The Lanesborough has been transformed into the most breath-taking winter wonderland and this festive theme has also taken over the season’s Afternoon Tea menu.

Travelling through stunning snowflake arches, we arrive at The Lanesborough Grill. With its’ tall domed glass roof, home to elaborate chandeliers, it must be one of London’s most sophisticated Tea Rooms.

Once seated in a plush velvet sofa, we are served a ‘Christmas Pudding Mocktail’. A concoction of apple, berries, gingerbread, honey, lemon and winter spices, it is sweet with subtle festive tones and a delicious alternative a delicious alternative to the Mulled Wine Martini usually served as part of the Festive Afternoon Tea service.

We are soon presented with a three-tiered stand, decorated with festive foliage and a show-stopping selection of pastries, sandwiches and a sharing cake. The pieces have been designed so beautifully they are instantly pleasing, without even tucking in!

We start with the savouries: four traditional finger sandwiches lay upon the bottom tier, accompanied by a truffled duck and turkey sausage roll. This additional piece is full of festive flavours and the redcurrant gives it a subtle sweet flavour.

As it’s a Christmas menu, the meat option, usually coronation chicken or ham, has been replaced with a roast turkey sandwich, filled with chestnut stuffing and a cranberry sauce. So reminiscent of a Christmas lunch, this sandwich packs numerous flavours in each bite.

I personally thoroughly enjoyed how the sandwiches had additional filings, often adding a touch of sweetness to each piece. The aged cheddar cheese married beautifully with a spiced apple chutney and the oak smoked salmon was paired with Granny Smith apple & horseradish adding both texture and taste to traditional pieces.

We were kindly offered refills of our sandwiches before tucking into the freshly baked scones that are served warm. These must be some of London’s best– they are the perfect texture, plump, and glisten under the reflection of the chandeliers. Served with a scoop of fruit preserves & clotted Devonshire cream, they are a real treat.

Finally, it was time to indulge in the majestic pastries! Created to represent festive themes, they looked almost too pretty to destroy. The Rudolph piece had been teasing me since I lay eyes on it: a choux adorned with a mini red chocolate nose and piped antlers, it was as cute as a button, and tasted even better. Placed upon a thin chocolate biscuit, the craquelin added a crisp texture to the soft choux, that was filled and topped with a winter spiced crème, and a fruity centre. With flavours reminiscent of a mince pie, the chocolate topping added a new flavour profile to a well-recognised sweet.

The chocolate brownie is rich and nutty, made with roasted almonds and infused with orange, contrasting the red Christmas mousse bauble which was smooth and filled with a festively seasoned fig and plum heart.
The dainty snowflake piece has layers of various textures: mousse, fruits and a thin layer of sponge: The pear and bergamot come through well and create a lovely light dessert.

Upon the top tier stands the sharing cake. Shaped as an iconic Christmas tree, once sliced, the interior is just as delightful. Placed upon a crispy, textured pistachio cake covered in chocolate, a pistachio mousse encases the Amarena cherry centre. It is so delicious, it may be difficult to share!

The service was impeccable and the seasonal flavours and festive designs really got us into the Christmas spirit in the most elegant of ways. The Christmas theme is only available until 8th January 2023, but it is an experience not to be missed!

Festive Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough, is served daily and starts from £80 per person, available 11th November 2022 - 8th January 2023. A new Afternoon Tea menu will be avaliable from 9th January 2023 Click here for more details and to book.