Best Christmas afternoon teas in Belgravia
by Cally Squires
Indulge in a festive afternoon tea in one of Belgravia’s elegant hotels and cafes. Christmas-themed afternoon teas include everything from Turkey finger sandwiches to cakes that resemble Christmas trees to mulled wine cocktails. Here are a few of our favourite Christmas afternoon teas in Belgravia.
Christmas Afternoon Tea at Biscuiteers
Perfect for the sweet of tooth, this Christmas Afternoon Tea at Biscuiteers includes the boutique and cafe’s signature hand-iced biscuits, winter finger sandwiches and brioche buns, exquisite patisseries, and freshly baked scones. The afternoon tea is served with a variety of bespoke blend Tregothnan tea, or an optional glass of prosecco. Get your Christmas shopping done afterwards by browsing the boutique’s collection of Christmas gifts. Available from 1 November, 2023. From £48 per person or £55.50 with a glass of prosecco.
Festive Bridgerton Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough
The Lanesborough has pulled out all the stops for Christmas with its Queen Charlotte Festive Afternoon Tea. Expertly crafted by head pastry chef, Salvatore Mungiovino, The Lanesborough's Festive Afternoon Tea menu pays tribute to the key characters in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, as well as the festive Regency era. Highlights include Your Majesty, an exquisite sharing cake; King George Dreams of Venus inspired by The King's love of astronomy; Queen Charlotte’s Christmas Tree; and the Danbury Delight, a nod to Lady Danbury's love of hats and jewels.
Available from 10 November, 2023 to 7 January, 2024, the afternoon tea costs £90 with a cocktail or £95 with a glass of champagne.
Festive Afternoon Tea at Peggy Porschen
For a photogenic afternoon tea that tastes as good as it looks, indulge in Festive Afternoon Tea at Peggy Porschen on Elizabeth Street, Belgravia. Diners will be treated to a three-tiered cake stand filled with finger sandwiches, pastries, cakes, and scones washed down with tea and an optional glass of bubbly. Patisseries are flavoured with sugar and spice offset with winter berries and fruits. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available.From £50 per person and £24 for children aged 12 and under.
Christmas Takeaway Treats from Hummingbird Bakery
For those looking to host a tea party at home, Hummingbird Bakery has colourful Christmas takeaway treats covered, plus warming hot drinks. Littles ones will think Christmas has come early with the American bakery’s Peppa Pig Christmas box of vanilla and chocolate cupcakes, sweet chocolate Rudolph layer cake or the mega jolly Piñata candy cane cake, which would satisfy the sweetest of teeth. Or for that homemade touch, pick up one of the bakery’s Christmas-themed DIY kits, which come with pre-baked sponges, piping bags of icing and plenty of decorations to sprinkle around. Available for collection or delivery from 9 November.
Italian-Style Dolci Momenti afternoon tea at The Hari
Boutique hotel The Hari has just launched its new Italian-style afternoon tea ‘Dolci Momenti’ in time for Christmas. Set in the relaxed yet stylish il Pampero, diners can tuck into an array of freshly crafted antipasti and decadent pastries, including homemade panettone paired with JING tea and champagne. Available to book from Thursday to Sunday from 2.30pm to 4pm.
Family-Friendly Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula
Luxuriate in the lobby at The Peninsula hotel, where a family-friendly festive afternoon tea (£95 per person) is served daily throughout December. There’s savoury bites like roast ham and smoked salmon finger sandwiches to enjoy, followed by spectacular desserts including an edible bauble and dulce de leche gingerbread man. Visit on selected dates between 24 November and 29 December, and little ones can meet Father Christmas himself. And whilst there, don’t forget to browse the pop-up Christmas market in the hotel’s courtyard, where every Sunday you’ll find stalls serving a decadent combo of caviar and crêpes, with mulled wine and live entertainment as the icing on the (Christmas) cake.
Eco-Friendly Festive Tea at The Jumeirah Carlton Tower
A royally good time is set to be had at The Carlton Tower, where the new seasonal afternoon tea pays homage to King Charles’s championing of the environment. The hotel has been reducing food waste, turning excess fruits into lovingly homemade jams to be served with traditional scones. The Tribute to Nature tea also features a delectable wild mushroom and Stilton tart, along with sandwiches sure to get the royal seal of approval - from H. Forman & Son smoked salmon and cream cheese, to Burford Brown eggs mayonnaise with truffle. From £85 per person, with £1 donated to charity partner The Felix Project.
Royal Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea at Rubens at The Palace
Chefs at The Rubens took inspiration from the Royal family for this year’s Winter Wonderland afternoon tea menu, with a focus on locally sourced produce such as Norfolk turkey and Scottish smoked salmon savouries. Tis the season to be extra jolly, with the hotel’s bottomless champagne offering (£125 per person) or if just one tipple is preferred, the tea can be taken from £82 per person.
Wellness-Inspired Shambhala Christmas Tea at COMO The Halkin
For something completely different, press pause on the turkey sandwiches and Yule logs, and try COMO Halkin’s Shambhala afternoon tea, a wellness-inspired take on tradition. Delicious plates include almond and green grape gaspatcho and a courgette rösti with smoked salmon, dill and lemon-scented cottage cheese. Bah-humbug, but also, good for the waistline.
Enjoy a Festive Experience with the Best Christmas Afternoon Teas in Belgravia
Belgravia offers some of the most luxurious and festive afternoon tea experiences in London, perfect for celebrating the holiday season. Whether you're drawn to the whimsical delights at Biscuiteers, the regal Queen Charlotte-inspired spread at The Lanesborough, the fashion-forward sweets at The Berkeley, or the picture-perfect treats at Peggy Porschen, each venue delivers a unique twist on the traditional Christmas afternoon tea. With seasonal flavours, elegant settings, and a touch of festive magic, these afternoon teas are the perfect way to indulge and make the most of the Christmas spirit in London.
