Christmas in London: Afternoon Tea

Over the festive season, London hotels and restaurants offer an impressive range of indulgent Christmas afternoon teas.

These afternoon teas are popular, so book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Brown's Hotel

 

Throughout December, The English Tea Room at Brown's Hotel serves its award-winning afternoon tea with a festive twist, accompanied by the resident pianist playing well-known Christmas carols. The festive tea includes Yule logs, mince pies, turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce, scones and Christmas cake, plus a choice of 17 different teas. From £37 per person

The Ritz

 

Christmas afternoon tea at The Ritz is served in the spectacular Palm Court on selected dates over Christmas. The seasonal tea includes a glass of champagne, mince pies and Christmas cake along with the Ritz's traditional choice of tea, sandwiches, scones and pastries. £50 per person

Claridge's

Claridge's festive afternoon tea includes sandwiches, apple and raisin scones, French pastries and Christmas pastries, served with tea or coffee and a glass of champagne. Southend Boys Choir provides a musical accompaniment at weekends, singing popular Christmas carols. Available 21 November to 3 January. £45 per person / £50 at weekends

The Lanesborough

In December, The Lanesborough's afternoon tea is given a seasonal feel with mince pies, stollen, Christmas cake and festive tea blends. If you have trouble choosing from the wide range of teas on offer, you can call on The Lanesborough's Tea Sommelier – the first in England – who will be happy to advise you. From £48 per person

The Mandeville

Served on fine bone china designed by Zandra Rhodes, The Mandeville's Christmas afternoon tea includes organic turkey and cranberry sandwiches, clementine and walnut tarts, mince pies, Christmas cake, stollen, Christmas cookies and a selection of teas. For a special festive treat, you can add a glass of egg nog or mulled wine. From £22.50 per person

The Dorchester

The Dorchester's renowned afternoon tea in The Promenade is enhanced over Christmas with festive pastries, mince pies and a glass of champagne. At weekends, you can enjoy Christmas carols sung by a children's choir or duo. Available 21 November to 4 January. £45 per person / £55 at weekends

For more on London, visit www.visitlondon.com