In celebration of the V&A South Kensington’s acclaimed Marie Antoinette Style exhibition, five-star London hotel The Kensington continues its ode to 18th-century decadence with a festive twist on its celebrated afternoon tea, Let Us Eat Cake.

Available exclusively throughout December, the special festive edition of Let Us Eat Cake invites guests to indulge in a regal afternoon of sweet and savoury delights inspired by the artistry, elegance and lavish court life of Marie Antoinette, with a touch of Christmas magic.

Served in the hotel’s beautiful Drawing Room, this exquisitely presented afternoon tea captures the spirit of the season with a refined menu of handcrafted patisserie, freshly baked scones, festive mince pies and delicate sandwiches , every day from noon to 4pm. On the 6th, 7th, 14th, 20th, 21st and 27th December, the gentle sounds of a live harpist will fill The Drawing Room, enhancing the festive setting for afternoon tea guests. On 12th and 13th December, a live illustrator will capture the moment with a stunning, personalised hand drawn illustration - a complimentary keepsake for every afternoon tea guest. 

The patisserie selection includes Le Gâteau du Jardin – strawberry genoise sponge with vanilla Chantilly and fresh strawberries; La Robe de la Reine – blackberry and lemon curd tartlet with blackberry mousse; Le Macaron Petit Trianon – almond macaron with raspberries and white chocolate ganache montée; and Le Brisé de la Dauphine – delicate lemon shortbread. This is followed by The Kensington’s indulgent Mince Pies and a White Chocolate & Coconut Christmas Bauble, adding a seasonal sparkle to the tea stand.

Savouries include Egg Salad on a brioche roll; Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Sauce on traditional white bread; Avocado Purée, Sundried Tomatoes & Crumbled Feta on a savoury pink brioche roll; and House-Cured Salmon with Pickled Cucumber on brown seeded bread. Traditional Plain and Fruit Scones, served warm with clotted cream and homemade jam, complete the experience.

Guests may accompany their tea with The Queen’s Coupe - a decadent cocktail of Belvedere Vodka, Pimms, Earl Grey cordial, clarified clotted cream and Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve NV, with a rose petal and raspberry rim, or enjoy a glass of Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve NV.

The festive edition of Let Us Eat Cake is priced at £65 per person, including a selection of Rare Teas, or £80 per person with The Queen’s Coupe or a glass of Champagne.

Located moments from the V&A South Kensington, The Kensington’s festive afternoon tea offers an elegant and joyful experience that marries Marie Antoinette’s timeless style with the warmth and wonder of the festive season, the perfect prelude or finale to a delightful visit to Marie Antoinette Style.

A credit card is needed to secure your booking. If you fail to show up for your booking or do not cancel your booking more than 48 hours in advance you may be charged the full offer price. Please note this is a 'book now, pay when you dine' basis. When a booking is made via the site, there is nothing to pay until you dine, so your card will only be charged if you fail to show up for the booking or you do not cancel within 48 hours.

If you have any dietary requirements we kindly ask you to advise the hotel at least 48 hours before your reservation to allow the chef time to prepare. Items on the menu are subject to change to cater to dietary requirements.

*Please note* a 12.5% service charge will be added to the final bill.