The Best Christmas Afternoon Teas in London 2025: Visualista Guide
- Alla Yaskovets
- Nov 25
- 10 min read
London at Christmas is a city of sparkle and indulgence, from festive window displays and twinkling lights to the aroma of mulled wine and freshly baked pastries. One of the season’s most beloved traditions is afternoon tea, and in 2025, London’s hotels and cafés are taking it to new heights.
Whether you’re after timeless elegance, playful design, or family-friendly charm, our guide rounds up the best festive afternoon teas in London, each with its own unique twist.
Claridge’s — Art Deco Christmas Magic
This festive season, as the world celebrates 100 years of Art Deco, Claridge’s is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the style’s timeless glamour. The Foyer & Reading Room shimmers under glittering chandeliers, creating a stunning backdrop for one of London’s most celebrated Christmas afternoon teas. At the heart of the experience is the tea itself. From a rich Oolong to the refreshingly complex Claridge’s Blend, every cup is chosen to perfectly complement the sweet and savoury delights.
What makes it special: Art Deco glamour
When: 4 November 2025 - 4 January 2026
Price: From £95 per person
Address: Brook Street, London W1K 4HR
Book: claridges.co.uk
The Ritz London — The Most Iconic Christmas Afternoon Tea
Step into The Ritz London’s Palm Court, where the hotel transforms into a jewel box of festive glamour. Gentlemen are asked to wear a jacket and tie (jeans and sportswear are not permitted for either ladies or gentlemen) for Afternoon Tea, ensuring a refined and elegant atmosphere.
Immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit with 20 exquisite loose-leaf teas paired with a sumptuous array of treats. Enhance the experience with a glass of Barons de Rothschild “Reserve Ritz” Brut NV Champagne, all while being serenaded by The Ritz choir performing beloved seasonal carols.
What makes it special: Christmas carols by The Ritz choir
When: 15 November 2025 – 3 January 2026
Price: From £120 per adult, £79 per child
Address: 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR
Book: theritzlondon.com
Rosewood London — Dickensian Christmas Afternoon Tea
Raise a toast to one of England’s greatest storytellers as Rosewood London celebrates Charles Dickens this festive season. Executive Pastry Chef Mark Perkins has crafted a collection of festive desserts inspired by Dickens’ most beloved characters and novels. Dress code: Smart casual
What makes it special: Literary charm and festive storytelling through desserts
When: 10 November 2025 – February 2026 (excluding 25 December)
Price: From £90 per person
Address: 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN
Book: rosewoodhotels.com
Brown’s Hotel — Classic Literary Charm
Brown’s legendary wood-panelled Drawing Room — long favoured by London’s writers and wanderers — takes on a soft festive glow during the holidays. This season’s afternoon tea pairs classic sandwiches, warm scones and seasonal pastries by award-winning pastry chef Ross Sneddon with the room’s trademark charm and crackling, old-world elegance.
What makes it special: Classic London charm with literary heritage and festive elegance
When: Throughout the holiday season
Price: From £80 per person
Address: 33 Albemarle St, Mayfair, London W1S 4BP
Book: brownshotel.com
The Lanesborough — A Bridgerton-inspired Afternoon Tea
Set majestically at Hyde Park Corner, The Lanesborough is one of London’s most opulent hotels, and its richly decorated dining room is the perfect backdrop for festive afternoon tea. This season, Head Pastry Chef Pierre Morvan-Benezet has crafted a Bridgerton-inspired menu celebrating Season 3 of the hit series. The limited-edition menu features finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and four signature sweet treats, paired with a wide selection of teas and infusions. For an extra touch of sophistication, sip the ‘Friends to Lovers’ cocktail, a tipple Lady Whistledown herself would surely approve of.
What makes it special: Bridgerton-inspired Christmas Afternoon Tea
When: 12 November 2025 – 6 January 2026
Price: From £89 per person
Address: Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
Book: oetkerhotels.com
The Savoy — Festive Afternoon Tea Magic
Afternoon Tea at The Savoy is always special, but during the festive season, it takes on an extra sprinkle of magic. Served in the stunning Gallery, enjoy seasonal sandwiches, feather-light scones and delicate patisserie alongside the finest teas selected by the hotel’s expert team.
What makes it special: Iconic London luxury, legendary service
When: Throughout the holiday season
Price: From £103 per person
Address: Strand, London WC2R 0EZ
Book: thesavoylondon.com
The Connaught — Mayfair Festive Tea
For a festive afternoon tea that balances classic elegance with contemporary artistry, The Connaught is unbeatable. Set in the heart of Mayfair, it offers a refined, traditional tea experience with a modern twist. The cake stand is a celebration of the season: orange cheesecake, chestnut éclair, dark chocolate tartlet, a festive mango and ginger bauble and a pistachio Christmas tree infused with yuzu and mandarin. A curated tea menu complements the pastries, while festive mocktails add a playful, modern flourish - perfect for sipping in style.
What makes it special: A flawless fusion of modern elegance, artistic presentation, and exceptional festive flavours
When: 18 November 2025 – 1 January 2026
Price: From £108 per person
Address: Carlos Place, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL
Book: the-connaught.co.uk
Shangri-La The Shard — TĪNG Festive Afternoon Tea in the Sky
Take in breathtaking winter views from 35 floors above London at TĪNG, Shangri-La The Shard. The menu features delicate sandwiches, savoury bites, and handcrafted pastries inspired by the season, served with scones, cranberry jam, and clotted cream. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, making it a festive treat for everyone.
What makes it special: City views
When: 18 November 2025 – 6 January 2026
Price: From £89 per person
Address: Level 35, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU
Book: ting-shangri-la.com
JOIA Battersea — Portuguese-Inspired Festive Treats
High above Nine Elms, JOIA turns afternoon tea into a rooftop festive ritual. Served across the 14th and 15th floors — complete with live weekend entertainment and cinematic views of Battersea Power Station — this is a Christmas tea with contemporary Portuguese swagger.
The savoury tier brings serious flavour: a lobster brioche roll with kimchi and aioli, Iberico ham with cream cheese and rocket on toasted sourdough, and a vibrant beetroot tartare finger sandwich. Scones arrive warm, ready for clotted cream and either strawberry jam or mulled-wine jam.
What makes it special: Stylish festive tea with a Portuguese twist.
When: Saturday and Sunday during Festive season
Price: From £45 per person
Address: 15th Floor, 1 Electric Blvd, Nine Elms, London SW11 8BJ
Book: joiabattersea.co.uk
Rotunda Bar & Lounge at Four Seasons — Lily Vanilli’s Festive Tea
The Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square partners with the best London bakery Lily Vanilli to create a modern and whimsical festive menu. Indulge in decadent bakes, savoury bites and playful cocktails, with the menu evolving into an aperi-tea experience by night.
What makes it special: whimsical festive menu by Lily Vanilli
When: from 13 November to 28 December
Price: £65 per person
Address: 10 Trinity Square, London EC3N 4AJ
Book: fourseasons.com
Anya Café — Playful, Chic & Instagrammable Afternoon Tea
At Chelsea’s Anya Café, British designer Anya Hindmarch turns classic cakes and biscuits into joyful miniature artworks, each one crafted with her signature sense of play. Her festive afternoon tea is a playful take on tradition, featuring exclusively designed seasonal cakes, pastries and treats served on a bespoke stand inspired by Swedish spinning angel chimes. Guests can also enjoy a warming glass of mulled wine to start the experience.
And don’t miss our Visualista Christmas Gift Guide, where we’ve included Anya Hindmarch’s playful leather pieces if you’re looking for a stylish Christmas gift.
What makes it special: Instagrammable festive treats
When: From 1 November to 31 December 2025
Price: From £40 per person
Address: 9 Pont St, London, Greater London
Book: anyahindmarch.com
Cafe Linea — Chelsea’s Wintery Escape
Chelsea’s newest hotspot, Cafe Linea, has reimagined its terrace into a silver-luxe winter retreat for 2025, complete with twinkling fairy lights, mistletoe, winter greenery, soft blankets, and a grand Christmas tree. It’s the perfect mix of playful style, festive glamour, and people-watching in the heart of Duke of York Square.
Savour festive bites including egg mayo sandwiches, caviar and stilton profiteroles, and smoked salmon with cream cheese bagels, before indulging in sweet treats like mince pie biscuit sandwiches and a Christmas tree cake with caramelised apple, olive oil sponge, and cream cheese frosting. Pair your tea with champagne or one of Cafe Linea’s signature seasonal cocktails, such as the Espresso Martini with Salted Vanilla.
What makes it special: A stylish festive escape in the heart of Chelsea
When: From 11 November 2025
Price: From £45 per person
Address: 90 Duke of York Square, London SW3 4LY
Book: linealondon.com
The Dorchester — A Season of Grandeur on Park Lane
Few places capture London’s Christmas splendour quite like The Dorchester, where a magnificent 15-foot Nordmann spruce sets the tone the moment you step into the lobby.
This year’s menu stays true to tradition with smoked salmon on rye, cucumber with pine cream, and Cambridge bronze turkey finger sandwiches, followed by warm plain and raisin scones. Pastries bring a refined dose of Christmas joy: a chocolate–orange yule log, almond mousse with sour cherry, and a tropical tart crowned with coconut chantilly, all served alongside The Dorchester’s own tea blend.
What makes it special: Grand glamour
When: From 24 November to 9 January
Price: From £125 per person
Address: 53 Park Lane, London W1K 1QA
Book: dorchestercollection.com
Grosvenor House — Magic Faraway Tree Christmas Tea
High above the Enchanted Wood, Grosvenor House brings the Magic Faraway Tree to life with a whimsical festive afternoon tea. Head Pastry Chef Anthony Hurst has created five enchanting pastries and a playful amuse-bouche, from Silky’s Fairy Magic to a sweet surprise from The Land of Presents, each capturing the charm and wonder of Blyton’s ever-changing magical lands.
Savoury highlights include Norfolk turkey, cucumber and mint, and Burford Brown egg sandwiches on open brioche, perfectly paired with Newby teas or a glass of bubbles. A children’s menu with miniature scones and hot chocolate makes this a perfect family-friendly festive experience.
What makes it special: Whimsical afternoon tea presentation
When: 18 November 2025
Price: From £75 per adult
Address: 86–90 Park Lane, London W1K 7TN
Book: parkroom.co.uk
The Carlton Tower Jumeirah — Botanically Inspired Festive Tea
At The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, festive afternoon tea takes its cue from the hotel’s elegant neighbour, Cadogan Gardens — a private green sanctuary whose seasonal rhythm inspires the entire menu. Executive Pastry Chef Martin Haidar blends British tradition with Mediterranean refinement, crafting a tea experience where botanicals, herbs and garden fruits take centre stage. Expect aromatic touches of sage, rosemary and thyme, delicate notes of elderberry and lavender, and subtly sweet highlights of loquat and Japanese quince.
What makes it special: Botanically inspired festive experience
When: 15 November 2025 – 11 January 2026
Price: From £85 per person
Address: 1 Cadogan Place, London SW1X 9BW
Book: jumeirah.com
The Peninsula London — Glamorous Afternoon Tea at The Lobby
The Lobby at The Peninsula London sets the scene for a chic and indulgent festive afternoon tea. Handcrafted sandwiches, from Norfolk Bronze Turkey with apricot and cranberry relish to Maldon Cured Smoked Salmon with dill and confit Buddha lemon, sit alongside a selection of exquisite seasonal desserts. Every tea also gives back: £5 from each experience supports The Marylebone Project, helping women facing homelessness in London.
What makes it special: Luxurious holiday sparkle in a stunning hotel lobby.
When: From 19 November
Price: £85 per person
Address: 8/F, 1 Grosvenor Place, London SW1X 7HJ
Book: peninsula.com
The Landmark London — A Winter Garden Wonderland
Beneath the soaring glass atrium of The Landmark’s Winter Garden Restaurant, festive afternoon tea reaches new heights of elegance. This season, enjoy spiced mandarin scones with Valrhona chocolate, alongside indulgent pastries like white chocolate and cranberry yule logs and Mont Blanc with candied chestnuts. Complement your treats with a glass of Taittinger Champagne while gazing up at the hotel’s magnificent Christmas tree.
What makes it special: Breathtaking architecture and classic festive glamour
When: 27 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Price: £99 per person
Address: 222 Marylebone Road, London NW1 6JQ
Book: landmarklondon.co.uk
Fortnum & Mason — Piccadilly Christmas Tradition
At Fortnum & Mason, Christmas isn’t just a season — it’s a celebration of style, tradition, and sparkle. The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon dazzles with twinkling lights, glittering Christmas trees, and iconic London charm, making it the ultimate festive tea destination.
What makes it special: A legendary festive experience paired with iconic luxury shopping for gifts and seasonal treats.
When: Throughout the holiday season
Price: From £82 per person
Address: 181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER
Book: fortnumandmason.com
Corinthia London — A Crystal-Glow Christmas Classic
Few places capture festive elegance quite like Corinthia London, where a soaring Baccarat chandelier, live piano melodies and Richard Brendon china set the tone for a truly cinematic afternoon tea. During the holidays, the experience becomes even more magical.
Celebrate the season with Head Pastry Chef Yago Doamo’s refined ode to winter flavours — from hazelnut and milk-chocolate rocher to a perfect black forest bûche de Noël. Before the sweets arrive, expect delicate sandwiches, warm scones, and seasonal savouries, all served with Corinthia’s bespoke tea blends.
What makes it special: The theatrical presentation and beautiful crystal Baccarat chandeliers.
When: 14 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Price: From £150 per person
Address: 10 Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2BD
Book: corinthia.com
London Marriott Hotel County Hall — Riverside Festive Tea
At County Hall, Christmas afternoon tea comes with one of London’s most iconic backdrops - the Big Ben and River Thames shimmering just outside the window. The menu leans into comforting festive flavours with a refined twist: think roasted Norfolk turkey with redcurrant butter, and pigs in blankets tucked into buttery brioche with sage crème fraîche.
Seasonal savouries like butternut squash and Rosary goat’s cheese tartlets meet indulgent sweet moments - a Christmas pudding cheesecake, and a silky nutmeg-mandarin tart that tastes like holiday warmth in a bite.
A chic, relaxed, riverfront celebration of Christmas — classic, cosy and unmistakably London.
What makes it special: The view of the Thames and Big Ben
When: 1 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Price: From £75 per person
Address: Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB
Conrad London St James — Festive InfiniTEA Sommelier Experience
In the bright, glass-roofed Orchard Room, Conrad London St James gives its signature InfiniTEA a joyful seasonal twist. Served on Wedgwood’s Wild Strawberry china, this festive edition leans into British tradition with a refined, modern hand. Expect festive finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and beautifully crafted pastries inspired by the cosiest flavours of Christmas — all delivered with a touch of contemporary elegance.
What makes it special: A contemporary twist on a quintessentially British ritual.
When: From 17 November 2025 to 27 December 2025
Price: From £60 per person
Address: 22–28 Broadway, London SW1H 0BH
Book: hilton.com
Dalloway Terrace — Cosy Bloomsbury Christmas
Fairy-lit and wrapped in winter greenery, Dalloway Terrace transforms into one of London’s dreamiest festive hideaways. This year’s afternoon tea leans into pure seasonal indulgence: roast turkey with cranberry, sage and onion mayonnaise on soft onion bread; pistachio “Christmas wreaths”; and warm, aromatic gingerbread madeleines.
On the sweet tier, expect a Black Forest délice of dark chocolate and cherry, a Mont Blanc layered with vanilla and blackcurrant, and a raspberry mousse perched on coconut shortbread — each one as pretty as the terrace itself.
What makes it special: Cosy, photogenic interiors and festive charm.
When: From 24 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
Price: £75 per person (with Champagne)
Address: 16–22 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3NN
Book: dallowayterrace.com
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