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Christmas

From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

Original poster

A Christmassy afternoon tea in London?

30 replies

WellTidy · 08/11/2021 18:19

Looking for somewhere to book for me and 13yo foodie DS. We went to One Aldwych this summer and had the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory themed afternoon tea which he really loved. So looking for something similar-ish please (not Alice in Wonderland though).

OP posts:
SarBear1980 · 08/11/2021 19:41

You’ll maybe find a lot of places booked already but my suggestions would be Sketch, Fortnum and Mason (especially if savoury is your thing), The Langham or The Dorchester. Also Cake and Bubbles at the Hotel Royal on Regent Street. I was also in Cinammon Bazar a few weeks ago and they had a fab looking Indian inspired afternoon tea - didn’t taste it but the rest of their food is lovely and it looked good.

Noeuf · 08/11/2021 19:45

The Den at St Martins Lane was really atmospheric, loved it. The Wolseley was a great venue, really pretty. For food, Palm Court Brasserie at Langhams. The only one I haven’t loved so far have been The Ritz and the Sandringham.

Katjolo · 08/11/2021 19:49

Sketch

Original poster
WellTidy · 08/11/2021 22:22

Thank you. I’ve booked Fortnums. We went to their ice cream parlour in the summer and loved it. I think we will like the afternoon tea too!

OP posts:
Notagoodmonth · 08/11/2021 22:34

We did other last Oct just as they were starting Xmas
The entire shop was so enchanting, it backed up the experience, I deeply enjoyed it and the service was amazing.
Previously we did Charlie and that was amazing also.

Notagoodmonth · 08/11/2021 22:35

Did fortnum

Velvetscrunchy · 08/11/2021 22:43

Was not impressed with fortnum at all. Highly recommend the Langham or Hotel Café Royal.

Original poster
WellTidy · 08/11/2021 22:46

Oh no! What didn’t you like about the Fortnums one? I’ve booked!

OP posts:
SnoopsCaliforniaRoll · 09/11/2021 05:09

Oh enjoy OP, what a treat.

I would also have suggested The Langham, the Dorchester (they have a lovely choir singing as you enjoy your afternoon tea and extremely generous festive cake trolley!) or The Ritz for pure Christmas splendour.

halloweenie13 · 09/11/2021 05:48

I wouldn't bother muggings and thefts here are at an all time high

SnoopsCaliforniaRoll · 09/11/2021 06:34

@halloweenie13

I wouldn't bother muggings and thefts here are at an all time high
Hmm
FatLadySang · 09/11/2021 07:01

Both the Lanesborough and the Ritz have choirs singing carols which is fun.

Original poster
WellTidy · 09/11/2021 08:25

No availability at the Langham, the Ritz or at the Dorchester. I think we will like Fortnums, I hope so anyway. We will combine it with a look at the Christmas decorations together sell and DS will choose a few luxury chocolates for himself from the counters.

Will bear all the suggestions in mind for something in the spring too.

We live in a London borough, there crime everywhere unfortunately. But looking for something lovely to enjoy together.

OP posts:
Original poster
WellTidy · 09/11/2021 08:27

No availability at the Lanesborough either!

OP posts:
bakingdemon · 09/11/2021 08:31

Claridge's or the Connaught, without doubt. Both absolutely amazing.

languagelover96 · 09/11/2021 08:32

A lot of hotels will have taken advance bookings. You could see if any cafes or tea rooms do a afternoon tea instead.

LynetteScavo · 09/11/2021 09:38

I keep seeing Sketch suggested on MN - the the Trip Advisor reviews are awful for afternoon tea. Has anyone actually been? I was thinking of going with DD it seems to be all about the Instagram

I love shopping at Fortnum's at Christmas, so I'd say it's a good bet OP - what was wrong with it @Velvetscrunchy? Is Hotel Cafe Royal really much better?

The muggings but made me laugh- you can't always stay at home to avoid being mugged 

SnoopsCaliforniaRoll · 09/11/2021 09:51

You will have a lovely time OP Smile enjoy looking at the beautifully decorated festive windows and - if you are able to time your visit - you can see and hear Mr Fortnum and Mr Mason pop out and bow to each other on the lovely outside clock on the hour.

The F&M Christmas Hall is also one of my favourites (and definitely select some lovely sweets for the road!).

Original poster
WellTidy · 09/11/2021 10:11

No availability at the Connaught or Claridges either (no availability at Claridges for all of November and December!). We will stick with Fortnums I think and I’m sure it will be really nice.

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Annexlife · 09/11/2021 10:42

Hi, I went to Sketch recently and it was awful I'm sorry to say. I love afternoon tea and whilst I would give 10/10 for the decor, the food, staff and experience were terrible. Style over substance for us. Food was quite poor, scones rock solid, sandwiches were not very nice. Staff repeatedly made mistakes and were very slow to rectify. Plates not cleared between courses, cold tea, it was just so disappointing given the cost.

Chocs44 · 09/11/2021 10:47

Recently had champagne afternoon tea at the Ivy Asia St. Paul's. It was great value for money, unusual (not a scone in sight!) and a fantastic setting. Highly recommend.

ItWorriesMeThisKindofThing · 09/11/2021 10:49

Fortnum’s is lovely. The science themed tea at the Ampersand is really fun.

RubaiyatOfAnyone · 09/11/2021 11:18

@halloweenie13

I wouldn't bother muggings and thefts here are at an all time high
What, in Fortnums? Is nothing sacred anymore? Deary me

OP, I loved the afternoon tea I had in Fortnums, and it is the most Christmassy of Christmas shops in season so I think you will have a lovely time.

Justonedayatatime11 · 09/11/2021 13:17

We're booked for the Christmas afternoon tea and F&M in 2 weeks and am worried it's going to be rubbish, trip advisor doesn't fill me with confidence!

skippy67 · 09/11/2021 13:18

@halloweenie13

I wouldn't bother muggings and thefts here are at an all time high
What are you on about?