An annual rendez-vous with the most iconic afternoon servings with a festive twist!
Everything is different this year, but here’s what is not: the glorious festive afternoon tea tradition held at some of the most luxurious hotels around the world! An all-time favourite for tea addicts at its most outgoing version, served in cozy and Christmasy corners, accompanied by all sorts of festive delicacies -cakes, macarons, crisp champagne, teddy bears and live traditional carols! Take a tour to some of the best sorts of festive afternoon tea, served at these luxurious hotels around the world!
Parisian Elegance – Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris
The award-winning pastry chef Angelo Musa serves up an exquisite array of sweet festive delights. It’s a chance to indulge in freshly-baked pastries, sandwiches and cakes – not to mention Hôtel Plaza Athénée’s famous rich hot chocolate.
Edwardian Winter Wonderland -Ritz London
During the Christmas season, traditional Afternoon Tea in The Palm Court at The Ritz – one of the most iconic ones in the world – will be given a festive twist. The Palm Court will be transformed into an Edwardian winter wonderland, surrounded by rich red and gold trimmings and a beautiful lavishly decorated Christmas tree in the centre of the room, making it feel enchanting. Mouth-watering Christmas cakes and freshly made scones will accompany the casual 18 different types of loose-leaf tea, servings of delicate finger sandwiches, delicious pastries and mince pies. Bonus: this exquisite Festive Afternoon Tea comes with a glass of Ritz Champagne!
The Scandinavian Twist – Hotel d’Angleterre, Copenhagen
Take one of the finest British traditions, combine it with champagne and give it a Scandinavian touch – and you have d’Angleterre’s luxurious Afternoon Tea. In cooperation with KRUG Champagne, d’Angleterre has reinterpreted the classic English Afternoon Tea and it is served in the beautiful Gallery Hall with high ceilings and imposing chandeliers. Detail: It is served in the finest china ‘Emperor’s Garden’ from Fürstenberg!
Holiday Spirit – Four Seasons London Ten Trinity
At Rotunda Bar & Lounge, indulge in a deliciously festive afternoon tea, created by Executive Pastry Chef Sylvain Goujon with pastries including The White Forest – a chocolate biscuit with creamy chocolate cremeux, cherry confit and chocolate Chantilly in the style of a Christmas tree; The Bauble Tart – a chestnut and blackcurrant tartlet with a sphere to create the appearance of a festive bauble; The Snowman – created with rice pudding, cocoa and cinnamon; and Rudolf the Reindeer – a gingerbread reindeer with pear.
Peggy Porschen – The Lanesborough, London
It doesn’t get much more festive and photogenic than the Peggy Porschen Festive Afternoon Tea. The tea pairs one of London’s most beautiful dining settings under the naturally illuminated domed glass roof of Céleste, with the fairy tale pink Peggy Porschen aesthetic. Guests can expect a wintertime immersion into a celebration of charming floral features, pastel hues and exquisite tastes. The reimagined festive tea will feature some of Peggy Porschen’s signature creations, classic afternoon tea essentials such as finger sandwiches, scones, clotted cream and jam, as well as the bespoke afternoon tea blends of Peggy Porschen and The Lanesborough. Highlights include Christmas Turkey and Stuffing, Roast Beef and Horseradish Cream and Honey Roast Pumpkin and Brie sandwiches; Peggy’s trademark Lemon, Raspberry and Rose Slice and Strawberry and Pink Champagne Tartlet, as well as a Jolly Gingerbread Cupcake, Chocolate and Cherry Snowflake Cupcake and a Cranberry Christmas Pavlova.
Christmas carols -The Dorchester, London
A festive package for all your senses -that’s what The Dorchester’s afternoon tea at The Promenade is about. This season, they take the experience to a whole new level with festive-inspired menus and live music -on weekends a talented school choir performs traditional carols as you dine!
Pan Pacific Singapore
The Atrium is situated at the heart of Pan Pacific hotel in Singapore, featuring an eclectic collection of seating pods floating over a reflection pool. During the festive season, guests can indulge in a gastronomic spectacle of exquisite scones and pastries presented in a breath-taking tea stand modelled after Atrium’s iconic floating pods.
A fragrant wonderland – The Bloomsbury
Dalloway Terrace at The Bloomsbury hosts a much-loved Afternoon Tea menu that has been given an aromatic and colourful revamp by Dalloway’s Head Pastry Chef Chris Dodd, after its collaboration with perfumier Miller Harris. With flavours that complement the Miller Harris signature fragrances, this tea transports guests to a fragrant wonderland. Sweet and scented treats include tangerine cream on an orange and vanilla biscuit, Earl Grey and green tea jelly with green velvet sponge, delicately scented rose and almond sponge topped with rose cream and a rich and velvety dark chocolate mousse with spice liquid centre. The selection of savoury sandwiches includes marinated cucumber & cream cheese on pain de Mie; egg and cress mayonnaise on a colourful brioche bun; poached salmon and crème fraîche on farmhouse bread and brie and plum tomato on multigrain bread. Traditional afternoon scones set to impress include the vanilla & lemon and golden raisin which will be served with Devonshire clotted cream and Scottish raspberry jam.
Festive stories from the tree -Peninsula Tokyo
A Festive Stories from the Tree themed Afternoon Tea at The Lobby amid live music and The Peninsula’s joyous festive décor is the magical experience awaiting guests of the Peninsula Tokyo. Savory delicacies and delightful sweets crafted with the Robin and other holiday motifs, accompanied with a selection of Peninsula original teas and the organic Art of Tea selection, are more than one could ask.
Festive stories from the tree – The Peninsula New York
The best way to rejuvenate after shopping on Fifth Avenue is The Peninsula’s legendary Afternoon Tea enhanced with festive flavors, Champagne Deutz and holiday magic. A special Children’s Afternoon Tea is also available, offering a fun selection of savory and sweet children’s favorites served with endless hot local cider.
Plus mulled wine -Ham Yard Hotel, London
The afternoon tea of Ham Yard is among the most insta famous tea rituals of London! Served at L’ Οrangerie the afternoon tea is accompanied by mulled wine cocktails. See more here
Trifecta Diamond Tea -Four Seasons Boston
In celebration of the holiday season, Chef Daniel Burger has elevated Trifecta’s contemporary take on the classic afternoon tea, with a very special festive Diamond Tea available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout December 2021. Following a glass of G.H. Mumm Champagne on arrival, the special holiday afternoon tea menu begins with an amuse-bouche of foie gras macaron with sauternes gelée; and seasonal scones served with honeycomb, Devonshire cream and kumquat preserve. Finger sandwiches include a cauliflower tartlet with sturgeon caviar and confit egg yolk; lobster “roll” with pâte à choux and Périgord truffle; flavours of banh mi with black pepper pate, cacciatorini pickles and cilantro; English cucumber with whipped feta, roasted garlic, mint and oregano; and roasted turkey with mini croissant, Swiss and cranberry aioli.
The dessert selection features Mont Blanc with chestnut entremet, Pedro Ximénez centre and white chocolate glaze; XO gateau with cognac-soaked cate cake and 24k gold; tigre cake with financier, chocolate chips and salted caramel; ginger choux with choux craquelin and ginger mousse; and vanilla shortbread with chocolate and crushed pistachios. The elevated holiday afternoon tea also includes Trifecta’s special spiked tea option – guests can upgrade their tea selection to be paired with their choice of spirit or liqueur. The mixologists at Trifecta can assist with the best pairings, based on the tea selection and flavour profile.
SEE ALSO:
The Alpine Afternoon Tea -Shangri-La London
Shangri-La London’s new festive afternoon tea is inspired by the Alpine lifestyle. Served at TĪNG at Shangri-La Hotel, at The Shard, London, this special menu features the best seasonal treats including freshly made savoury delights and baked scones as well as delicate Austrian-inspired pastries, including Sachertorte and Black Forest Gâteaux. TĪNG Restaurant’s delicious Alpine afternoon Tea is the perfect way to celebrate the festive season whilst enjoying views of London that stretch for miles.
See also:
The most extraordinary Christmas desserts made by famous hotels around the world
The best hotel candles to gift this year
Best Christmas decorations at the most luxurious hotels of the world
Throwback to all Claridge’s Christmas Trees made by famous designers!
TheHotelTrotter.com is curated by greek journalist and fanatic hotel lover Eleni Stasinopoulou. With the eye of a fashion and lifestyle editor, Eleni hopes to inspire all connoisseurs of traveling, focusing on stylish hotel moments around the globe.
