The Ultimate Guide to Festive Afternoon Teas

Wellington Lounge at InterContinental London Park Lane

Step into a world where tradition meets innovation at the Wellington Lounge in the InterContinental London Park Lane. Experience the perfect blend of classic and contemporary as you savour delicate sandwiches filled with bronze turkey and spiced pear chutney on turmeric bread. Sweet delights include Christmas pudding scones and a delightful ho ho ho gift box featuring white chocolate, cranberry, and coconut dacquoise.

parklane.intercontinental.com/dine/the-wellington-lounge

Flemings Mayfair Hotel

Immerse yourself in the charming surroundings of Flemings Mayfair and raise a glass with a special Christmas cocktail with gin and gingerbread. Enjoy traditional finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and a selection of exquisite handmade sweet treats. Fancy a slice of luscious lemon tart and delicate choux apple pastries? Of course you do. Specialised tea blends, including a limited-edition Spiced Rooibos blend, complete the experience.

flemings-mayfair.co.uk/fine-dining-london/the-drawing-room

Mariage Frères 

In the heart of Covent Garden, the French tea emporium, Mariage Frères, invites you to a seasonal afternoon tea in its stunning Salon de Thé. Choose from over 1,000 aromatic tea varieties, including festive blends like Noël Amour, Christmas in Love, and Bûche De Noël. Indulge in a typical Parisian Afternoon Tea featuring tea-infused scones, sandwiches, and picture-perfect patisserie made fresh daily.

mariagefreres.com

Searcys at The Gherkin

Elevate your afternoon tea experience to new heights atop the iconic skyscraper with 360° city views. Start Christmas with a sparkle by enjoying a glass of Rosé Champagne and tucking into a selection of savoury and sweet delights, from Portland crab rarebit to finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones and pastries. For an extra treat, opt for 90 minutes of Searcys Cuvée Brut Champagne. It’s Christmas, after all. 

searcysatthegherkin.co.uk

The Orchid Lounge at Pan Pacific London

Pan Pacific London’s Kaleidoscope Afternoon Tea Collection is a true culinary experience. Executive Pastry Chef Francesco presents four gorgeous patisseries on mirrored plates, creating a beautiful play of light and reflection. His creations include Festive Forest with Biscoff and pecan, stollen scones, Southeast Asian delicacies, and dainty finger sandwiches. Twilight afternoon tea under the city’s twinkling lights is also available.

panpacificlondon.com

Sopwell House

Nestled in Hertfordshire, near St Albans, Sopwell House offers a classic afternoon tea with a festive twist. Try finger sandwiches with roast bronze turkey with cranberry chutney or gingerbread spiced raisin scones. Or both!

There is also an array of festive cakes and pastries, including the traditional Christmas fruit cake and almond fondant, to choose from.

sopwellhouse.co.uk

Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate

Afternoon Tea at Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate is the ultimate festive experience. Guests can enjoy a delightful selection of freshly made finger sandwiches, made from ingredients sourced from the hotel’s Kitchen Garden, warm scones and homemade patisserie. There is also a range of seasonal sweet treats, such as spice latte macarons and Christmas fruit cake. Eat, drink and be very merry.

downhall.co.uk