12 best Christmas afternoon teas in London

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Tuck into a festive afternoon tea with our contenders for the best Christmas afternoon tea London has to offer over the holiday season.

Christmas afternoon tea in London 2021 ranges from the opulent to the downright quirky – so get your Insta game face on, ready your tastebuds and be prepared for indulgent treats between Christmas shopping sprees.

1. Winter Wonderland Afternoon at The Rubens at the Palace

Christmas-themed cakes on two tiers of a cake stand, including cakes shaped like Santa's belt, cakes with holly leaves and cakes shaped like baubles. — Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace. Image courtesy of Perowne International.

Enjoy bottomless mulled wine as part of The Rubens at the Palace’s Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea*. Created by Executive Pastry Chef Sarah Houghton, who was a finalist in 2021 Bake Off: The Professionals, the tea includes seasonal takes on traditional delights, which you can devour as you gaze out at the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace. 15 Nov-2 Jan

Book Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea now*

2. B Bakery Christmas afternoon tea bus tour

Check out some of the dazzling London Christmas lights aboard a festive version of the B Bakery Christmas Afternoon Tea bus tour. Enjoy finger sandwiches, choux pastry with pistachio cream and cherry coulis and more tasty bites. Then, sit back and enjoy the view with a cup of hot chocolate or, for a little extra, a gin cocktail, mulled wine or champagne. 15 Nov-9 Jan

Book the B Bakery afternoon tea bus tour now

3. Claridge's Christmas afternoon tea

Marvel at Claridge's magnificent Christmas tree before tucking into its Festive Afternoon Tea in the Foyer & Reading Room. Be serenaded by carols as you indulge in champagne, specially selected teas and seasonal treats including Christmas pudding stirred by the whole pastry team as part of an annual tradition. 8 Nov-3 Jan

4. Festive Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea at The Dilly

Small cakes, including some shaped in the form of Peter Rabbit, a snowman and a cube, on a wooden platter, with Christmas lights in the background. — A festive version of The Original Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea at The Dilly. Image courtesy of Spotl1ght Communications.

The Dilly’s The Official Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea is given a festive twist this winter. Enjoy an edible meringue snowman, seasonal savoury and sweet treats based around Beatrix Potter’s famous tales. From 29 Dec

5. Christmas afternoon tea at The Ritz London

Spark that festive feeling with The Ritz London's Christmas Afternoon Tea in the iconic Palm Court, which is dressed in an Edwardian theme for the Christmas season. As well as delicious finger sandwiches, mince pies, seasonal pastries and cakes, you’ll be treated to a glass of champagne (or a teddy bear for children) and classic carols for a magical experience. 20 Nov-30 Dec

6. Sketch Christmas afternoon tea

Festive-themed cakes and sandwiches on a three-tiered white cake stand plus a cocktail, scones and cups and saucers alongside on a table. The iconic pink seats of The Gallery at Sketch in the background. — Sketch Christmas afternoon tea. Image courtesy of Sketch.

Step into Sketch’s winter wonderland, as you explore its snowy decorations and listen to music from a sting ensemble while enjoying a Christmas afternoon tea in the famous pretty pink Gallery. Delve into the likes of truffle brioche bun, yule log, cranberry Battenberg cake, and scones served with fig jam. 17 Nov-6 Jan

7. Festive Afternoon Tea at InterContinental at The O2

Taking a trip on the Emirates Air Line cable car or shopping at ICON Outlet at The O2? Make it a day to remember by tucking into a Christmas-themed afternoon tea in the Meridian Lounge at the InterContinental at The O2. Savour views over Greenwich as you bite into themed fare such as clementine and cardamom choux, and cranberry scones. From 1 Dec

8. Festive Afternoon Tea at The Orchid Lounge at Pan Pacific London

A selection of Christmas-themed cakes, including cakes resembling a Christmas tree, present and bauble, on a plate. — Festive Afternoon Tea at The Orchid Lounge at Pan Pacific. Image courtesy of Purple PR

Take your pick from two festive teas at The Orchid Lounge at Pan Pacific London in the City of London. Choose the Singapore-inspired Festive Kopi Tiam Afternoon Tea for Asian savouries, matcha scones and seasonal sweets or opt for the Festive Traditional Afternoon tea including festive cakes and mince crumble tart with gingerbread hot chocolate. 11 Nov-10 Jan

9. Festive Afternoon Tea at The Connaught

Spoil yourself with Festive Afternoon Tea in London at Jean-Georges at The Connaught. Snack on the likes of a blackberry and chestnut biscuit, roast turkey and chestnut sandwiches and an almond tart with chestnut and blackberry, alongside a glass of champagne or a festive mocktail. 24 Nov-3 Jan

10. Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea at London Hilton on Park Lane

Reward yourself after a shopping spree in Mayfair with a creative Christmas afternoon tea at Podium Restaurant, housed within London Hilton on Park Lane. Full of quirky treats, such as a chocolate Christmas tree, mulled wine bauble and passion and coconut log, it’s definitely one for the ‘gram. 3 Dec-1 Jan

11. Festive Afternoon Tea at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

A three-tiered platter with sandwiches and Christmas-themed cakes, with Christmas cake and glasses of sparkling wine to the side, and a Christmas tree decorated with lights in the background. — Festive Afternoon Tea at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane. Image courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane.

Munch on scones with seasonal spiced jams, festive-themed pastries and dainty sandwiches as part of the Festive Afternoon Tea in the stylish Amaretto Lounge, at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane. The perfect pit stop from Christmas shopping in Mayfair’s boutiques. 18 Nov-2 Jan

12. Alpine Afternoon Tea at Ting at Shangri-La Hotel, at The Shard

Start Christmas on a high, as you head to the 35th floor of The Shard for a decadent afternoon tea. Ting at the Shangri-La Hotel, at The Shard, puts a twist on its usual offering, with Austrian-inspired pastries and Black Forest gateau alongside savouries and scones. 8 Nov-27 Feb

More Christmas in London ideas

Make a whole day or weekend of it by booking a spot for Christmas shows, exploring London's Christmas shopping hotspots, seeing the fabulous Christmas lights, discovering twinkling Christmas trees or delving into the many stalls at London Christmas markets. Or tour London any beyond with a special festive tour.

Find more Christmas inspiration with 101 things to do over the festive season.

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