Best festive afternoon teas in London 🎄🎁
Happy Thanksgiving! 🧡
While I may be across the pond in England, I always still celebrate with friends & expats over here to try and get the last of my pumpkin spiced fixes. This past Saturday, we got together and I was in charge of the green bean casserole. Not to toot my own horn, but it was probably the best side dish there. 💁🏻♀️
Thanksgiving day also means though that tomorrow starts CHRISTMAS celebrations. London honestly shines when its the holiday season, with so much to see, do, eat, and enjoy. One of my favorite traditions is to go to a themed festive afternoon tea and devour all the scrumptous fixings.
While Reservations for the most popular tea rooms book up way back in summer, you might be able to snag a last min booking for 1-2 ppl if you call or walk up. Enjoy!
The Petersham hotel - snow sightings on the hour!
Best festive afternoon teas
*some prices include a glass of champagne
Claridges
Ranked as the #1 hotel in the Uk, this is probably one of the most famous places to go for afternoon tea, but especially around Christmas as they have their annual decorated tree that is more fashion than it is festive. Don’t miss trying the Claridges Christmas pudding. £110 pp Mayfair
The Savoy
This is probably THE most popular place to go for festive afternoon tea and has been on my bucket list ever since I move to London. In fact they’ve been serving afternoon tea in the Thames Foyer since 1889. Iconic. £75 pp Embankment
The Ritz
Not an inch was left untouched by Christmas magic, looking straight out of a Victorian era wonderland with gold embellishments & mirrored walls. If you have kids with you, they’ll also give them a ritz teddy & the ritz choir singing carols while you sip your tea. £105 pp Mayfair
The Petersham restaurant
I came here last year with my flatmate, and I have to say it was one of the most magical afternoon tea experiences I’ve had yet. Not only is it extremely affordable, but they had snowfall every hour outside the window. Then it started to actually snow! A rare sighting for London.❄️☃️ £49 pp Richmond
Peggy Porschen
This place is what little girls dream of. Everything is pink and sparkly. It’s a hit of dopamine as well as nostalgia with the vintage floral tea cups and classic desserts. You can also just stop by to see the whimsical display and grab a seasonal cupcake. £52 pp Chelsea
Tea lounge at the Biltmore
This is one I’ve actually made a reservation for in a few weeks so hopefully can give a better review then! I chose this one, though, based on their dessert menu, as they had more chocolate and gingerbread flavored desserts, rather than fruity ones. £90 pp Victoria
Fortnum & Mason
Why not try afternoon tea at one of the most famous tea shops in London? Their tea salon has been in service for over 314 years and was actually named in honor of her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s visit in 2012 for her diamond Jubilee.While the menu is not overly Christmas themed, the prestige alone makes it one for the bucket list. £80 pp Green Park
The Lanesborough
Finishing off with another one of my favorite teas, I’ve been to so far, my sister and I enjoyed the Queen Charlotte themed afternoon tea during the coronation weekend. They are still continuing with a Queen Charlotte theme with a Christmas twist. In addition, for one weekend only (2nd & 3rd Dec) they have a nutcracker themed festive afternoon tea; where some of the ballerinas will be there for a special private performance!
These were just a few of my favorites (or still on my bucket list) of festive afternoon tees in London to try, but there are still many many more to discover! Let me know in the comments if you have any you’ve loved that I should add. ❤️ Also, if you’re looking for other fun things to do in London during the festive season, check out my ‘12 Day of Christmas in London’ blog post HERE.
Wishing you all a very merry festive season 🎄🫶🏼
Sincerely,
Sarah
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