An elegant afternoon tea can only be improved with a generous amount of Yuletide cheer. Whether you are looking for award-winning chefs or wish to be serenaded by professional carollers, here are some of the most decadent festive afternoon teas in the UK.
Hamleys Christmas, The Langham’s Palm Court, London
As the first hotel to add an afternoon tea to their menu in 1865, there are few better places to sample this British tradition. Seamlessly blending nostalgia with sophistication, this year guests young and old can savour a whimsical menu inspired by traditional Hamleys toys. They’re sure to savour every mouthful, with treats including a chocolate and caramel Hamleys bear, and building their own hot chocolate with sprinkles, flakes, and mini marshmallows.
From £95 for adults and £75 for children; www.langhamhotels.com
Champagne Afternoon Tea at The Register Club, The Edinburgh Grand, Edinburgh
For a premium, unmistakably Scottish experience, the Register Club offers a touch of old-world elegance housed within one of Edinburgh’s most splendid hotels. Take your tea overlooking St Andrew Square in all its Christmassy glory and devour a signature line-up of Scottish-inspired sweet goods and elevated homey favourites like bubble and squeak, and heather-honey cranachan.
From £73 per person; www.theregisterclub.com
Festive Afternoon Tea, Claridge’s, London
Now’s your chance to taste a culinary icon; if you are lucky enough to snap up a table for afternoon tea at Claridge’s. You will soon be sipping on the hotel’s exclusive tea blend, Champagne, and plenty of British specialities such as Scottish smoked salmon, and flaming Christmas pudding — all surrounded by the sounds of the Southend Children’s Choir.
From £120 per person; www.claridges.co.uk
Bridgerton Festive Afternoon Tea, The Lanesborough, London
Sip a cocktail and welcome the season courtesy of this Bridgerton-inspired celebration. Delight in a curated experience of regal splendour, exquisite flavours, and plenty of yuletide cheer, with delicacies such as truffled egg mayonnaise finger sandwiches, and sweet treats they’ve yet to reveal other than by name, from a Queen Charlotte’s Bauble to a Bridgerton Festive Fancy.
From £105 per person; www.oetkerhotels.com
Festive Afternoon Tea, Cliveden House, Berkshire
Prefer to take a little country air with your scones? This five-star Relais & Châteaux mansion and stately hotel is Royally renowned, so it will tick every one of your perfectly wrapped boxes. Indulge in a variety of traditional high tea fancies, including smoked salmon and caviar open sandwiches, along with a generous helping of holiday favourites, including warm mince pies, and mulled wine.
From £85 per person; www.clivedenhouse.co.uk
Festive Afternoon Tea, The Goring, London
Serving up sophistication since 1910, for an old-school glamour experience consider the next-level luxury of tea at The Goring. Refined morsels such as creamed Somerset brie and cranberry jam sandwiches, and spiced golden raisin scones, will be paired with delectable treats to satisfy your sweet tooth. A glass of Bollinger or Nyetimber Champagne, of course, completes the experience.
From £115 per person; www.thegoring.com
Festive Afternoon Tea in Jean-Georges, The Connaught, London
Another winter way to while away an afternoon of elegance, Jean-Georges at The Connaught’s Christmas-themed afternoon tea serves up a mouth-watering feast worthy of anyone venturing in to the Capital. Try a scone with citrus and Earl Grey tea marmalade, pistachio Christmas trees, and decorative baubles made with mango compote combined with vanilla and ginger mousse.
From £108 per person; www.the-connaught.co.uk
Yuletide Christmas Carol Afternoon Tea, Coworth Park, Ascot
Another stylish country option, if you like to sip your oolong accompanied by carol singers, Coworth Park offers some sumptuous, unhurried luxury, just a short drive from London. Finish with a slice of the Coworth Park fruitcake with caramelised white chocolate, and you may never eat a standard Christmas cake again.
From £95 per person; www.dorchestercollection.com
Festive Afternoon Tea in The Winter Garden, The Landmark, London
The Landmark’s afternoon tea banquet is served within the dramatic eight-storey glass atrium of the famed Winter Garden. Savour patisserie gems including white chocolate and cranberry Yule Logs, and The Mont Blanc, made with candied chestnut, then raise a glass to a fabulous festive season. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
From £99 per person; www.christmas.landmarklondon.co.uk
