27 Best Christmas Afternoon Teas In London 2026

• Location: The Dilly Hotel, 21 Piccadilly, W1J 0BH
• When: throughout December
• Price: from £33.99
• Why we recommend: this is a great choice for cheap Christmas afternoon tea in London, and the cosy cafe setting is ideal if you're after something more relaxed

A cosy cafe in the heart of Soho, Cutter & Squidge is an independent, family-run venue that's all about great afternoon tea in welcoming surrounds. They're offering a festive afternoon tea to enjoy at the venue, or you can even order one to devour from the comfort of your own home.

Indulge in three classic finger sandwiches, warm scones served with jam and clotted cream, Christmas-themed cakes and mince pies, with a pot of freshly blended tea or coffee.

• Location: 8, Northumberland Avenue, WC2N 5BY
• When: throughout December
• Price: £45
• Why we recommend: this is probably our most unique pick, as it takes place on a vintage London bus - the ultimate dose of British culture wrapped up in a fun, 90-minute experience

If you're after affordable Christmas afternoon tea on a London bus, then check out Brigit's Afternoon Tea Ltd. Take in the city sights, twinkling in all their glory, as you sip on prosecco and zoom past the likes of Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament and Hyde Park for 90 minutes.

Served on a moving vintage bus (a revamped, iconic 1960s Routemaster), you'll be able to enjoy a selection of delicious savoury and sweet treats - think salmon and cream cheese fillings, themed cupcakes, indulgent choux and, of course, scones with fresh clotted cream, all from £45 per person. They also have a wheelchair-accessible bus available.

• Location: The Dilly Hotel, 21 Piccadilly, W1J 0BH
• When: throughout December
• Price: from £49
• Why we recommend: if you're after a luxury experience without breaking the bank, this hotel restaurant is a grand choice - and it's family-friendly too

Dating back to 1908, The Dilly is a top hotel in the Piccadilly area that's home to a fantastic restaurant. The all-glass walls and ceiling fill the gorgeous space with natural light, and you can dine surrounded by luscious greenery. This Christmas, they're offering themed afternoon teas for £49 per adult, and £39 for kids, with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free versions available.

Enjoy a wide range of teas from all over the world, or add on Pommery Louis English sparkling wine for £16 extra. The festive feast includes cranberry and turkey sandwiches, themed cakes and pastries - alongside fresh scones of course.

• Location: 194 Kensington Park Road, Notting Hill, W11 2ES
• When: throughout December
• Price: from £48
• Why we recommend: for fans of a sweet treat or two, these guys really know how to nail a festive menu, and there's even the option to add on a DIY icing masterclass

Although Biscuiteers in Notting Hill know a thing or two about pretty afternoon tea all year round, it's even better come Christmastime. You'll have plenty of festive fun in the space, and you can even learn how to decorate your very own masterpieces as an optional extra. 

Its festive offering is available from £48 per person, or £57.50 with a glass of bubbles, and features scrumptious winter finger sandwiches stuffed with turkey and cranberry, patisseries and freshly baked scones, as well as a bespoke blend of Tregothan Tea.

• Location: 1 Kensington Court, W8 5DL
• When: 28th November 2025 - 4th January 2026
• Price: from £45
• Why we recommend: this place really is a cut above, with some elegant festive treats on the menu, and we love that they offer different options to suit all dietary requirements

Opposite Kensington Palace and a short walk from the Royal Albert Hall, The Milestone Hotel and Residences serves up a festive afternoon tea fit for a king or queen.

In the decadently decorated, rich mahogany-clad walls of the Park Lounge or Cheneston's Restaurant, you'll sit down for finger sandwiches covering all the classics, from smoked salmon and dill to cucumber and cream cheese. Your £90 ticket also covers a sensational selection of the finest French fancies, raisin scones and, of course, plenty of fine leaf teas. For little princes and princesses, the children's afternoon tea package is just £45.

• Location: 3-5 Great Scotland Yard, London, SW1A 2HN
• When: 10th November 2025 - 4th January 2026
• Price: £65 per person
• Why we recommend: this experience combines the very best of London's festive season: indulgent luxury, exclusive and personalised attention, and iconic holiday sights without the crowds

Experience a festive London wonderland with a luxurious afternoon tea at the Great Scotland Yard Hotel, nestled in the heart of the city. Enjoy freshly prepared seasonal finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, and an array of exquisite pastries and cakes, paired with a selection of fine teas in an elegant, cosy setting.

After tea, hop into a private black cab for a chauffeured tour of London's most dazzling Christmas lights, from Regent Street's sparkling canopy to Covent Garden's magnificent tree, Oxford Street's twinkling displays, and hidden festive gems along the way.

• Location: The O2, 1 Waterview Drive, Greenwich, SE10 0TW
• When: throughout December
• Price: from £55
• Why we recommend: the nods to Indian cuisine throughout their menu add a unique twist to the classic concept of afternoon tea - a perfect fusion of two cultures

Intercontinental London at The O2 is going all-out with its festive celebrations this year - including a Christmas twist on their signature Indian-inspired afternoon tea. Available throughout December, you can enjoy a classic spread for £55, with a Champagne option for £70.

Tuck into everything from roasted turkey breast with cranberry to puff pastry filled with tandoori cottage cheese - alongside all kinds of desserts and a wide range of teas.

• Location: The Londoner, 38 Leicester Square, WC2H 7DX
• When: November and December
• Price: from £59 per person
• Why we recommend: curated by The Londoner's renowned executive chefs, The Stage's Christmas afternoon tea is as fancy as it is festive

Serving up seasonal sandwiches and unbelievably indulgent pastries, afternoon tea at The Stage is a mighty fine way to see in the festive season. Take your pick of fantastic fillers, from cornfed chicken to baby cucumber and coronation duck egg.

There's plenty more yuletide yumminess over on the dessert trolley. Santa's Favourite packs in redcurrant, hazelnut and tarragon mousse, while Rudolph's Glow gives you a glazed kumquat well worthy of guiding Santa's sleigh.

• Location: 35 Charles Street, Mayfair, W1J 5EB
• When: 22nd November 2025 - 5th January 2026
• Price: from £75
• Why we recommend: this elegant hotel provides a timeless experience, and we love trying out the seasonal cakes on offer with this high-end menu

Looking for the best Christmas afternoon tea in London for 2025? The Chesterfield Mayfair offers a truly festive experience with their winter wonderland-themed offering, which can be booked for up to 20 guests. There are vegetarian, vegan, halal and gluten-free versions available, with an optional glass of Champagne for £10 extra.

Indulge in their luxurious afternoon tea in the charming Conservatory or Butler's Restaurant, where seasonal treats and impeccable service create a perfect winter afternoon. This Christmas, make your celebration extra special with a delightful tea experience that includes brie and apple chutney sandwiches, followed by cherry and pistachio Battenburg.

• Location: The Montague on The Gardens Hotel, 15 Montague Street, WC1B 5BJ
• When: throughout December 2025
• Price: from £70
• Why we recommend: a classic afternoon tea with all the trimmings - perfect for a cosy festive treat

The Montague on The Gardens brings a touch of winter magic to Bloomsbury this December with its Festive Afternoon Tea. Set within the hotel's charming, old-world surrounds, guests can indulge in a spread of beautifully crafted seasonal delights, from warm scones and turkey finger sandwiches to spiced ginger cake, mince pies and a snowman-shaped coconut marshmallow.

Add a glass of mulled wine for the full festive effect, or upgrade to the Ultimate Bottomless Afternoon Tea (£160 per person) featuring 90 minutes of unlimited food and Champagne. With its elegant setting, twinkling Christmas décor and impeccable service, this is the kind of afternoon tea that makes winter in London feel truly special. 

• Location: The Egerton House Hotel, 17-19 Egerton Terrace, SW3 2BX
• When: throughout December 2025
• Price: £75
• Why we recommend: timeless elegance, impeccable service and a festive menu brimming with hand-baked indulgence

The Egerton House Hotel invites you to step into a world of Christmas charm this winter with its Traditional Christmas Afternoon Tea - a luxurious affair filled with hand-cut sandwiches, delicate pastries and the scent of freshly baked scones. Expect seasonal flavours like roast turkey with cranberry, spiced plum jam, and a parade of homemade cakes, including a rich Bûche de Noël, pecan tart, and a cardamom and orange delight.

Served alongside the hotel's exceptional selection of teas from P.M. David Silva & Sons - including the distinguished Planters' Breakfast and Silver Tips - this is a true taste of festive refinement in the heart of Knightsbridge.

• Location: 39 Buckingham Palace Road, Westminster, SW1W 0PS
• When: 24th November 2025 - 5th January 2026
• Price: from £82
• Why we recommend: this is our top pick for larger group bookings, and we recommend trying the roast turkey, pork stuffing and cranberry mayonnaise sandwich

Celebrate the festive season in style with Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Rubens at the Palace, starting from 24th November 2025. Nestled near Buckingham Palace, this luxurious 5-star hotel combines traditional British hospitality with a festive twist, making it one of London's most sought-after Christmas Afternoon Tea experiences.

Expect seasonal sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and handcrafted pastries, paired with a glass of mulled wine or Champagne on Christmas Day. Families and groups can enjoy special packages for up to 120 guests, with bespoke menus, celebratory decorations, and complimentary cakes for large bookings.

• Location: Jumeirah Carlton Tower, 1 Cadogan Pl, Knightsbridge, SW1X 9PY
• When: Every day from 12 to 4pm
• Price: from £85 per person
• Why we recommend: with several menus on offer, you can take your pick from festive spreads to fine fancies and all kinds of fizz

The afternoon tea menu at Jumeirah Carlton Tower is so thorough that it probably deserves a few entries on this list. On top of a fine selection of traditional Cornish scones and fancy sweets, you can add plenty more to your indulgence.

There's the festive platter that packs in the likes of Norfolk bronze turkey, plus the option of adding sparkling teas, rose and champagne to your tiers of treats. Whatever you go for, you'll enjoy uninterrupted views across the city with every bite.

• Location: The Ivy Chelsea Gardens and Richmond
• When: daily, 3pm - 5pm 
• Price: from £35.95 per person, or £45.95 with a glass of Nyetimber Classic Cuvee
• Why we recommend: it's a classic with a festive twist; The Ivy's Christmas Afternoon Tea is elegant, accessible, and set against some of the most magical festive décor around

This winter, The Ivy Collection invites you to indulge in its Festive Afternoon Tea, a refined seasonal twist on the British classic priced from £35.95, or £45.95 with a glass of Nyetimber Classic Cuvee.

The spread includes savouries such as a smoked salmon and cream cheese choux bun, a truffle cream brioche roll with crisp chicken milanese, and a lightly curried egg finger sandwich, followed by warm fruited scones with clotted cream, fresh strawberries and strawberry preserve, and finished with sweet treats like a silky crème brûlée with winter berry compote, miniature chocolate truffles with a molten salted caramel centre, and The Ivy's iconic chocolate bombe adorned with gold flake.

• Location: 61-63 Petersham Road, Richmond TW10 6UT
• When: throughout December
• Price: from £42
• Why we recommend: the Richmond location makes for a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, with riverside views and cosy igloos adding to the aesthetic vibes

Venture out to Richmond to discover Bingham Riverhouse, a stunning hotel and restaurant that comes with cosy garden igloos to dine in - as well as their elegant indoor spaces that provide brilliant views of the Thames.

They offer an affordable festive afternoon tea, and their menus over past years have been truly delightful. Think turkey or gammon sandwiches, alongside spiced berry jam scones, mini mince pies and s'mores chocolate brownies.

• Location: 109-113 Queen's Gate, South Kensington, SW7 5LP
• When: December 2025
• Price: from £65 
• Why we recommend: the Drawing Room is beautiful, the patisserie is exquisitely crafted, and live harp music or a personal illustration makes it feel truly special

The Kensington's festive edition of Let Us Eat Cake is a decadent Christmas afternoon tea. Inspired by the V&A South Kensington's Marie Antoinette Style exhibition, this regal tea offers a playful yet elegant nod to 18th-century court life, with a sprinkle of yuletide magic. Served daily from noon to 4pm in the hotel's stunning Drawing Room, the tea features handcrafted patisserie including Le Gâteau du Jardin, La Robe de la Reine, Le Macaron Petit Trianon, and Le Brisé de la Dauphine, alongside freshly baked scones, mince pies, and a white chocolate and coconut Christmas bauble.

Savoury options include roasted turkey and cranberry sandwiches, egg salad on brioche, avocado with sundried tomatoes and feta, and house-cured salmon. Select dates feature live harp music, while others include a complimentary hand-drawn illustration by a live artist.

• Location: 16-22, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NN
• When: November and December
• Price: from £75
• Why we recommend: this is one of the most Instagrammable dining destinations in the city, and we love cosying up with a blanket and a hot tea on their heated terrace

After a Christmas afternoon tea in Covent Garden? Littered across Instagram feeds everywhere, Dalloway Terrace is one of London's prettiest spots. Their heated outdoor area, known for its fluffy blankets and fairy-lit foliage is the perfect place to sample their contemporary afternoon tea menu alfresco style.

From £75 per person, you can tuck into all sorts of chocolatey treats, alongside mince pies and smoked salmon sandwiches, accompanied by a glass of Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne.

• Location: 1 Aldwych, WC2B 4BZ
• When: throughout December
• Price: from £75
• Why we recommend: this unique themed afternoon tea is a nostalgic experience that will have you re-living the festive magic of childhood, complete with all sorts of quirky food and drink

Inspired by the iconic Roald Dahl story, One Aldwych is offering a fantastic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-themed afternoon tea. expect a magical experience for kids and adults alike, with vegan and vegetarian menus available as well as the classic.

Expect savoury snacks like beetroot and horseradish sandwiches, as well as violet macarons, butterscotch and soda, hair toffee mousse and more. This costs £75 per person, with the option to add on 'fizzy lifting drinks' like Champagne or a cocktail.

• Location: Brook Street, Mayfair, W1K 4HR
• When: throughout December
• Price: from £95
• Why we recommend: this is one of the most famous dining destinations around, and we love how beautifully they present their afternoon tea. Of course, it's absolutely delicious too

The best afternoon tea in London this Christmas has got to be at the famous Claridge's in Mayfair. Founded in 1812, the stunning, Art Deco-inspired hotel is continuing the British ritual with a signature twist to be enjoyed in The Foyer and Reading Room. 

Expect sweet and savoury bites made with fresh ingredients like Scottish smoked salmon, and pastries filled with seasonal fruits. Their festive menu is always exciting, with past years' including black forest Christmas trees, festive choux with orange marmalade and spiced cream, and white chocolate and cranberry baubles.

• Location: 150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR
• When: 15th November 2025 to 3rd January 2026
• Price: from £120
• Why we recommend: this is one of the most famous hotels in the entire world, so we never miss an opportunity to visit - and the seasonal decor is truly stunning too

When it comes to festive frolics, you can't beat The Ritz London Christmas afternoon tea. This iconic hotel is probably one of the most famous dining destinations in the world, boasting five stars to its name and a history that dates back to 1906. This year, treat yourself to an upmarket experience in The Palm Court, surrounded by opulent decor and a towering tree.

You'll be treated to pastries, mince pies and more, with the choice of 20 delicious loose-leaf teas. Elevate your experience with a glass of Champagne, and if you visit on the 25th, you'll receive a special visit from Father Christmas himself. As for carols? There's a choir singing those too.

• Location: The Strand, WC2R 0EZ
• When: throughout December
• Price: from £90
• Why we recommend: if you want a premium experience done right, there's nowhere better than the Savoy, and they always go all-out with their festive offerings

Fancy adding a dash of holiday cheer to your afternoon tea experience at The Savoy? During the festive season, their patisserie is twinkling with extra magic, featuring delightful treats that celebrate the traditional holiday spirit.

Indulge in a selection of scrumptious finger sandwiches, with past menus having included coronation chicken and smoked salmon, alongside featherlight scones, French pastries and a variety of exquisite teas handpicked by their expert team. And don't forget to save room for sweet, festive-themed delights like lemon drizzle cake and banana bread.

• Location: 181 Piccadilly, St James's, W1A 1ER
• When: November and December
• Price: from £82
• Why we recommend: titans in the tea industry, Fortnum & Mason promise a luxurious experience with some of the best hot drinks around. They are also great for accommodating different dietary requirements

There's nothing quite like a Christmas afternoon tea at London's Fortnum and Mason Cafe, located in the heart of St James's. Their Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is always decorated gorgeously for the season, with sparkling trees and fairy lights around you as you dine.

Expect precisely cut sandwiches and fruit scones with orange curd, followed by dreamy mousses, pastries and festive treats - with menus to suit all dietary requirements. And, of course, you can sample many of their fantastic teas to wash it all down with.

• Location: The Langham, Portland Place, Marylebone, W1B 1JA
• When: November and December
• Price: from £85
• Why we recommend: these guys have been serving afternoon tea for over 160 years, so it's clear they know what they're doing - and it's a family-friendly as well

One of the city's top hotels for dining, The Langham is home to elegant restaurant Palm Court. This decadent space features comfortable armchair-style seating and lots of natural light, ideal for a fancy festive afternoon tea.

There are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menus available alongside the meat option - all complete with seasonal treats. Their past menus have always been impressive, featuring bites such as roast Norfolk turkey or celeriac and truffle sandwiches, tonka bean and orange-infused shortbread and crunchy almond sable.

• Location: 222 Marylebone Road, NW1 6JQ
• When: 27th November 2025 to 4th January 2026
• Price: £99
• Why we recommend: the hospitality here is second-to-none, and there's always festive music playing to get you in the Christmas spirit

Gorgeous hotel The Landmark London, designed by Sir Edward Watkin and dating back to 1899, is a pretty sophisticated spot for celebrations this yuletide season. Their Winter Garden Restaurant is whipping up a delicious festive afternoon tea, complete with a glass of Taittinger Champagne.

As for the food, their decadent menu features the likes of spiced mandarin scones with homemade Valrhona chocolate orange spread and white chocolate and cranberry yule logs, as well as seasonal savouries.

• Location: Hamilton Place, Mayfair, W1J 7DR
• When: 21^st November 2025 to 28th February 2026
• Price: £95 per person
• Why we recommend: this premium offering is created by a Michelin-starred kitchen team, and the striking interiors promise plenty of festive cheer

Found within the iconic Four Seasons Hotel at Park Lane, Pavyllon is a high-end, Michelin star restaurant by celebrated chef Yannick Alléno. This winter, the space will be decorated with lots of sparkles and a 25-foot real spruce Christmas tree, with a seasonal afternoon tea menu on the cards too.

Begin with lobster tartlets and stuffed courgette filled with Comté cheese, before moving onto their delicious sweet treats. Think tart citron, smoked vanilla crème brûlée infused with Laphroaig whisky, bitesize yule logs and more. To finish off, you'll receive a handcrafted Dubai Chocolate gingerbread man to take home.

• Location: 10 Air Street, London W1B 5AB
• When: November and December
• Price: from £79
• Why we recommend: they've got a pastry chef on-site to ensure that their sweet treats are some of the finest around, and we could sit and soak up the elegant atmosphere here all day

Hotel Café Royal is a fantastic choice for luxury Christmas afternoon tea in London in 2025. Venture over to the five-star hotel on Regent Street to soak up opulent surroundings in its historic Grill Room or Domino Room, marvel at the golden interiors and enjoy relaxing piano tunes all while tucking into an incredibly aesthetic spread. 

Made by pastry chef Maxence Blondelle, the festive instalment features Norfolk bronze turkey sandwiches, winter-inspired cakes and over 20 types of tea. Feeling extra festive? Add a glass of Champagne for a little extra yuletide spirit. Plus, they offer a vegan version of the menu as well.

• Location: 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, W1S 2XG
• When: 14th November - 5th Janurary
• Price: from £115
• Why we recommend: for unique, Instagram-worthy interiors, Sketch is the ultimate venue - and don't forget to visit their famous egg-shaped toilets while you're here

Throughout the festive period, Sketch wishes everyone a sweet Christmas and a scrumptious New Year with its seasonal afternoon tea, taking place in The Gallery, Gastro Brasserie Luxe. Their The Art of Aprés theme makes it even more spectacular; curated by esketch's Creative Director and Art Curator, Milly Wright, it features pine forests glistening beneath chandeliers, mountain lodges, and snowflakes. The transformation brings together leading artists and florists, including Lucy Vail Floristry, Ricky Paul, Mehbs Yacqub, and PomPom Factory, who have created stunning alpine scenes.

Indulge in miniature chocolate yule logs, Battenbergs decorated like presents and fresh fruity scones, washed down with a glass of Champagne Pommery Extra Brut Royal. What's more, there'll also be live ballerinas gracing the Gallery, Glade and Parlour, throughout the period.