Best Christmas afternoon teas in Mayfair
by Annabelle Spranklen
When you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, a spot of tea and scattering of scones is always a good idea, even better, make it festive-themed, with extra sparkle and seasonal treats. See yourselves and make a beeline for these best Christmas afternoon teas in Mayfair…
Jean-Georges at The Connaught
We love the stylish, light-filled backdrop of Jean-Georges at The Connaught, with its floor-to-ceiling windows (perfect for a spot of people-watching) and walls lined with Louise Bourgeois artworks. This year’s Christmas afternoon tea kicks off with a glass of champagne, followed by a wild mushroom and comte tartlet amuse-bouche, and finger sandwiches - from egg with black truffle mayo to roasted Bronze turkey and chestnut miso. Then, of course, come the oven-warm scones followed by a decadent selection of cakes including a chocolate fondue with gingerbread Christmas tree biscuit and a chestnut Mont Blanc candied chestnut with vanilla and chantilly swiss meringue.
Price: From £105 - £165 per person.
The Biltmore
Deck the halls, Christmas at The Biltmore Mayfair is set to be even more spectacular than ever with a Nutcracker-inspired wonderland greeting guests. Alongside the ‘Land of Sweets’ theme offering Sugar Plum Fizz cocktails and dessert specials, there’s a special Boodles afternoon tea taking over the pretty Tea Lounge, inspired by the British jeweller’s timeless pieces and its famous pink diamonds. The cakes are so beautiful - with details such as glistening vanilla pearls and intricate flower choux pastries, a nod to the Boodles craftsmanship. Of course, there’s all the classics too, finger-licking sandwiches and scones with all the accompaniments.
Price: From £80 per person.
The Beaumont
It’s always a glamorous backdrop but during the festive season, The Beaumont is even more of a special place that just happens to be nestled behind Bond Street should you need to escape from the madding crowds. From 19 November, the Christmas afternoon tea menu launches inside Gatsby’s Room, a chic spot inspired by the 1920s origins of the building. While a pianist tinkles away in the background, you’ll be treated to the classics, with a festive spin - turkey, stuffing and cranberry and honey-roasted ham with piccalilli sandwiches, gingerbread and pineapple baba, yuzu and matcha yule log and, naturally, lots of homemade mince pies.
Price: From £85 per person.
Claridge’s
Every Christmas Claridge’s somehow manages to trump the last and this year, with Sir Paul Smith taking over the challenge of constructing the Christmas tree, it’s set to do the same. As one of the best Christmas afternoon teas in London, you’d be mad to miss nabbing a reservation here. During December, it’s a hot-ticket (so book now) with finger sandwiches including Cambridge Bronze turkey and stuffing and maple glazed Dorrington ham with mustard on onion bread, confit wild mushroom tartlets, not forgetting warm scones served with lashings of Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam, black forest Christmas trees and Christmas pudding and brandy sauce.
Price: From £115 per person.
Marchesi
If you’d rather personally pick out your favourite afternoon tea classics with an Italian spin, you’ll love Pasticceria Marchesi, one of Milan's oldest and finest pastry shops with, luckily for you, a Mayfair outpost situated on elegant Mount Street. This is the place to come for the most exquisite patisseries, signature chocolates and, of course, Panettone - do try the fig, honey and vanilla or apple, cinnamon and caramel varieties. And while you’re here, you might as well create your own hampers as festive gifts for friends and family - they do special Panettone Christmas boxes, jams and sweetie jars made for stuffing into stockings.
Kai Mayfair
If the classic festive afternoon tea isn’t your bag, one with a Chinese spin might be - and let us introduce you to the Chinese Whispers Afternoon at Kai Mayfair. You probably know this restaurant more for its Nanyang-style cooking which has been dazzling diners since 1993 and this certainly influences the afternoon tea menu here with an array of Southern Eastern bites with a fun spin - think chocolate cookies piped with “Who needs money when you’ve got cake”, bao sliders, prawns on toast and macarons filled with fragrant powders inspired by the traditional Chinese medicine shops.
Price: from £52 per person.
The Ivy Asia Mayfair
There’s a celebratory feel to dining at The Ivy Asia Mayfair and if you’re looking for a fun spot for a Christmas afternoon tea in London, this is your place. Yes, there’s the lavish interiors that make putting your camera away an almost impossible task but there’s also the fact that festive afternoon tea here is perfect for fans of savoury as well as the sweet-toothed - think aromatic duck spring rolls, spicy avocado maki rolls and vegetable bao buns alongside pandan and white chocolate choux buns, yuzu and honey cheesecake and dark chocolate mousse reindeer. The Asian-inspired, non-traditional Christmas afternoon tea you’ve always longed for.
Price: From £32.95 per person.
