cake, served alongside a glass of champagne.

When: 2 December to 5 January
Where: 222 Marylebone Rd, NW1 6JQ (Google)
Nearest Tube: Marylebone
Price: From £58 per person

I hope you enjoyed this list and are able to visit some of these wonderful Christmas ice rinks across London. Make sure you check other Christmas plans, shows and activities in London:

• Top 7 Christmas Markets in London
• Where to see the best Christmas lights in London
• Where To Go Ice Skating In London This Winter
• 10 Christmas Carols Not To Miss In London This December
• The 7 Best Shopping Areas in London for Christmas
• Top 10 Shows to Watch This Christmas in London
• 10 Best Christmas Trees to Visit in London