What's not to love about London at Christmas? Christmas shopping, twinkling lights, and of course, the capital's best hotels pulling out all the stops when it comes to making you feel excited about the festive season.
And a Christmas afternoon tea in London is the perfect break from a hard day's shopping (and an excuse to take part in a little extra Christmas indulgence). But where to go? This year, the choice has never been better.
From The Lanesborough's delicious sweet treats, to traditional splendour at Claridges to carol singers at The Corinthia, there's no excuse not to feel completely and utterly festive as you sip your cup of tea - or glass of champagne maybe...
With so many lavish spreads to choose from, we might just have to eat our way around the lot.
Now, pass us a mince pie please?
The Lanesborough
Get into the Christmas spirit in style with The Lanesborough’s very special festive afternoon tea. From a chocolate Christmas bauble to a pear and almond tartelette, you’ll be spoilt with delicate pastries reimagined as Christmas classics, as well as festive tunes played on the piano. Plus, on 8th and 9th December there will be a live choir singing carols, too. A delightful treat.
Dates: 12th November 2018 – 1st January 2019
How much? From £55 per person for Festive Afternoon Tea (From £75 per person for the Festive Afternoon tea with carols, including a glass of champagne)
More info: Oetkercollection.com/destinations/the-lanesborough/
Hotel Café Royal
The award-winning afternoon tea in partnership with diptyque receives a festive makeover for the season and is served in the gilded Oscar Wilde Lounge. Just off Regent Street it's the perfect destination for a festive and indulgent afternoon tea experience away from the hustle and bustle at a sought-after London location, a favourite of the fashion set.
Dates: 15 November – 6 January 2019, sittings from 11.30am to 7.30pm daily
How much? From £55
More info: hotelcaferoyal.com
The Corinthia
Head to the Corinthia's ‘Festivi-tea’ for our favourite sounding sandwich of the season: roast turkey and stuffing with fresh cranberry compote finger sandwiches. Plus, mince pie macaroons and scented mulled wine cake.
How much? From £80
Visit: corinthia.com
Landmark London
This iconic London hotel is hosting a festive afternoon tea in its stunning atrium. Enjoy a glass of bubbly post shopping in nearby Marylebone or Oxford Street, accompanied by finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with preserves, rich Cornish clotted cream as well as an assortment of Christmas-inspired cakes and pastries.
Dates: Available from 28th November 2018 until 6th January 2019
How much: £58 per person
More info: landmarklondon.co.uk
Browns Hotel
Tucked away in Mayfair, Browns Hotel is one of London's chicest spots.
We've always loved popping into The Donovan Bar for a nightcap, and now we'll be heading for afternoon tea, accompanied by a pianist playing carols. Lovely.
Dates: All throughout December, with sittings from 12pm until 6pm, or 6.30pm on weekends.
How much? £55 per person, or £65 per person including champagne.
More info: roccofortehotels.com
Claridges
It doesn't get more festive than Claridges at Christmas time. And the luxe hotel's festive aftenon tea is more seasonal than snow, with highlights such as roast organic turkey, cranberry, pork and chestnut stuffing finger sandwiches and crispy choux baubles. There are freshly baked scones too, of course, and Laurent-Perrier Brut champagne.
Dates: 2 November 2018 - 1 January 2019
How much? Monday-Friday £85 per person; Saturday & Sunday £90 per person
More info: claridges.co.uk
Intercontinental Park Lane
The Intercontinental’s Christmas Unwrapped afternoon tea offers finger sandwiches filled crayfish and prawns and Christmas spice and orange peel scones.
Dates: Available between 7 November 2018 - 1 January 2019, and served daily from 1pm to 5pm.
How much? From £36 per person
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