Nine of Our Favourite Festive Hotel Decorations and Afternoon Teas in London
As the festive season is here, and Christmas fast approaches, London’s luxury hotels and iconic tea rooms transform into magical winter wonderlands, showcasing the best of British elegance and dining with breath-taking Christmas decorations and delicious Afternoon Tea. Whether it’s opulent displays of shimmering garlands, majestic Christmas trees adorned with sparkling baubles, or strikingly decorated, expertly crafted seasonal pastries and sandwiches, Festive Afternoon Tea at some of the UK’s favourite venues really does highlight the very best of British Christmas.
9. The Milestone Hotel
Located in the heart of Kensington, right by its namesake Kensington Palace, The Milestone transforms into a cosy festive retreat during the Christmas season. Its grand, historic interiors are adorned with charming decorations, including pinecone arrangements, glowing lanterns, and delicate garlands. Each table is dressed in a traditional seasonal style, with detailing such as miniature wreaths, sparkling candlelight, and natural foliage, creating an intimate and elegant festive atmosphere. The décor strikes a perfect balance between traditional Christmas elements and understated luxury.
During the festive period, The Milestone’s Afternoon Tea is a delightful celebration of the Christmas season. Guests are treated to a tiered display of delicacies, featuring intricately crafted desserts, traditional scones, and fine finger sandwiches. The atmosphere at The Milestone is warm and inviting, with its cosy seating, historical architecture, and the soft glow of holiday lights.
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8. The Egerton House Hotel
The Egerton House Hotel, a luxurious townhouse nestled in Knightsbridge, transforms into a magical Nutcracker-themed retreat during the festive season. The Tea Room is adorned with opulent Christmas garlands featuring sparkling baubles, rich reds, gold accents, and intricate nutcracker ornaments. The décor beautifully complements Egerton’s classic charm, creating an intimate and elegant holiday atmosphere that enchants guests of all ages.
The Nutcracker Afternoon Tea at Egerton House is definitely a treat to remember, with a delicious assortment of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of fine craft, intricately selected desserts, inspired by the classic Nutcracker ballet. Highlights include miniature cakes, seasonal pastries, and festive treats, all among Egerton’s cosy, Christmas atmosphere.
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7. 11 Cadogan Gardens
11 Cadogan Gardens is a luxury boutique hotel in Chelsea, and a must see for any London-based Afternoon Tea connoisseur. This holiday season, they’re embracing the festivities with a spectacularly Christmassy display. The famed redbrick Victorian façade is adorned with lush greenery, sparkling ornaments, and rich red ribbons, including a beautiful arch over the grand entrance for a striking festive welcome. Inside, the Drawing Room is dressed with golden garlands, delicate fairy lights, and elegant festive table arrangements, complete with ornaments and miniature floral displays.
The festive Afternoon Tea at 11 Cadogan Gardens is a celebration of seasonal flavours and classic elegance. Guests can enjoy a selection of dainty finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and indulgent pastries such as Eggnog Custard Tart, Christmas Pudding Cheesecake, and Mince Pie Filo Tart. Served on fine china, the presentation is as luxurious as the menu itself. Set against the backdrop of a roaring fire in the Drawing Room, the atmosphere at 11 Cadogan Gardens is one of our favourite seasonal spaces this Christmas.
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6. The Montague on The Gardens
The Montague on the Gardens transforms into a charming winter retreat during the festive season, offering a magical experience that blends old-world Bloomsbury charm with the allure of the big city. t the entrance, guests are greeted by lush Christmas trees adorned with red baubles, delicate fairy lights, and striking garlands that frame the doorway. Inside, the decor continues to impress, with spaces like the Ski Lodge and the Conservatory beautifully dressed in holiday cheer. The Ski Lodge provides a comfortable, warm atmosphere with its faux fur throws, rustic wooden furniture, and twinkling lights, while the Conservatory provides a serene, light-filled ambiance against a backdrop of frosted gardens.
The Montague’s Festive Afternoon Tea is a celebration of seasonal flavours and classic treats. Guests are welcomed with a glass of mulled wine (non-alcoholic options are available), setting the mood for a cosy, indulgent experience. The menu features a selection of festive pastries, including traditional mince pies and stollen cake, alongside classic finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and preserves.
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5. The Stafford London
The Stafford London celebrates the holiday season with elegance. The festive decorations are as sophisticated as they are beautiful, with vibrant wreaths, poinsettias, and rich garlands adorning The Stafford’s stately interiors. The heart of the décor lies in its meticulously decorated Christmas trees, shimmering with gold, red, and blue ornaments. he Game Bird restaurant and the lounge offer warm and inviting spaces, with cosy fireplaces and plush furnishings enhanced by seasonal accents, creating a quintessentially British festive atmosphere. The Stafford London offers a tranquil retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle this Holiday season.
The Festive Afternoon Tea at The Stafford London is a delightful experience. Guests can enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, including the classic Roast Turkey & Cranberry. Homemade plum and raisin scones are served with clotted cream and preserves, alongside indulgent mince pies. The highlight of the tea is the array of seasonal pastries, such as the Eggnog & Gingerbread Layer Cake and Cinnamon & Orange Mousse. Presented with flair, the tea is served table-side from a bespoke trolley, adding a touch of theatrical charm.
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4. The Biltmore Mayfair
This festive season, the Biltmore Mayfair has transformed itself into a luxurious, bright red and white Christmas haven, decorated in the classic candy cane theme. The exterior makes a grand statement with a striking candy-cane style arch wrapped in gleaming gold and red baubles, and white shimmering fairy lights which illuminate the famous Grosvenor Square. Stepping inside, guests are greeted by opulent festive displays featuring towering Christmas trees, plush teddy bears, and lavish ornaments and sparkling red accents.
The Biltmore's Festive Afternoon Tea is a collaboration with Bond Street's iconic jeweller, Boodles, aiming to deliver a celebration of British craftsmanship and culinary excellence. The festive menu showcases an exquisite array of festive treats and savouries. Highlights include the snowman dessert—a delicate creation featuring Ivoire chocolate and coconut mousse, kumquat compote, and pistachio marshmallow—and the Golden Bell, filled with spiced sponge and jivara chocolate ganache. Guests are also treated to savoury delights such as roast Laurel Turkey with Christmas stuffing on cranberry and blueberry bread, and a parmesan sable with foie gras mousse.
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3. The Chesterfield Mayfair
The Chesterfield Mayfair are embracing the season with an enchanting Winter Wonderland theme. The entrance is adorned with festive red and green decorations, featuring lush Christmas trees festooned with crimson baubles, elegant red ribbons, and twinkling fairy lights. Inside, the decor continues to captivate, with the Conservatory offering a serene setting filled with natural daylight and glimpses of the garden fountain. The Butler’s Restaurant provides a cosier alternative, exuding warmth and intimacy, enhanced by classic holiday garlands, red accents, and soft candlelight. This Christmas, The Chesterfield Mayfair are offering a refined, intimate, luxurious festive experience, with their beautiful and unique serving spaces.
The Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea begins with a welcoming glass of mulled wine, followed by a bespoke Chesterfield Christmas tea blend infused with seasonal spices. Guests are treated to a variety of delicate finger sandwiches, accompanied by delightful, sweet creations such as the Gingerbread Choux Bun and the Cherry and Pistachio Battenberg.
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2. The Drawing Room at Browns Hotel
Brown’s Hotel is a fan favourite for those looking for some of the best Afternoon Tea London and the UK have to offer. With it’s esteemed history and clear elegance, Brown’s has shaped itself into a beautiful festive wonderland this Christmas. The exterior is adorned with twinkling lights, lush garlands, and oversized red bows, welcoming guests. inside, the Golden Goose Christmas tree, dressed in luxurious gold and purple ornaments, takes centre stage in the stunning lobby. Sparkling archways, intricate garlands, and whimsical decorations, like vintage toy trains and nutcrackers, provide a warm, festive, nostalgic atmosphere we’re sure you’ll love.
The Festive Afternoon Tea is served in their famous Drawing Room, offering one of London’s most iconic Afternoon Tea experiences. Guests are welcomed with the beautiful ambience of a Baby Grand Piano, setting the tone for an luxurious, refined experience. Begin with a selection of delicate finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve. Festive treats include decadent pastries and an assortment of cakes, featuring flavours inspired by the holiday season. A charming highlight is the dessert trolley, showcasing a rotating selection of freshly baked cakes, ensuring every guest enjoys a bespoke experience.
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1. The Lanesborough
This Christmas period, The Lanesborough’s festive decorations are nothing short of extraordinary. The enchantment begins at the hotel’s grand entrance, where visitors are greeted by a magnificent green-and-gold wreath adorned with velvet ribbons and sparkling ornaments. The stately pillars framing the doorway are beautifully wrapped in green-and-white garlands. Inside, the hotel has transformed into a dazzling wonderland, showcasing its grand Regency interiors adorned with shimmering holiday décor. The hallway features elegantly decorated Christmas trees, embellished with glistening white and gold ornaments, green velvet ribbons, and soft fairy lights. Striking gold deer statues and cascading garlands enhance the already opulent atmosphere, creating a magical setting that makes a bold festive statement.
This year, The Lanesborough presents its Bridgerton-inspired Festive Afternoon Tea, offering a decadent journey through the Regency era. Guests can enjoy a carefully curated menu featuring delicate finger sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, and four signature sweet treats inspired by key characters from Season 3.
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