Festive high teas to enjoy in London this Christmas 2024
Tis the season to enjoy London’s festive high teas. FLO London has carefully curated a list of afternoon teas across various locations and price points to consider this month. All are excellent stops, whether you are wandering the town to see the lights or merely need a break while dashing around Christmas shopping.
Great Scotland Yard Hotel
#FLODown: The Great Scotland Yard Hotel, set within a Grade II listed building dating back to the 1820s, is offering a Festive High Tea in The Parlour. Serving in a refined and eclectic setting of cosy contemporary elegance, the space features comfortable upholstered seating, marble accents, and artfully curated décor, creating a cosy yet sophisticated atmosphere. After tea, you may wish to take a stroll in the area that has an abundance of London’s iconic landmarks on its doorstep.
Location: 3-5 Great Scotland Yard, London, SW1A 2HN Price: £65 per person, £75 with champagne. Website: Great Scotland Yard Hotel Instagram: @gsy_london
Dukes
#FLODown: The iconic Dukes Hotel in St James is offering a luxurious four-course festive Afternoon Tea in the elegant Drawing Room and serving sweet delights like gingerbread men and Christmas tree biscuits, alongside savoury treats such as smoked turkey rillettes. Perfectly located in the heart of St James, the hotel is just a short walk from the festive lights of Jermyn Street, Piccadilly, and Burlington Arcade.
Location: 35 St James Place, London SW1A 1 NY. Price: £65 per person. Website: Dukeshotel.com Instagram: @dukelondon
Four Seasons Hotel at Park Lane
#FLODown: With impeccable quality and service always, we suggest the festive high tea in Pavyllon with a classic bûche de Noël (a Christmas log to you and me), spiced fruit cake, and clementine Mont Blanc, and of course, the obligatory finger sandwiches of Hertfordshire beef, Rhug Estate organic chicken, Scottish salmon, and truffled egg.
Location: Hamilton Place, Park Lane, W1J 7DR Price: £100 per person. Website: fourseasons.com Instagram: @fslondon
Harvey Nichols
#FLODown: Afternoon tea where gothic elegance meets festive cheer. This year, Harvey Nichols partners with The World of Tim Burton exhibition at the Design Museum to offer an indulgent and unique tea inspired by the enchanting works of Tim Burton. The menu features a distinctive selection of savoury treats, including celeriac and cardamom soup and goat’s cheese mousse with black treacle, Marmite, and grissini. A perfect stop after a hard day of Christmas shopping.
The World of Tim Burton exhibition, showcasing his iconic creations and key collaborations with designers, is on display at the Design Museum until 21 April 2025.
Location: Harvey Nichols, 5th Floor 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7DRJ. Price: £40 per person or £50 with Champagne. Website: harveynichols.com Instagram: @harveynichols.
Biscuiteers
#FLODown: Christmas Afternoon Tea is inspired by the indulgent and familiar flavours of Christmas, including a luxurious selection of their signature hand-iced biscuits, delicious winter finger sandwiches and brioche buns, exquisite patisseries, and freshly baked scones. Served with a variety of bespoke blend Tregothnan Tea. There is an option to upgrade the experience and try your hand at icing your very own biscuits. A wonderfully engaging activity for the entire family.
Locations: Notting Hill & Belgravia Price: £48 per person, or £55.50 with a glass of Biscuteers Prosecco Website: biscuiteers.com Instagram: @bisuiteersltd.
For Christmas dining…
Royal Lancaster Hotel
#FLODown: If you find yourself in for a quiet Christmas for two or if you merely need to escape the trauma of Christmases past with the kids screaming, the dog barking and family members just lounging, whilst you cook, we see The Royal Lancaster’s Christmas Day Bottomless Brunch as a perfect option to spoil yourself. Also available on Boxing Day at a reduced price if you need to recover from the shenanigans of Christmas Day.
Location: Royal Lancaster Hotel, Lancaster Terrace, London, W2 2TY Price: £235 per person, £185 on Boxing Day. Website: Royal Lancaster London Instagram: @royallancasterlondon
Words by Natascha Milsom