Premier Christmas Afternoon Teas for 2025 in London

Numerous prestigious restaurants and hotels in London have revitalised their afternoon teas with seasonal sandwiches, mince pies, and mulled wine.

London ranks among the premier destinations globally for afternoon tea. The enduring British custom originates from the mid-19th century, when Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, partook in a mid-afternoon repast of tea, bread, butter, and cake to bridge the gap between lunch and supper. This evolved into a social occasion, and the rite increased in popularity over time. Currently, numerous hotel restaurants in London provide afternoon tea, which often includes an assortment of sweet and savoury delicacies such as finger sandwiches, scones, and cakes, often accompanied by tea and champagne.

During this period, chefs and pastry artisans infuse their afternoon teas with festive elements, incorporating seasonal flavours and unique offerings. Envision turkey sandwiches, truffle tarts, miniature yule logs, gingerbread cupcakes, and comforting beverages. Are you experiencing hunger? Continue reading to uncover the premier locations for Christmas afternoon teas in London for 2025.

The Westin London City

Following a riverfront promenade in central London, immersed in the shimmering lights, indulge in afternoon tea at The Westin London City. The hotel’s Christmas afternoon tea evokes the enchantment of fairytales with quirky pastries inspired by narrative moments, such an Enchanted Slipper Tartlet and a Grand Ball Cookie Cup. Seasonal sandwiches including beetroot-cured gravadlax accompanied by dill crème fraîche and herring caviar on a charcoal bun, as well as Burford egg with black truffle on micro brioche. An assortment of JING loose-leaf teas is available, along with the option to include mulled wine or Taittinger Champagne. The hotel currently has a charmingly festive atmosphere, with the 'Once Upon A Christmas' motif permeating the entire establishment.

Address: 60 Upper Thames St., London EC4V 3AD

Reservation: marriott.com

The Coral Room

The Coral Room at The Bloomsbury, adorned with pink-hued walls and Murano chandeliers, is among London's most visually appealing hotel bars. In addition to cocktails, the 1920s-inspired salon bar offers afternoon tea, which has been enhanced with a festive theme for the winter season. Commence with finger sandwiches with smoked salmon and mascarpone, as well as roast turkey with cranberries, prior to indulging in the outstanding pâtisserie tier. Notable features comprise a pistachio Christmas wreath, a Mont Blanc tart composed of blackcurrant and frangipane, and diminutive gingerbread madeleines, in addition to buttermilk and vanilla scones. Accompany with Ronnefeldt tea or a glass of Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve. Additionally, there is a plant-based alternative and a version suitable for children.

Address: 16-22 Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3NN  

Reservation: thecoralroom.co.uk

Fortnum & Mason

A visit to Fortnum & Mason’s Piccadilly headquarters is essential on the Christmas shopping itinerary, particularly as it can be combined with a festive afternoon tea. The store has collaborated with the famed Hong Kong bar Tell Camellia for its 2025 edition, offering the alternative of substituting the customary glass of champagne for a special edition cocktail, the ‘Merrycha’, crafted with a spiced Christmas Fortnum’s mix. In addition, patrons may savour finger sandwiches with Suffolk ham and smoked fish with dill cream cheese, followed by sweets such as sticky figgy pudding loaf, mince pies and tiny mandarin mousse. This occurs against the backdrop of Christmas music played on the grand piano, within the elegant ambiance of Fortnum’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon.

Address: Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, London, W1A 1ER

Reservation: fortnumandmaison.com

Corinthia London

Corinthia London offers an exquisite afternoon tea setting featuring a Baccarat crystal chandelier, piano melodies, and Richard Brendon hand-painted china. Cakes are attractively displayed on a trolley that is manoeuvred from table to table, particularly enhancing their appeal during the Christmas season. The initial offering features savoury items: relish sandwiches containing pickled cucumber and goat cheese curd, coronation chicken, and Wiltshire honey-roasted ham, along with Christmas sausage buns. Accompany these with seasonal confections such as hazelnut and milk chocolate rocher, black forest bûche de Noël, and orange and honey madeleines.

Address: Corinthia Hotel, 10 Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2BD

Reservation: corinthia.com

Cafe Linea

Following a morning of Christmas shopping on the King’s Road, reserve afternoon tea at Chelsea’s latest establishment, Cafe Linea. The restaurant's terrace has been converted into a winter retreat adorned with fairy lights, blankets, and a tree, allowing patrons to partake in an appropriately Christmas tea. Commence with egg mayonnaise sandwiches and smoked salmon with cream cheese bagels, followed by confections such as a mince pie biscuit sandwich and a crème brûlée choux. This can be savoured with champagne or one of Cafe Linea’s delectable cocktail combinations, such as a Espresso Martini with Salted Vanilla or a Crème Brulée Martini.

Address: 90 Duke of York Square, London, SW3 4LY 

Reservation: linealondon.com

The Landmark London

Hotel in Marylebone The Landmark is celebrated for its afternoon tea, offered in the charming Winter Garden Restaurant beneath an expansive glass atrium. This winter, the offering features a festive twist, featuring a selection of finger sandwiches, spiced mandarin scones with Valrhona chocolate, and pastries such as white chocolate and cranberry yule logs, and Mont Blanc with candied chestnuts. Accompany with a glass of Taittinger Champagne while appreciating the hotel's magnificent Christmas tree.

Address: 222 Marylebone Rd, London NW1 6JQ

Reservation: landmarklondon.co.uk

Rosewood London

While the Chancery Rosewood may have garnered attention this year, the classic Holborn remains exceptionally enchanting during the Christmas season. This year, the hotel’s Mirror Room has a distinctive afternoon tea that honours the works of Charles Dickens. Pastries are inspired by Dickens' novels: A Christmas Carol is a chocolate dessert of layers of decadent sponge and tart cherry jelly, enveloped in a chocolate scarf and adorned with an edible candle. The Old Curiosity Shop showcases indulgences from the celebratory avenues of Victorian London: envision gingerbread sponge and vanilla jelly, adorned with delectable ornaments.

Address: 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN

Reservation: rosewoodhotels.com