Picture the scene. It’s early December on Oxford Street. The pavements and stores are teeming with Christmas shoppers (despite the inevitable drizzle), faces lit by the festive lights overhead and complexions rosy thanks to scarves and hats that have been donned despite the fact it has yet to dip below 10 degrees. You’re tired. Your feet ache. You’re desperate for a break from all the retail ‘therapy’ but somehow it’s not yet 3pm.

And then, suddenly, there it is: a five-star hotel enticing you in with a twinkling Christmas tree and the irresistible smell of freshly-baked scones. In the distance, you can hear the sound of champagne bottles popping and the delicate tinkle of cups, saucers and piano keys. It is, of course, time for a festive afternoon tea.

While London is home to the world’s finest afternoon teas all year round, at Christmas the capital’s hotels and restaurants really pull out all the stops to ramp up the festive cheer. Expect pastries in the shape of baubles, delicate finger sandwiches with seasonal fillings and whole menus of cocktails blended with nutmeg and cinnamon. These are London’s best festive afternoon teas for Christmas 2024.

The Waldorf Hilton, Covent Garden

Designed for Disney fans of all ages, partake in the most British of traditions with the Be Our Guest A Winter’s Tale afternoon tea at The Waldorf Hilton. Inspired by La Belle et La Bête, a fairytale written and first published by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve in 1740 before being famously re-told by Walt Disney as Beauty and the Beast, this afternoon tea is thoughtfully curated by executive chef Luke Rayment-Blakey to blend bold flavours with much-loved scenes and characters, as well as a dash of Waldorf magic.

Sample elegant sandwiches, including crayfish cocktail on brioche bun, smoked duck and chipotle in a beetroot wrap, and whipped goat’s cheese with roasted red peppers on Nordic bread, before tucking into savouries from the stove, such as roasted celeriac soup, and wild mushroom, parsnip and garlic sausage roll. Alongside classic scones with Devonshire clotted cream and spiced winterberry jam, sweet highlights include a chestnut and vanilla Mont Blanc shot, pistachio and rose macaron, blackberry and pear cube and dark chocolate, cardamom and bergamot tart. Plus, little ones needn’t feel left out and can dine for £35, while there are also halal and vegan options too.

From £59 per person, visit tasteofwaldorf.co.uk

The Kensington, South Kensington

Putting an artistic spin on the classic festivities, The Kensington has elevated its afternoon tea into a true art form with a new expressionist twist like no other. Inspired by some of the most renowned artists in the world, The Art of Afternoon Tea will indulge your inner aesthete with a collection of carefully curated cultural confections and innovative libations such as the Starry Night cocktail, inspired by the evocative work of Vincent Van Gogh.

The Kensington’s culinary creatives have sculpted a gallery of sweet sensations inspired by the likes of Jackson Pollock, Yayoi Kusama and Alicja Kwade. Delight in Japanese artist Kusama’s playful polka-dot pumpkin made up of mango mousse surrounding coconut yoghurt cream, as well as white chocolate vanilla mousse with pineapple compôte. Elsewhere, tuck into delicate finger sandwiches filled with smoked salmon with lemon cream cheese, cucumber with mint, and pastrami with gherkin and horseradish. Warm scones arrive at the table ready to be generously slathered in homemade jam and Cornish clotted cream, perfectly accompanied with a selection of teas from The Rare Tea Company or a glass of Charles Heidsieck champagne. This is afternoon tea down to a fine art.

From £58 per person, visit doylecollection.com

Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge

As part of Harvey Nichols’ Christmas partnership with The World of Tim Burton exhibition at the Design Museum, the team of talented pastry chefs have created an exclusive afternoon tea where gothic elegance meets festive cheer. Available from the Fifth Floor Cafe until 28 December, each bite is a delicious tribute to Burton’s films, featuring gold-leaf baubles layered with zesty orange sponge and Christmas pudding mousse, peppermint candy cane macarons and cinnamon gingerbread ganache bonbons encased in white chocolate. Stand-out savouries include truffle, celeriac and mushroom soup, goat’s cheese mousse with a baked grissini and pigeon and blackberry pie. Not forgetting the classic selection of finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones, served alongside a choice of Harvey Nichols tea or coffee, this is certainly an afternoon tea to remember.

From £40 per person, visit harveynichols.com

Pan Pacific London, Liverpool Street

Hosted at Straits Kitchen, Pan Pacific London’s new festive afternoon tea menu is the height of indulgence. Start with delicious finger sandwiches – filled with coronation chicken, roast beef and Burford Brown’s eggs – before seasonal orange and cranberry scones served with Cornish clotted cream, homemade strawberry preserves and orange marmalade. Ensure you save room for the sensational plate of sweet treats, including a Rudolph pecan tart, mint chocolate macaron wreath, and a plum and chestnut mousse bauble.

Plus, there’s no need to call in the babysitter for this afternoon tea outing, as Straits Kitchen has also created a children’s afternoon tea, ensuring little ones are not only well fed, but thoroughly entertained. Let them unleash their creativity by decorating their own pineapple cupcakes and orange festive biscuits with icing, sprinkles and toppings, before tucking into savouries, sweet treats and a creamy coconut hot chocolate or fruity iced tea.

From £68 per person, visit panpacificlondon.com

The Ned, Bank

The Ned’s casual but sophisticated lounge, Millie’s, will host festive afternoon tea from 25 November. Expect the classic finger sandwiches featuring seasonal flavours such as roast turkey, stuffing and cranberry before savouring sweet treats such as Santa’s Belly with tonka bean ganache and cranberry, or the Christmas Tree: a speculoos sandwich with chocolate crémeux.

From £60 per person, visit thened.com

Corinthia, Whitehall

The Crystal Moon Lounge is the dazzling setting for the Corinthia’s new winter afternoon tea menu from 15 November. Executive pastry chef Yago Doamo has created the seasonal concoctions, and favourites include sandwiches brimming with Wiltshire cured ham and spiced pineapple marmalade, and sweet pastries such as Tahitian vanilla snow globe, Mont Blanc choux, plum and amaretto tartlet, and cranberry and orange blossom Gugelhupf.

From £75 per person, visit corinthia.com

The Georgian, Knightsbridge

Having relaunched earlier this month, Harrods stalwart The Georgian – which first launched inside the luxury department store in 1911 – will not only be showing off its new facelift, courtesy of David Collins Studio, but also its glamorous afternoon tea menu overseen by Harrods executive pastry chef Markus Bohr. Exquisite sandwiches – filled with confit duck with orange marmalade on tomato bread, and pistachio, pear and sablé bréton – alongside pastries and scones with delectable seasonal twists. 

From £75 per person, visit harrods.com

The Bloomsbury, Bloomsbury

Coinciding with the new theatrical production of The Devil Wears Prada at the nearby Dominion Theatre, The Bloomsbury has created a culinary tribute this winter with its Runway Afternoon Tea. Available at the hotel’s Dalloway Terrace and The Coral Room, it’s a no brainer for film fans who will certainly appreciate the pastry chefs collection of the Devil’s chocolate cake, the It’s not just blue, it’s cerulean (Greek yoghurt mousse and blueberries), and No foam skimmed latte with an extra shot (hazelnut opera cake with coffee and caramel). Clever and fun, this isn’t one to miss. 

From £48 per person, visit doylecollection.com

The Dorchester, Mayfair

Step into a festive world of timeless elegance with a Christmas afternoon tea at The Dorchester’s Promenade restaurant. Enjoy delicate finger sandwiches like smoked duck with candied orange and turkey with cranberry and chestnut stuffing, alongside seasonal pastries by pastry chef Michael Kwan, including cinnamon mousse and spiced orange with coffee praline. Complemented by fine champagne and rare teas, indulge against a backdrop of gilded glamour and a festive soundtrack courtesy of the resident pianist, promising a magical and warm atmosphere perfect for Christmas. 

From £95 per person, visit dorchestercollection.com

The Stafford, St James’s

The Stafford's classic afternoon tea is having a festive makeover, adding a touch of Christmas magic to its delicate sandwiches and bespoke cake trolley. Start with sandwiches filled with roast turkey and cranberry, and honey-roasted ham with mustard mayonnaise, before scones presented on a traditional cake stand, accompanied by coffee or a selection of fine teas. Desserts are served from a bespoke cake trolley tableside, and include eggnog and gingerbread layer signature cake, cinnamon and orange mousse, and cranberry and white chocolate macaron, all brimming with holiday flavours. 

From £70 per person, visit thestaffordlondon.com

The Lanesborough, Hyde Park

It doesn’t get much more Instagrammable than The Lanesborough’s Bridgerton festive afternoon tea, created in partnership with Netflix. The limited-edition tea, available from 13 November, will pay homage to the Regency era at Christmas – a time of great revelling, high style, and elegant parties. Setting the scene, the Bridgerton menu will be served in The Lanesborough’s richly-decorated dining room, and has been created by head pastry chef, Pierre Morvan-Benezet, to pay tribute to the key families in season three which was released earlier this year. 

Finger sandwiches will comprise roast Norfolk turkey, cranberry, and sage, truffled egg mayonnaise, and organic cucumber with garlic and herb cream. To accompany the savoury flavours, delectable scones topped with cream and jam will be served alongside warm mini mince pies, Morvan-Benezet curated festive cake and a selection of sweet treats named The Book of Eloise and Colin’s Travels. 

From £98 per person, visit oetkercollection.com

The Biltmore, Mayfair

This Christmas, snuggle up at The Biltmore and celebrate Boodles’ illustrious heritage with a culinary tribute to the jewellery brand's renowned creations. Echoing the soft pinks of Boodles’ famous rose-hued diamonds, menu highlights include the apple and vanilla pearls, the flower choux, and the pear and white chocolate heart, each mirroring iconic Boodles pieces and served in a handcrafted ring box. 

From £80 per person, visit thebiltmorehotels.com

Rails, King’s Cross

Break up the festive shopping in King’s Cross and retreat to the cosy confines of Rails Restaurant for a festive afternoon tea. From 14 November, guests will be spoilt for choice with savoury sandwiches filled with turkey and cranberry, or brie and apple, as well as a leek, thyme and comté quiche. Sweet treats include an eggnog tart with a gingerbread man, a spiced apple crumble muffin and a red cherry and chestnut yule log, as well as classic delicious scones with lashings of jam and cream. Pair the experience with tea from the East India Company or a glass of fizz to toast to the most magical time of year.

From £39.50 per person, visit railslondon.com

Joia, Battersea

Available every weekend throughout the festive season, Joia's new afternoon tea features a classic selection with a seasonal twist, including turkey and cranberry sandwiches, scones with mulled wine jam, and a chocolate orange and cinnamon mousse. Set against sweeping views of Battersea Power Station, savour the experience with a cup of loose leaf tea, glass of champagne, or an indulgent De Nata cocktail inspired by the signature Portuguese tart, featuring rum, toasted milk, vanilla custard, sherry and winter spices.

From £55 per person, visit joiabattersea.co.uk

Royal Lancaster London, Hyde Park

Enjoy a truly enchanting afternoon at the Royal Lancaster London’s festive tea experience, available from 25 November. Relax and enjoy an assortment of delicate sandwiches – expect John Ross smoked salmon with dill tartare, and roasted sirloin with chimichurri dressing and rocket salad – warm scones and sweet treats, such as traditional fruit cake and the Christmas Present, featuring cranberry curd, yuzu cremeux and shortbread, in the hotel’s Hyde Café. Wash this down with a selection of the finest Camellia’s teas or a crisp glass of Taittinger champagne. 

From £59 per person, visit royallancaster.com

St James's Hotel and Club, Mayfair

This five-star townhouse hotel, nestled between St James’s and Mayfair, has transformed into a Christmas hideaway in time for the winter season. The kitchen, led by executive chef William Drabble, has also had a festive makeover, having launched a new afternoon tea featuring sweet treats – including Santa’s trifle, Christmas tree chocolate sponge with orange mousse and a chocolate and kirsch cherry yule log – alongside traditional scones and smoked salmon with black pepper sandwiches and Drabble’s take on the ultimate Christmas sandwich: butter-roasted turkey, homemade cranberry, port and orange compote.

From £45 per person, visit stjameshotelandclub.com

Four Seasons Park Lane, Mayfair

From 17 November, Four Seasons Park Lane will transform with disco ball décor, crowned by a dazzling snowman in the lobby. The playful theme extends across the five-star hotel, including its afternoon tea offering which has been reimagined as a Sip and Sparkle experience. Here, each creation features a hint of sparkle or a special disco-inspired design, ranging from the clementine Mont Blanc and spiced fruit cake to smoked maple éclairs and Sylvia’s Crème Brûlée Tart with masala chai infusion. Traditionalists needn't worry: freshly-baked scones are included too. 

From £100 per person, visit fourseasons.com

The Adria, South Kensington

Launching on 29 November, The Adria's Nutcracker afternoon tea whisks diners away to the whimsical Land of Snow, with glittering snowflake-shaped pastries, and the Kingdom of Sweets, where sugarplum fairies come to life through crafted desserts. Drawing inspiration from Tchaikovsky's legendary ballet, expect sandwiches filled with pastrami and horseradish sour cream, and aubergine caviar with yellow beetroot, before sweet morsels of red velvet gateaux and walnut tart. 

From £59 per person, visit theadria.com

The Langham, Marylebone

Where better to enjoy a festive afternoon tea than where the tradition of afternoon tea began? Having served afternoon tea since the hotel first opened in 1865, The Langham has created a festive take on classic treats for its new Christmas menu available from 6 November. Savouries include roast Norfolk turkey, Scottish salmon gravlax with celeriac and truffle sandwiches, followed by sweet treats such as tonka bean and orange shortbread, coffee and chocolate opera slice and crunchy almond sable. As part of The Langham’s Christmas partnership with Hamleys, the hotel will host a children's festive afternoon tea featuring whimsical, delicious patisseries shaped like legendary historic toys.

From £115 per person, visit langhamlondon.christmas

Four Seasons at Tower Bridge, Tower Hill

Enjoy the magic of the holiday season at Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge, a fine choice for a cosy winter escape, decadent dining experience or the ultimate festive afternoon tea. You’ll find the latter served in the Rotunda Bar and Lounge from 15 November, featuring classic holiday treats brought to life in pastry form, such Santa's Hat – chestnut mousse and cranberry confit – and Christmas Bauble, made out of spiced mousse, poached pear and gingerbread. The festive fare is complete with finger sandwiches filled with minted cucumber and roast turkey, as well as freshly-baked scones. Little ones can also be treated to an afternoon tea at Rotunda, indulging in a menu of luxury hot chocolates, egg mayo brioches, candy floss and the opportunity to decorate their very own gingerbread man with icing and sprinkles.

From £75 per person, £35 for the children's festive afternoon tea, visit fourseasons.com

Great Scotland Yard Hotel, Westminster

Taking place in The Parlour, a relaxed lounge at the Great Scotland Yard hotel, this new multi-sensory festive afternoon tea combines Valrhona Chocolate with exquisite pastries and teas. Launching on 18 November, begin with seasonal delights, from smoked salmon, caviar, and horseradish cream on malted bread, to egg truffle mayo and chives on pain de mie. This is followed by savoury morsels of wild mushroom and rocket quiche and Montgomery cheddar Yorkshire pudding, before classic afternoon tea delicacies such as freshly-baked plain and spiced gingerbread scones with Cornish clotted cream and blackberry jam. Save room for the signature Great Scotland Yard bûche de Noël Spiced Jivara chocolate and bergamot teacake, and the Christmas tree tart to round things off.

From £65 per person, visit hyatt.com

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