With only six weeks left until Christmas, what better way to celebrate the start of the season than with a festive afternoon tea. Here’s eight places in the West End for a sweet treat while you’re shopping
The Ritz
On Saturday 24 November The Ritz will be transforming its Palm Court Restaurant into an Edwardian winter wonderland. As well as admiring the ornate Christmas decorations, guests will be to enjoy a festive afternoon tea to the sounds of The Ritz choir performing Christmas carols. In addition to the delicious sandwiches, freshly baked scones and assortment of teas, there will be mince pies and festive pastries and cakes. The afternoon tea includes a glass of champagne for adults and a Ritz teddy bear for children (excluding Christmas Day).
Cost: From £80 per adult, £50 per child (up to 15 years old)
Open: 24 November – 30 December at 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 5:30pm and 7:30pm.
Brumus
Located in the trendy Haymarket hotel, the vibrantly designed Brumus restaurant serves up an equally colourful afternoon tea. Enjoy treats such as Pimm’s jelly, ginger sponge and Chantilly cream and a strawberry panna cotta tartlet. Guests can choose from a selection of classic and unusual teas, coffees or hot chocolates or for an additional cost they can add a glass of Pommery Brut Royal NV champagne. Reduced sugar, gluten free and vegan afternoon tea options are also available upon request.
Cost: Afternoon tea £24 per person, with a glass of champagne £31.50 per person.
Open: Daily
Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason has been brewing and importing tea since 1707 and offers a wide array of blends on its menu, with expert tearistas available to guide guests through the selection. Tea is served in the elegant surroundings of the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, with entertainment provided by the resident pianist. As well as an assortment of teas, there are delicate finger sandwiches, homemade scones served with generous amounts of cream, curd and jams, as well as cakes and patisseries from the Cake Carriage.
Cost: Afternoon Tea served with a choice of Fortnum’s Famous Blends from £52.50 per person
Open: Monday to Thursday 11.30am – 7.30pm, Friday – Saturday 11am – 7pm and Sunday 11.30am to 5.45pm
The Wolseley
The Wolseley’s high ceilings and impressive interior are reminiscent of grand European cafes. The new Chocolate Afternoon Tea combines the savoury elements of a traditional afternoon tea with the sweet notes of white, milk and dark chocolate. Highlights include roast beef with pumpernickel and cocoa bread, and warm scones served with strawberry jam and white chocolate cream. Guests can also indulge with an assortment of pastries and The Wolseley’s own Chocolate Tea – an exceptional blend of loose leaf Assam and Yunnan, Peruvian cocoa nibs and Madagascan vanilla.
Cost: Best of British Afternoon Tea £29.75 per person, Champagne Afternoon Tea £40 per person, Chocolate Afternoon Tea £29.75 per person.
Open: Monday – Friday: 3pm – 6.30pm, Saturday and Sunday: 3.30pm – 6.30pm
Maison Assouline
Maison Assouline is located in the unique surroundings of a grand former Edwardian banking hall on Piccadilly. The stylish establishment is decorated with beautiful books, bespoke furniture and curious antiques and is the first location in London to be named a Gucci place, as it reflects the taste and values of this famous fashion house. Guests can choose from three afternoon tea: Moroccan, Parisian and a sweet Japanese option. The afternoon tea includes rose and raspberry-filled French pastries and a Japanese sweet red bean mochi.
Cost: £35 per person
Open: Daily: 3pm – 5.50pm
Leicester Square Kitchen
Leicester Square Kitchen is known for its contemporary Mexican and Peruvian dishes, but it also serves up an indulgent afternoon tea. Devour homemade finger sandwiches on artisan breads, plain and chocolate scones with lashings of cream and jam and a selection of pastries with a Peruvian twist. Highlights include sugar-coated doughnuts with Peruvian chocolate sauce and the avocado mousse with pistachio and chocolate soil. Gluten free options are available.
Cost: Afternoon Tea £30, Gluten Free Afternoon Tea £30, with Prosecco Extra Dry, Fantinel NV £36
Open: Monday to Friday: 2pm – 4.30pm, Weekends: 1pm – 4.30pm
The Perception at W London
If you’re looking for an afternoon indulgence packed with tempting treats and playful twists, TEA TOTAL at W London combines iconic tea-time classics, experiential English garden-inspired sweet creations and crystallised shots from the bar’s latest cocktail menu. Available to devour in the vibrant bar and lounge, The Perception at W London, TEA TOTAL will provide the perfect daytime pick-me-up that is almost too beautiful to eat.
Cost: Tea Total £37 per person, £42 per person with a glass of prosecco.
Open: Daily: 1 – 5pm
The Terrace on Piccadilly
High above the West End in a glass atrium filled with natural light, the Terrace on Piccadilly serves a traditional afternoon tea with a contemporary twist. Sandwiches include smoked salmon pinwheels and devilled egg on beetroot loaf and the tea selection incudes a Rosy White Fig. On top of this, you can enjoy mouth-watering pastries and homemade scones with jam and clotted cream. The terrace provides fantastic views of Piccadilly, making it the perfect pitstop while shopping. Enjoy two hours of unlimited prosecco for just £10 extra.
Cost: £29, or an afternoon tea with 2 hours’ unlimited Prosecco for £39
Open: Daily: 2 – 6pm.
This list was compiled by the Heart of London Business Alliance
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