Palm Court Restaurant

Tea time is particularly elegant at The Langham in London, where it's been celebrated the longest. © The Langham Hotels & Resorts

The tradition of afternoon tea has supposedly been around since the 1840s. The first hotel in the world to have offered high tea is said to be the noble Langham in London. Since 1865, its Palm Court Restaurant has been serving fluffy scones, fine pâté and delightful tea in the afternoon. The delicacies are created by none other than Michel Roux Jr. and executive pastry chef Andrew Gravett.

Good to know: There is a special kids menu, and the festive afternoon tea will be served until January 1, 2023.

Price: from approx. €100
Address: 1C Portland Pl, London W1B 1JA, UK
Web: palm-court.co.uk
Tel: +44 20 7965 0195

Afternoon Tea at Hotel Café Royal

At the Oscar Wilde Lounge it's impossible to miss the approaching holiday, when looking at the festive etageres. © Hotel Café Royal

The Hotel Café Royal proves how stylish afternoon tea can be in London. Located directly on lively Regent Street, walking past the sacred halls into the tucked away spot feels like entering an oasis of tranquility. Here, surrounded by historic walls, one enjoys delightful snacks, only the finest tea and sweet delicacies. Executive pastry chef Loic Carbonett and his team transform each item on the étagère into a piece of art. A glass of N.V. Veuve Clicquot Brut makes for a perfect addition to a festive tea time in London.

Good to know: Dietary preferences can be announced up to 48 h in advance.

Price: approx. €80
Address: 10 Air St, London W1B 4DY, UK
Web: hotelcaferoyal.com
Tel: +44 20 7406 3333

Mirror Room

Playful designs at Rosewood London often leave guests wondering "decoration or dessert" © Rosewood Hotels & Resorts

If you're looking for something a little more modern, check out Rosewood London. Its Afternoon Tea recently made headlines when executive pastry chef Mark Perkins invited guests to an Art Afternoon Tea. He presented the small delicacies inspired by Salvador Dalí's works. Even virtual reality technologies found their way into the famous British tradition. The festive afternoon tea menu included sandwiches with baked camembert and red onion, turkey and cucumber, fresh scones with clotted cream, and Dalí-inspired sweets.

Good to know: The menu is also available with special tea pairing.

Price: approx.: €92
Address: 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN, UK
Web: rosewoodhotels.com
Tel: +44 20 7781 8888

Crystal Moon Lounge

Good news for fans of fine tableware: These are available for purchase. © Jack Hardy

In the tea room of the Corinthia London, guests enjoy their afternoon tea in the glowing reflection of over 1000 Baccarat crystals. The pianist accompanies the ceremony with atmospheric music. And finger sandwiches with turkey, salmon and beets are delicately arranged on beautiful plates. Scones and seasonally inspired desserts top off the extravagant menu. The red and white tableware by Richard Brendon is especially delightful and is available for purchase.

Good to know: This festive version of Afternoon Tea will be served until January 4, 2023. A caviar and champagne version is also available.

Price: from approx. €100
Address: Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2BD, UK
Web: corinthia.com
Tel: +44 20 7930 8181

Dalloway Terrace

Scones and cucumber sandwiches have never looked prettier. © Charlie McKay

The stylish indoor and outdoor location, named after Virgiania Woolf's literary character, serves seasonally changing afternoon tea. In London this accounts for honoring the upcoming holidays with special delicacies. Inspired by renown classics, head pastry chef Chris Dodd puts his own personal spin on the event. Dalloway Terrace at The Bloomsbury Hotel is located just off Oxford Street, which makes it perfect for a break from holiday shopping.

Good to know: Except for the salmon sandwich, Afternoon Tea at Dalloway Terrace is vegetarian.

Price: from approx. €45
Address: 16-22 Great Russel St, London WC1B 3NN, UK
Web: doylecollection.com
Tel: +44 20 7347 1000

Thames Foyer

Afternoon Tea at the Savoy is presented elegantly and with a large tea selection. © The Savoy

Afternoon tea at The Savoy is world-famous. The rooms are filled with an impressive ambience. Sitting in the atrium covered by a glass dome, listening to live piano music and enjoying the excellent service of the staff. The menu includes the classics of afternoon and high tea. The latter, by the way, is tea served between 5p.m. and 7p.m. Tea time has been one of the hotel's most popular traditions since 1889 and guests can choose from over 30 tea specialties.

Good to know: There are also vegetarian and vegan options on the menu.

Price: from approx. €70
Address: Strand, London WC2R 0EZ, UK
Web: thesavoylondon.com
Tel: +44 20 7836 4343

The Lanesborough Grill

Lush, magical, festive: The Lanesborough is currently celebrating a Bridgerton Afternoon Tea © The Lanesborough

Festive afternoon tea in London couldn't be more beautiful than at the iconic Lanesborough Hotel. This member of the Oetker Collection serves particularly pretty creations for the occasion. Reds and greens dominate the plates. Executive chef Salvatore Mungiovino experiments with flavors and textures. The result is not only something to admire visually, but also by flavor. The Lanesborough signature teas taste particularly delicious as an accompaniment. The pre-Christmas version includes a mulled wine martini cocktail or a Christmas pudding mocktail.

Good to know: available until January 8, 2023

Price: from approx. €90
Address: Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA, UK
Web: oetkercollection.com
Tel: +44 20 7259 5599