If you’re searching for the best afternoon teas in London this season, the capital is overflowing with luxurious lounges, festive patisseries and iconic hotels serving beautifully crafted spreads. From classic scones and finger sandwiches to imaginative Christmas-themed creations, London’s afternoon tea scene continues to set the standard for indulgence. Whether you’re planning a special celebration, a post-shopping treat or simply want to experience one of the city’s most elegant traditions, our guide to London’s top afternoon teas highlights the must-visit spots this Christmas.
Vintry and Mercer Circus Afternoon Tea
Step right up! Vintry & Mercer is bringing full big-top magic to the City with its brand-new Circus Afternoon Tea. Expect a playful, theatrical spread that mixes childhood nostalgia with grown-up indulgence. Savouries come in strong (think truffled egg mayo brioche and roast beef Yorkshire puds) before homemade scones and a show-stopping parade of pastries steal the spotlight – from raspberry ‘Big Top’ mousse to popping-candy apple bites. Choose from the Tea Parade, Champagne upgrades or tea-infused cocktails for extra flair. Junior Circus Tea keeps little ringmasters happy, too. A weekend treat with serious wow factor. Book here priced at £54.50pp, £69.50pp with a glass of Charles Heidsieck Champagne Brut and £74.50pp with a glass of Charles Heidsieck Champagne Rosé. A child’s version, the Junior Circus Tea, is available for £39.50 per child.
Seasons of Wonder Afternoon Tea at Shangri-La The Shard
Escape to the clouds with the Season of Wonders Afternoon Tea at Shangri-La The Shard, London, served 35 floors up at TING, with magical winter flavours and breathtaking skyline views. Curated by Executive Pastry Chef Piero Sottile, the experience features elegant sandwiches, savoury bites, warm scones with cranberry jam and clotted cream, and a trio of festive pastries – Festive Bauble Choux, Enchanted Forest and Charmed Snowy Tree. Pair it with the hotel’s extensive tea collection, or upgrade with a seasonal cocktail or Champagne. Prices start at £89 per person, until 6th January.
The Winter Garden Restaurant, The Landmark London
The Landmark London’s iconic Winter Garden Restaurant offers a truly enchanting festive afternoon tea, served beneath its breathtaking eight-storey glass atrium. Enjoy a yuletide twist on tradition, beginning with seasonal savouries before moving on to spiced mandarin scones paired with luxurious homemade Valrhona chocolate orange spread. The patisserie selection is picture-perfect, from delicate white chocolate and cranberry yule logs to an exquisite Mont Blanc crowned with candied chestnuts and Chantilly cream. This immersive, elegantly festive experience delivers both spectacle and flavour in equal measure, making it one of London’s most magical Christmas afternoon teas. £99pp with a glass of Taittinger Champagne. Book here.
Pan Pacific London
Ginger Lily Lounge’s Festive Afternoon Tea brings a refined dose of Christmas magic to your afternoon, served daily from 1pm – 4pm. The experience opens with a warming spiced parsnip velouté and pork and apricot sausage roll, followed by elevated classics like roast turkey with cranberry butter, truffled Burford Brown egg, smoked salmon with dill crème fraîche and dry-aged beef with horseradish. Plain and gingerbread scones arrive warm with clotted cream, strawberry preserve and orange marmalade, before a festive finale of sweet treats including a Bobble Hat Mousse, Christmas Present Crémeux and Christmas Pudding macaron. Pair with premium teas or Taittinger Champagne. Priced at £68pp.
Pavyllon London
At Yannick Alléno’s Michelin-starred Pavyllon London, afternoon tea becomes a refined Paris-meets-Mayfair celebration. Hosted in the beautifully decorated Pavyllon Lounge, complete with a spectacular 25-foot Christmas tree, the Winter Afternoon Tea menu features elegant savouries such as mini pâté en croute and a delicate lobster tartlet. Warm scones set the stage for indulgent patisserie, including a sublime coffee and hazelnut Paris-Brest and a smoked vanilla crème brûlée. The grand finale is a stunning Bûche de Noël, showcasing festive French artistry. As a luxurious seasonal touch, every guest leaves with a surprise Dubai Chocolate gingerbread man. £95pp. Book here.
Great Scotland Yard Hotel
This festive season, Great Scotland Yard Hotel invites guests to a magical Christmas escape with its Festive Afternoon Tea at The Parlour. Set within the historic 1820s Grade II-listed building, once the HQ of the Metropolitan Police, the elegant surroundings provide a quintessential London backdrop. Guests can enjoy a curated menu of savouries – from wild mushroom quiche and turkey with cranberry remoulade to smoked salmon with caviar – alongside freshly baked scones and indulgent seasonal pastries such as Valrhona chocolate délice, spiced apple mousse, and orange hazelnut Christmas Tree. Served with festive teas, it’s a luxurious, quintessentially British celebration of the season.
Lanes of London at London Marriott Hotel Park Lane
Just steps from the sparkle of Oxford Street, Lanes of London offers a cosy and indulgent Festive Afternoon Tea designed for post-shopping relaxation. Savour comforting seasonal bites like turkey and cranberry bonbons alongside smoked salmon and Cornish crab tartare mille-feuille before enjoying freshly baked warm scones. The real magic lies in the whimsical sweet creations: Santa’s Sleigh, a playful fruit cake with ginger shortbread, and an Upside-Down Santa featuring mixed berry compote and chocolate parfait. With a glass of bubbles included and optional free-flowing cava, it’s a joyful, great-value way to celebrate the season. £50pp inclusive of a glass of bubbles, enjoy 90 minutes of free-flowing cava for an additional £25. Book here.
Lapland Inspired Afternoon Tea at Hyatt Regency London
This festive season, The Montagu Kitchen at Hyatt Regency transforms afternoon tea into a magical Lapland adventure, running until25th January. Guests are welcomed with boarding passes, luggage tags, and keepsake Polaroids, setting the scene for a whimsical festive journey. The menu features delicate pastries and spiced treats, including sweet water shrimp tartelettes, butter bread rolls, potato rösti, Havreflarn, pine nut chocolate trees, and Santa’s Belly almond and vanilla desserts. Warm scones with cloudberry jam or traditional clotted cream and strawberry jam complete the experience, perfectly paired with tea, coffee, or a glass of Champagne for ultimate indulgence. £59 per person with soft beverages, £69 per person including a glass of brut champagne or alcohol-free sparkling wine and £79 per person including a glass of rosé champagne.
RAILS Restaurant at Kaya Great Northern Hotel
RAILS Restaurant offers an elegant escape from the bustle of King’s Cross with its charming festive afternoon tea. Enjoy a well-balanced array of savouries, including turkey and cranberry sandwiches, brie and apple pairings, and a silky smoked salmon and crème fraîche roulade. The patisserie selection brings seasonal cheer with a reindeer-topped Mont Blanc, a cranberry and pistachio Christmas tree cupcake, and a rich chocolate orange opera cake. Complemented by speciality teas from the East India Company or a sparkling glass of fizz, this is a warm, welcoming and great-value festive treat. £41.50pp. Book here.
Pegasus Afternoon Tea at Brasserie of Light
Not strictly festive but so beautiful we had to add it to our list of must-experience Afternoon Teas in London! Brasserie of Light’s first-ever Pegasus Afternoon Tea (£49pp) is stunning, served up in the restaurant’s iconic Art Deco surroundings. Served daily, the experience features savoury bites like truffle chicken brioche, warm fruited scones with clotted cream, and a selection of intricate patisserie including cheesecake, panna cotta, macarons, and chocolate treats. Paired with fine teas, coffees, or optional Champagne (£19), it’s a glamorous, indulgent take on British teatime, offering elegance and theatrical flair in the heart of Selfridges. Grab your girlies and get booked in pronto!