London at Christmas is one of the best times to be in the City. There is so much to do that it can be hard to decide what to choose. Whether it’s ice-skating, eating all the food or just admiring the Christmas lights. I’ve picked out my six must-dos this festive season.
Festive Afternoon Tea At The Langham
If you do just one thing this Christmas, then make it the festive afternoon tea at The Langham Hotel. If you follow me on Instagram, you would have seen me trying out the tea recently on my stories. The festive tea takes place in the Palm Court, where the entrance has two beautifully decorated Christmas trees and already it makes you feel like you are entering somewhere very special. There are a few options for afternoon tea, but I highly recommend the Festive High Tea accompanied by a glass of Perrier-Jouët champagne. Sandwiches have a festive twist and my favourite was the smoked turkey with marjoram stuffing, watercress and cranberry bread. The high tea also has your choice of an extra dish, so of course the pigs in blanket sausage roll was my choice.
Indulge in scones with jam and cream and beautifully decorated pastries with a festive twist. The St Nicholas is passion fruit rolled in a light sponge with lightened coconut and tastes absolutely delicious. I couldn’t choose a favourite between this and the caramelised puff pastry with salted caramel. The service is impeccable and the tea is the perfect pre-Christmas treat. I’ll definitely have to add this to my best afternoon teas in London.
Festive High Tea at The Langham Hotel is available now until January 1st 2018.
Skate At Somerset House
Ice-skating is one of the most popular activities over the festive period in London, with Skate At Somerset House being one of the top choices. In the iconic Somerset House courtyard is Fortnum & Mason’s ice-rink and pop-up shop where you can find plenty of Fortnum’s gifts from chocolates to tea, as well as a pop-up bar. The setting is pretty special and a fun place to take friends for the day or evening. During the day on a weekday is when it is normally quieter.
Skate is on now until January 14th 2018. Book tickets for ice-skating at Somerset House at www.somersethouse.org.uk.
Festive Hideaway At Dalloway Terrace
It doesn’t get much more festive in London than Dalloway Terrace. Keep warm in their indoor winter terrace with glitter trees, snug fluffy blankets and hot water bottles. It just looks like the perfect place to escape the cold and what a better way than to enjoy a festive inspired afternoon tea curated by Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown. Think peanut butter & jelly profiteroles, orange & cardomom scones and chicken and chorizo rolls. A little bit of savoury and sweet washed down with a pot of tea or if you aren’t wanting a full meal then just snuggle up with a hot chocolate or one of their lovely cocktails.
Cheesegrater Christmas Market
Surprisingly this isn’t a cheese market, but a new addition this year to the Christmas markets in London. Located in the open atrium of the Leadenhall Building, better known as The Cheesegrater is the Cheesegrater Christmas Market. You won’t miss it as it is next to the stunning 30ft tall Christmas Tree. The market has seventeen German-style wooden chalets, decorated with twinkling fairy lights and sprigs of holly and features traders as diverse as London itself; offering an array of world cuisines, from street food to gourmet confectionary, handmade gifts and a pop-up Prosecco bar.
Throughout the month will be choirs singing Christmas carols and the celebrations will be topped off by special guest performances from singer-songwriter Tom Korni and jazz singer Becky Bennett.
The Cheesegrater Christmas Market is open now until the 22nd of December, Monday to Friday, 10am-7pm.
‘Soul Sundays’ at Madison
Madison has recently become one of my favourite places for brunch and on the weekend they do ‘Soul Sundays’, where you can enjoy your Eggs Benedict or roast lunch with the soothing sounds of a singer or band. Entertaining this December 17th will be gospel choir ALR Gospel. They will perform a mixture of jazz, soul, pop and gospel as well as traditional Christmas carols and songs. I recommend the three-course ‘Soul Sundays’ menu for £38, which offers a sharing platter of roast meats and also a half-bottle of wine per person for £38 – read the review here. Not forgetting the amazing views over London from the restaurant and also One New Change viewing platform.
Cocktails At Claridges
It doesn’t get more festive in London that Christmas at Claridge’s Hotel. The minute you walk to the hotel, you instantly feel Christmassy. From the glorious gold present display above the entrance to the wreaths lining the railings. Pop in for a cocktail or two in the bar, but first admire and take a picture with their amazing upside down Christmas Tree.
Each year the Claridge’s Christmas tree has been designed by a famous fashion designer. In previous years we have seen Dolce & Gabbana and Christopher Bailey from Burberry’s creations. This year it is the turn of Karl Lagerfeld. The tree is upside down and hangs from the ceiling next to the staircase as you step inside. The tree is 16ft with silver gilded roots, a mirrored star topper and snowflake and lametta decorations. One not to miss.
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