From glamorous five-star hotels and pretty cafés, to decorating your very own festive cookies and cupcakes, we’ve rounded up the best Christmas afternoon teas in Belgravia to enjoy this winter season. Enjoy with a warming mulled wine, glass of champagne, traditional tea or even a seasonal gingerbread latte, there’s something for everyone. 

Christmas Afternoon Tea at Biscuiteers

Sit back and be served, or throw on an apron and get creative at Biscuiteers in Eccleston Yards. Like a kid in a candy shop, visitors can indulge in a classic Christmas afternoon tea, including freshly baked scones, beautiful patisseries, finger sandwiches and of course, the brand’s signature hand-iced biscuits. Washed down with a bespoke blend of Tregothnan tea (£48 per person) or a glass of artisan Biscuiteers prosecco (£55.50 per person).  Upgrade the experience with a DIY icing session, where you’ll be given three Christmas cookies, plus icing and all the tools to create your own edible masterpiece. 

A festive-themed afternoon tea

Festive Bridgerton Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough

The glamorous Lanesborough’s festive afternoon tea is styled with a Bridgerton edge this year, and is served, appropriately, in the regency hotel’s grand, chandelier-filled dining room. Designed by head pastry chef Pierre Morvan-Benezet, the menu includes traditional festive flavours (think roast Norfolk turkey and cranberry sandwiches with warm mince pies) alongside typical teatime treats of scones, clotted cream and jams. Available from 13 November, the Bridgerton tea can be taken with one of two Christmas cocktails (£98 per person), or simply with a glass of champagne (£105 per person). A children’s festive afternoon tea menu costs £60 for little ones under the age of 12. Available 13 November, 2024 to 8 January, 2025. 

A plate filled with cakes that look like baubles and bows

Festive afternoon tea at Peggy Porschen

Turn up the Christmas camp at Peggy Porschen’s fabulous pink parlour, which each year is decked high and low with bigger and better Christmas decorations. There’s something for everyone, with Peggy’s seasonal teas offered in vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free versions, alongside a special tea for minis. Those who haven’t booked a coveted table fear not, as Peggy’s showstopping bakes can be boxed up to take home too. 

A woman takes a selfie outside Peggy Porschen decorated in Christmas decorations

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. 

The counter at Hummingbird Bakery

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.

The Jumeriah 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.

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.

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. 

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