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There’s nothing Brits value more than tradition… and there are few things more traditional than sitting down for an afternoon tea experience.
Buttery scones, finger sandwiches and an assortment of desserts paired with the finest teas around make for the perfect afternoon delight.
Now pair that with the festive season, and you have the recipe for the most quintessential British experience that England can offer.
Below, The Post takes a look at the best Christmas afternoon teas in and around London.
Cliveden House
What better way to ring in the festive season than at Cliveden House?
Dating back to the 17th century, the sprawling hotel has been revered by past and present members of the royal family.
The Grade I-listed hotel boasts a whopping 376 acres of National Trust grounds, with stunning views of the English countryside that are guaranteed to leave guests with a great haven of calm.
While the hotel offers up a never-ending array of experiences, their afternoon tea is not to be missed.
To honor the estate’s long-running legacy, Cliveden House’s Executive Head Chef, Christopher Hannon, has crafted a bespoke afternoon tea experience for the festive season.
While we’ll keep some elements of the menu a surprise, Cliveden House’s desserts reflect the main building’s charm and decor, including the French Chocolate Cake that symbolizes the elegant French Dining Room.
What’s more, the 24-carat Gold Pickled Egg represents the hotel’s Octagon Chapel, while the artistic Cliveden Four Seasons Fruit Cake showcases the stunning ceiling mural that welcomes guests into the great hall.
Not to mention, the five-star Relais & Châteaux royally-renowned Italianate mansion and stately hotel is nestled amongst 376 acres of National Trust formal gardens and woodland.
Prices range from $70 to $100 per person.
The Langham London
When The Langham London opened its doors in 1865, it became the first hotel in the world to serve afternoon tea.
Nearly 160 years later, the hotel remains a revered destination for not only tea lovers, but also those who love tradition or simply want to live out their royal dreams.
To welcome the festive season, The Langham has launched an afternoon tea menu that celebrates its blend of unique history and tradition of taking tea in the Victorian era.
Their festive afternoon tea menu features a myriad of delicious treats, including Scottish salmon finger sandwiches, beetroot sandwiches and Tonka bean-infused shortbread.
The scenery is worth visiting alone, as The Langham’s Palm Court serves as one of the best backdrops in London, perfect for those festive snaps.
What’s more, the luxury 5-star hotel has partnered with Hamleys of London — the most famous children’s toy store in the UK, making it the perfect outing for families.
As for the delicacies, the children’s menu features cakes in the form of toys and are paired with a fruity tea blend that’s a favorite among all.
The Langham’s festive afternoon tea runs from Nov. 6 to Dec. 31.
Prices range from $110 to $135 per person.
The Landmark London
Nestled in the heart of Marylebone — one of the city’s poshest areas — The Landmark London offers an unforgettable festive tea outing.
With an area — aptly named the Winter Garden — dedicated to its afternoon tea, this 5-star hotel promises to deliver on the quintessential British experience.
Not only are the white tablecloth dining tables underneath a stunning glass atrium, the palm tree-adorned hall also features marble staircases that add to the glitz and glamor of the location.
As for the menu, The Landmark London offers up a blend of classic and contemporary desserts and sandwiches, including smoked salmon topped with dill and egg mayo with black truffle.
The hotel also offers a selection of scones which are served warm with clotted cream and pistachio cream, as well as strawberry jelly.
This year, Landmark’s festive afternoon tea kickstarts on Nov. 28 and runs through Jan. 5, 2025.
Prices range from $90 to $120 per person.
Fortnum & Mason
It would be impossible to have an afternoon tea list without featuring Fortnum & Mason, which has prided itself on epitomizing British tradition.
The department store’s Tea Salon has earned its stripes as the go-to location for an afternoon tea experience, having perfected its craft over the last 314 years.
Epitomizing the sophistication of Afternoon and High Tea in all its splendor, Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon was named in honor of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth following her visit in 2012
That year, the late monarch formally opened the room, in the company of their Royal Highnesses the then Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge.
Year in, year out Fortnum & Mason has offered its guests a unique tea experience that has everything even the pickiest of eaters would want.
From coronation chicken finger sandwiches to freshly toasted scones, Fortnum & Mason serves up its carefully curated treats with its very own classic preserves.
Among the favorites, the rose eclair dessert remains a popular selection, as well as the strawberry with mint jelly pastries. Not to mention, their endless selection of iconic home-blend teas is guaranteed to turn anyone into an avid tea drinker.
Prices range from $110 to $135 per person.
The Savoy
If you’re looking for a proper festive spread — look no further than The Savoy.
In addition to being one of the most iconic London hotels, the hotel’s newly revamped lounge invites tea lovers into its glamorous lounge that features a pianist and an unmatched cozy atmosphere.
While the luxury hotel offers an afternoon tea experience year-round, its Christmas offering features a special menu consisting of British honey-roasted ham, English mustard and coronation turkey.
Its sweet treats are equally as special, including desserts that are adorned with Christmas designs such as baubles, Santa jackets, snowflakes and snowballs.
With over 30 teas to select from, The Savoy is guaranteed to please even the most demanding of palates.
Not to mention, The Savoy has always been one of the best places at which to people-watch. No matter the day you visit, you’re likely to run into a famous face or two.
Prices range from $125 to $160 per person.
Rosewood London
While there are countless afternoon tea experiences in London, none are quite like the one at Rosewood London.
Art aficionados are guaranteed to be enchanted by the luxury hotel’s festive afternoon tea offering, which features quirky and beautiful takes on classic desserts, designed by artists in residence.
Executive pastry chef Mark Perkins’ culinary creations are inspired by abstract shapes and bold colors when it comes to the dessert tray.
As for the savory menu, Rosewood offers up smoked salmon, crème fraîche and avocado purée sandwiches, as well as freshly baked scones with a tea selection to match.
This season’s menu features designs by John Booth — a London-based artist known for his work with luxury fashion houses like Paul Smith and Fendi.
Prices range from $97 to $200 per person.
11 Cadogan Gardens
11 Cadogan Gardens, an affiliate of the luxury brand Relais & Châteaux, spares no expense to make its guests feel like royalty.
Originally built by Lord Chelsea in the late 19th century as part of the prestigious Cadogan Estate, 11 Cadogan Gardens is revered as one of London’s top boutique hotels today.
Their festive afternoon tea experience, named The Chelsea Garden Afternoon Tea, pays tribute to its iconic location in Cadogan Gardens — which is nothing short of stunning.
The menu is expertly crafted to mirror the aromas of the garden, while its presentation is typically what stays with guests for months to come.
A delectable selection of savory and sweet delicacies is served up on William Edward tableware. These include fresh scones, a dessert tray, and finger sandwiches featuring chicken, salmon, ham, and cucumber.
And to complement the Chelsea afternoon tea experience is a refreshing glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne — what could be better?
Prices range from $70 to $90 per person.
Nobu Hotel Portman Square
The glitzy Nobu Hotel in London’s Portman Square offers its guests a blend of Japanese culture and British tradition.
To welcome the Christmas season, the luxury hotel’s afternoon tea experience pays homage to the traditional western tea ceremony while honoring the festive cheer with a carefully curated menu.
Executive Chef Michael Paul and his team took inspiration from artist Gavin Mitchell, whose artworks famously blended the east and the west.
Nobu offers a contemporary take on afternoon tea that includes a series of Japanese classics, such as yellowtail bites, beef tataki and chicken karaage.
As for its desserts, guests have their pick with a range including sencha green tea, basil cake and a Chai dates ginger cheesecake.
Not to mention, the sleek decor of the hotel is guaranteed to add to the charm of the entire experience.
Prices range from $80 to $110 per person.
The Hari
The afternoon tea experience at The Hari London blends tradition with contemporary Italian charm, making it the perfect backdrop for any festive celebration.
The luxury London hotel, nestled in the heart of Belgravia — London’s poshest neighborhood, offers up a unique twist on tradition with the “Dolci Momenti Afternoon Tea” — which is hosted in the elegant il Pampero restaurant.
This particular experience brings a distinctly Italian flair to the British classic, featuring indulgent festive treats like panettone with sweetened ricotta and candied orange, mini pistachio bombas, and crispy taleggio with fig jam.
Not to mention, this afternoon tea experience is made sweeter when accompanied by the signature Mandarin Mistletoe cocktail — a festive blend of Dalmore 12, mandarin, neroli, and black tea — what’s not to love?
Prices range from $44 to $70 per person.
Coworth Park
In recent years, Coworth Park has been named the best place to enjoy a spot of tea, having won the title of Best Traditional Afternoon Tea at the 2018 Afternoon Tea Awards, held in central London.
The luxury hotel sits on a 240-acre estate on the edge of Windsor Great Park in Sunningdale, Ascot.
Coworth Park, located just 45 minutes from the capital, is offering up a special afternoon tea experience for the festive season.
Lit up by cozy fireplaces, Coworth Park invites its guests to soak up the Christmas cheer by indulging in not just the delectable treats and teas, but live entertainment.
Their festive menu features seasonal twists like pear and cinnamon compote with the freshly baked scones, and a decadent Mont Blanc pastry with chestnut, vanilla, and pear.
Enjoy the dulcet tones of carol singers that serenade you as you feast on festive finger sandwiches and delicate pastries.
The seasonal experience takes place in the stunning Drawing room at the hotel, which overlooks the grounds that boast polo fields, an equestrian center and stabling.
Prices range from $75 to $110 per person.
The Dorchester
With its long-standing reputation as one of the most luxurious hotels in London, The Dorchester has been a staple destination within the royal family for decades.
The Dorchester opened its doors in 1931 and has since been “favored by royalty and celebrities, hosting countless state banquets and legendary parties.”
And its afternoon tea experience is no exception.
The luxury hotel celebrates the British love affair with tea with a ceremonial afternoon tea experience, which has been carefully altered for the festive season.
This holiday season, award-winning chef Michael Kwan pushes the boundaries of the traditional afternoon tea menu and instead introduces his own take on the centuries-long pastime.
The experience is paired with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne, NV, and live music, which includes a talented choir who perform traditional carols as guests dine.
The hotel, which sits next to the iconic Hyde Park, offers its guests a thoughtful palate cleanser between the savory and sweet courses.
The plush hotel, located in the heart of posh Mayfair, welcomes guests with a 15-foot UK-grown Nordmann spruce Christmas tree, as well as festive floral displays overseen by in-house designer florist Philip Hammond.
The Dorchester also offers a special Christmas grotto where children can pen a letter to Santa, and drop off their mail into the hotel’s post-box that sends letters off to the North Pole.
Prices range from $155 to $170 per person.
