We used to wonder who had time to go for Afternoon Tea. Blame it on lockdown or the Great British Bake Off but it suddenly feels like a treat we’re very much here for. Christmas is the perfect time to book it, when the hotels are all dressed up with decorations and trees. Here are our favourites:
The Beaumont has recently had a re-furb and the former bar is now known as the Gatsby Room, where Afternoon Tea is served. It’s rather a fabulous bachelor-themed room with a pianist and leather bound books and large paintings. The menu has an American twist – cakes flavours might include peanut butter and jam, as well as classic sandwiches and scones. Silver teapots are filled with delicious loose-leaf teas, and there’s English sparkling wine to kick things off. Go to celebrate a birthday when they whip out their enormous pink candy floss cakes.
Lili Vanilli at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
After a £60 million restoration Andrew & Madeleine Lloyd Webber’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane is now open including a decadent Regency-themed Afternoon Tea from Lili Vanilli served in the Grand Saloon. Things are OTT but in a good way – mini sticky toffee puds with custard and salted caramel middles, pink lemonade tarts with elderflower jelly and a roaming dessert trolley piled with Lily Vanilli’s piped icing cakes and mint choc chip absinthe ice cream. Gluten free and vegan options are also available.
Afternoon Tea at Brown’s Hotel
A favourite spot of Queen Victoria’s, take tea in the wood-panelled Drawing Room at Brown’s Hotel. For an extra-Christmassy feel, ask for the table nearest the fire, and settle in for delicate finger sandwiches and cakes as you sip on champagne and tea from pretty cups and saucers.
Festive Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley
A fun take on Afternoon Tea, each season the pastry chef at The Berkeley comes up with cakes inspired by the catwalk. This autumn/winter that means a nod to fashion icon Iris Apfel’s 100th birthday with iced biscuits and a Balenciaga-inspired cheesecake. From 12 November – 2 January it’s the Christmas menu which also comes with festive bakes and a glass of champagne or mulled wine.
Children’s Christmas Tea at The Savoy
The Savoy go to town with their decorations – this year the theme is Reverie inspired by the works of Art Deco illustrator, Kay Nielsen. Enter through an immersive forest past a shimmering moon boat to your table in the Thames Foyer. The Children’s Tea includes ham sandwiches and a decorate-your-own Christmas Tree.
A Little Bird Loves
