Christmas afternoon tea: 10 of the most festive spreads in London

There are so many Christmas traditions these days that it can be a tall order keeping count of them all. From Stir Up Sunday to Secret Santa, there’s no end to the ways in which people choose to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. One particular festive activity that we’re more than happy to add to the list, though, is Christmas afternoon teas.

Come November time, some of the best afternoon teas in London receive a festive makeover, which sees the tradition's miniature cakes and finger sandwiches dressed up with new and exciting Christmassy alternatives. Egg and cress are replaced with turkey and cranberry, while cucumber and cream cheese get chucked for Stilton and festive chutney. On the sweet front, you can expect gingerbread biscuits, bauble-shaped cakes and patisserie treats spiced with cinnamon to be in abundance.

Much like a traditional afternoon tea, its festive cousin is a really lovely way to celebrate the most joyous of seasons and, if you’re the type of person that struggles to feel Christmassy every year, is bound to fill you with at least a twinkle of festive spirit. Other than the joy of being waited on like royalty, there’s nothing quite like a tiered cake stand laden with Christmassy treats to make you feel giddy.

If this sounds like your perfect winter afternoon (and hey, why wouldn’t it?), then keep on scrolling for some of the best festive afternoon teas in London. Our tip? Keep an eye out for afternoon teas served in hotels for some of the most beautiful and bizarre spreads in the city plus a peek at some seriously impressive Christmas trees. You don’t have to be staying there to make a booking! So, if you’re searching for a Christmas afternoon tea that will leave you feeling all warm and cosy inside, one of these fabulous options should be just right for you.

What's included in a Christmas afternoon tea?

A Christmas afternoon tea, as you might have guessed, is a regular spread with a festive twist. Typically, Christmas afternoon teas in London include mince pies and an option to add a glass of bubbles to celebrate the season. Some of the capital's fanciest hotels go all out on their offerings come December, theming all the treats in line with the time of year and even offering entertainment in some cases - Nutcracker performers, anyone?

Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Ritz, Mayfair

What: The Palm Court was transformed into an Edwardian winter wonderland last year, complete with classic red and gold trimmings and a beautiful Christmas tree taking centre stage! We're expecting more of the same from this iconic London hotel, as well as the usual 18 different types of loose leaf tea, delicate finger sandwiches, pastries, scones with jam and cream, and a hefty Champagne selection. Indulge in all of the above while being serenaded by The Ritz choir who will be singing all your favourite Christmas carols.
Where: 150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR
Book now: The Ritz

Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Langham, Marylebone

What: Last year The Langham put on a festive spread inspired by Liberty’s legendary fabrics and designs. Like the regular afternoon tea menu, this one was designed by Michel Roux Jr and in-house pastry chef Andrew Gravett, with savouries including a Liberty jewelled egg bauble with turkey, heritage potato, bacon, and cranberries. We'd be surprised if The Langham didn't have something else exciting lined up for this year, and at the very least you get to enjoy afternoon tea in the hotel's elegant Palm Court - one of the best afternoon tea backdrops in London.
Where: 1C Portland Place, W1B 1JA
Book now: Palm Court at The Langham

Thames Foyer Festive Afternoon Tea at The Savoy, Covent Garden

What: Perhaps the ultimate destination for afternoon tea - The Savoy puts on a proper Christmas spread every year, to be savoured in the domed atrium of the Thames Foyer while being serenaded by a pianist. The sandwich selection last year included classics with a Christmassy twist, like British honey-roasted ham with cranberry jam, and coronation Turkey. Meanwhile, the patisserie selection included an intriguing Santa’s belt sable as well as a snow tree candied fruit cake with lemon shortbread and treacle cream. It’s one for the bucket list for sure.
Where: The Strand, WC2R 0EZ
Book now: The Savoy Thames Foyer

Festive Skyline Afternoon Tea at TING at Shangri-La The Shard, London Bridge

What: Everyone knows that cake and sandwiches taste better when enjoyed 35 floors in the air - right? TING Restaurant serves a fabulous festive afternoon tea in its sky-high dining room each year, including a selection of classic and inventive treats. Finger sandwiches last year included truffle egg and cress and roast beef with horseradish, with additional savouries like an excellent chicken and duck liver with cherry gel. On the sweet front, we loved the the white chocolate Christmas tree and ‘the red bauble’ - a glistening sphere filled with green shiso mousse, grapefruit, and black pepper.
Where: 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9QU
Book now: TING

Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Rose Lounge in the Sofitel London, St James

What: Served in the whimsical Rose Lounge, which features gorgeous artworks and deep red accents, Sofitel dishes up an immersive afternoon tea experience. The festive menu last year was made in collaboration with iconic Italian appliance makers SMEG, with a rich red colour palette to match. The menu was suitably theatrical as a result, and included a Milanese rum panettone with a Chantilly cream served tableside from a SMEG stand mixer, and The Rose Lounge’s famous rose tea, infused tableside with bergamot and hibiscus.
Where: 6 Waterloo Place, SW1Y 4AN
Book now: The Rose Lounge

Festive Afternoon Tea at TOZI Grand Cafe, Battersea

What: The usual selection of English finger sandwiches isn’t for everyone. With those people in mind, TOZI's festive afternoon tea made a nice change last year, offering a selection of Italian meats, cheeses, and pickles with traditional breads. The festive selection was presented in 3 tiers; quality prosciutto, ciabatta, and a selection of cheeses occupied the third tier; Maritozzi brioche buns stuffed to the brim with spiced apple and Chantilly cream were on the second; while the first tier hostde a range of festive patisseries. The sweet course included an exquisite caramel and cinnamon mousse, a classic chocolate yule log, and pistachio macaroons, and all for just £35 a head. Here's hoping we get something similar this year.
Where: 3a Electric Boulevard, SW11 8BJ
Book now: TOZI Grand Cafe

Festive Afternoon Tea at The Landmark London, Marylebone

What: This year, The Landmark’s festive afternoon tea runs from 28 November 2024 to 5 January 2025, with guests able to tuck into a range of sandwiches, warm scones, Christmassy cakes and a glass of Champagne. Part of the experience is being able to dine in the hotel's stunning Winter Garden room, a vast space that’s home to towering palm trees, marble staircases, and sky-high columns. Once you’ve picked your jaw off the floor, you can use it to tuck into the likes of Lapsang Souchong smoked Scottish salmon sandwiches, Mont blanc tart with chestnuts and vanilla ganache, and Christmas pudding with redcurrants and cinnamon. 
Where: 222 Marylebone Road, NW1 6JQ
Book now: Winter Garden at The Landmark

Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea at The Ruben's Hotel, Victoria

What: To be taken in either The English Grill or The Palace Lounge at The Rubens Hotel, guests can enjoy a festive twist on an award-winning afternoon tea created by Bake Off: The Professionals 2021 finalist Sarah Houghting. There are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free versions available, but the signature afternoon tea features the likes of Norfolk roast turkey, cranberry and sage and onion stuffing; Scottish smoked salmon and chive cream cheese; pistachio and raspberry roll; and a caramelised apple and cinnamon tart with pecan frangipane and lemon marmalade. There's also the option to add a Christmas cocktail to your tea, while 11 different loose-leaf teas are available for traditionalists.
Where: 39 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 0PS
Book now: The Rubens at the Palace

Festive Afternoon Tea at The Hansom at St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, King’s Cross

What: The Hansom makes the most of its location within King’s Cross by retaining several of the landmark’s original features - think red brick walls and soaring ceilings. It’s a beautiful place in which to enjoy the annual Christmas afternoon tea which usually includes a selection of themed finger sandwiches, scones, and cakes. Last season’s menu featured truffled duck egg, roast Norfolk turkey with cranberry relish, and sirloin with watercress and horseradish. Highlights from the sweet selection included a dark chocolate and mandarin mousse, and a cranberry and faisselle bauble – the perfect cosy festive treat.
Where: Euston Road, NW1 2AR
Book now: The Hansom

Festive Afternoon Tea at Royal Lancaster, Bayswater

What: There’s only one thing that beats a Winter walk in Hyde Park, and that's a post-amble afternoon tea at Hyde Cafe accompanied by a glass of Laurent-Perrier to make it extra special. Last year's sandwich selection offered traditional fillings such as John Ross salmon with cream cheese and cucumber, sirloin beef with mustard mayonnaise and rocket, and free-range egg with tarragon and red onion. Christmas sweets included a stunning candied fruit cake disguised as a blazing candle and a recreation of our favourite snowman Frosty constructed from almond macaroons with an Opalys and morello cherry ganache, making this great for anyone looking for a bit of Christmas theatre. 
Where: Lancaster Terrace, W2 2TY
Book now: Royal Lancaster

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