Keep up to date with festive happenings in the capital on our Christmas 2026 in London page.
Afternoon tea is a special treat, and what better time to be indulgent with family and friends than at Christmas? These restaurants and hotels all offer special festive twists on their afternoon teas and high teas this season — a perfect addition to a day out if you're Christmas shopping, skating at one of London's seasonal ice rinks or just catching up with friends. You'll need to book in advance, so get planning!
Christmas afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason
Ritzy department store Fortnum & Mason has been serving its equally ritzy Christmas afternoon tea since 6 October. Executive Pastry Chef Roger Pizey and his team have put festive twists on the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon's Classic, Savoury, High Tea and Children's afternoon tea menus, all served beneath twinkling lights, with grand piano accompaniment.
The Classic Christmas Afternoon Tea features a selection of scones, preserves and delights, including a Rose Éclair, and a Sticky Figgy Loaf. Younger diners can sample special pastries such as a Chocolate Christmas Tree, Cranberry Santa Hat and Christmas Bauble Cookie, while the savoury afternoon tea offers Cropwell Bishop Stilton, and Potato & Thyme Scones, served with Onion Marmalade and Port and Cranberry Cream Cheese.
Christmas afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason, available now. From £88 per person.
Festive afternoon tea at Pan Pacific London, Liverpool Street
It's home to what is apparently London's tallest Christmas tree, so it makes sense that the Pan Pacific London would go all out for the season, including a festive afternoon tea. British tradition meets Asian flair in the special menu, served in the Ginger Lily Lounge, including turkey and cranberry finger sandwiches, gingerbread scones with clotted cream and spiced fruit preserves, and a grand finale of spiced chocolate baubles and candied fruit macarons. A special version for under-12s is also available. Full menu here.
Festive afternoon tea at Pan Pacific London, 9 November 2026-4 January 2027. £68 adult/£29 child.4
Christmas afternoon tea on the London Eye
Enjoy your festive feast with magnificent views, as a Christmas afternoon tea is served on the London Eye this year. Turkey, ham and mustard mayonnaise sandwiches, eggnog cupcakes, red hazelnut choux, coconut pannacotta, mince pies, and a curated selection of teas are all on the menu, served within one of those iconic glass pods.
No need to chug it down quickly — you get two full rotations of the Eye to enjoy your afternoon tea, so about an hour in total.
Christmas afternoon tea on the London Eye, 14 November 2026-3 January 2027. From £75 per adult.
Festive afternoon tea at Roots & Berries, various locations
One of our picks for London's best affordable afternoon teas all year round, Roots & Berries puts a festive twist on proceedings at six park cafes across London (Wandsworth Common, Streatham Common, Bishop's Park, Ravenscourt Park, Brockwell Park and Strawberry Hill House).
Its festive afternoon tea menu includes roast chicken, truffle and sage buns, mince pies and Christmas present fondant fancies. Even better, £2 from every afternoon tea sold is donated to local Friends groups, helping to care for these green spaces.
Festive afternoon tea at Roots & Berries, 14 November 2026-10 January 2027. £29 per adult/£9-£15 per child.
