6 festive afternoon teas to try in London this Christmas 2025

Afternoon tea is one British tradition that never goes out of style. So much so, that every season, restaurants and luxury hotels put their own spin on this classic pastime. This holiday season, the afternoon tea is getting a festive makeover, with many luxury hotels around London offering some exciting Christmas themes, with decor to match and plenty of holiday cheer to go around. Here, we list six of the most exciting festive afternoon teas to try in London this Christmas 2025.Hotel Café Royal, West End

This festive season, Hotel Café Royal in the West End is hosting a The Nutcracker-inspired afternoon tea, capturing the magic of the Sugar Plum Fairy with three tiers of delicate savoury treats, patisserie and warm cranberry scones, preserves, and clotted cream. On 6, 13, and 20 December, guests can also enjoy a live Nutcracker ballet performance in the lobby from 2:30 to 3:00 pm. So if you’re looking for an afternoon tea with a little side of theatre, Hotel Café Royal has you covered.The Kensington, South Kensington

If you’re a fan of Marie Antoinette and would love to spend a day embodying her opulent spirit, The Kensington’s Let Us Eat Cake afternoon tea is for you. Drawing inspiration from the fashion, gardens and lavish court life of Marie Antoinette, the fan-shaped menu mirrors the decorative elegance and playful extravagance of the Palace of Versailles. Guests can sample a selection of intricately crafted patisserie, including Le Gâteau du Jardin – a strawberry genoise sponge layered with vanilla Chantilly and fresh strawberries, Le Brisé de la Dauphine – a delicate lemon shortbread shaped like a fan, La Robe de la Reine – a blackberry and lemon curd tartlet topped with blackberry mousse, and Le Macaron Petit Trianon, a raspberry and white chocolate almond macaron. Follow this up with a visit to the V&A’s exhibition about the late French queen, and you’ve got yourself a pretty good afternoon.Four Seasons Hotel London, Tower Bridge

This Christmas, Four Seasons Hotel London Tower Bridge has enlisted the help of baker extraordinaire Lily Vanilli for its festive afternoon tea. Created exclusively for the hotel, Lily has unveiled her modern Christmas cake – a show-stopping chocolate salted caramel cake adorned with edible gold baubles and a delicately piped wreath in rich icing. Guests can also enjoy Lily’s signature cake-like scones, served warm with clotted cream and blackberry jam, her citrus tart and the indulgent sticky toffee madeline served with a quenelle of vanilla custard cream, a crumble and a pot of warm toffee sauce. The beloved baker’s version of mince pies will also be on the menu alongside a selection of delicious savouries.Lanes of London, Park Lane

At Lanes of London, the classic afternoon tea is getting a seasonal and festive twist, where delicate savouries meet playful patisserie inspired by the magic of Christmas — think edible Santa’s sleighs, sparkling presents and holiday candles. Begin with a selection of savoury bites, including turkey and cranberry bonbons and a smoked salmon and Cornish crab tartare mille-feuille. Other savouries include a truffle polenta canapé with whipped goat cheese, confit tomato and orange marmalade and a pumpkin caponata and red onion filo parcel. These are followed by sweet treats like Santa’s Sleigh – a fruit cake with ginger shortbread and vanilla frosting; a Christmas Present red plum cheesecake with cherry compote; an Upside-Down Santa featuring mixed berry compote and chocolate parfait; and the Holiday Candle, an orange sponge cake with cinnamon crème chiboust.The Stafford London, St James’s

The Stafford London has unveiled a festive afternoon tea that brings a decadent twist to a British classic. Featuring delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones, and festive pastries, you can expect all the classic trimmings of an afternoon tea elevated to match the spirit of Christmas. Guests can elevate the experience with a glass of champagne, making it the perfect indulgence for a winter afternoon. The hotel is also offering a festive package that includes a luxurious two-night stay for anyone that is looking for a winter break in the heart of the city.Pavyllon London, Park Lane

Michelin-starred Pavyllon London in Four Seasons Hotel at Park Lane has debuted a special winter afternoon tea, blended with the best of French gastronomy. Set within the Pavyllon Lounge – transformed with sparkling festive décor and a towering 25-foot real spruce Christmas tree for the holiday season – the afternoon tea opens with a series of savoury delights like lobster tartlet, a stuffed courgette filled with Comté cheese, and the star of the show: a miniature pâté en croute with pork pluma, wood pigeon, mallard, partridge and foie gras. A generous array of pâtisserie follows, featuring a coffee and hazelnut Paris-Brest, a tart citron, and a smoked vanilla crème brûlée infused with Laphroaig whisky. To sweeten the occasion, each guest will be treated to a surprise to take home – a handcrafted Dubai Chocolate gingerbread man, complete with kadaifi and pistachio.  

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