Review of The Blooming British Festive Afternoon Tea at Royal Lancaster London

The Royal Lancaster London has teamed up with the Natural History Museum to create a truly charming seasonal offering: the A Blooming British Festive Afternoon Tea. Served in the hotel’s Hyde Café from 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, it’s a calm, elegant escape from winter crowds, the kind of festive treat that feels both indulgent and thoughtfully put together.

The theme celebrates the beauty of British flora and fauna, and you see it immediately in the details. The pastry team have crafted a menu that feels seasonal without being overly sweet or heavy. We tried both the traditional and vegan versions, and it was clear from the first bite that this afternoon tea is built on thoughtful flavours, beautiful presentation, and a hint of festive nostalgia.

The afternoon tea starts with a classic selection of sandwiches, each neatly layered and generously filled. The roasted British turkey with cranberry jam brings that Christmas-day warmth, while the smoked salmon with avocado is fresh and silky. The roast beef with truffle mayonnaise adds richness, balanced by the brightness of the egg with dill, capers, and gherkins. Warm cranberry and plain scones arrive next, soft, fragrant, and perfect with clotted cream and preserves.

The Winter Beehive pairs pear mousse with mulled pear compote; the Yuletide Gingerbread Slice is spiced and comforting with a soft citrus centre; the Christmas Bauble layers peppermint mousse with dark chocolate crèmeux; and the Chestnut and Chocolate Pavlova brings a beautiful balance of lightness and richness.

The vegan afternoon tea mirrors the traditional afternoon tea beautifully, proving that plant-based options can be just as indulgent. From the smoked asparagus with vegan cream cheese to the Applewood cheese with piccalilli, the sandwiches feel considered rather than swapped in. The vegan scones, served with coconut cream, were warm, soft, and surprisingly close to the classic version. Vegan treats like the Winter Beehive and Christmas Bauble deliver the same festive flavours, with textures that feel every bit as luxurious.

All together, The Blooming British Festive Afternoon Tea is one of those seasonal treats that gets the balance right, festive without being fussy, generous without feeling heavy, and full of flavours that make the experience feel exceptional.

Address: Royal Lancaster London Lancaster Terrace, London W2 2TY

For more information and to book, click here.

Written by Stephanie Sowaha 

Photography by Ben Carpenter