As the festive season reaches its peak, a top London hotel is offering guests a truly magical culinary experience. The Westin London City has launched its enchanting 'Once Upon a Christmas Afternoon Tea', inviting visitors to step into a winter fairytale until the 4th of January.
A Riverside Hotel with Festive Charm
Located in a prime position on the north bank of the River Thames, The Westin London City offers spectacular views of iconic landmarks including Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and the Tate Modern. The hotel itself is a hub of festive activity, with a spectacular lobby adorned with a huge Christmas tree and an animal tableaux featuring polar bears and penguins. Further elegant decorations, such as a glittering Cinderella's coach and a miniature train set, complete the fairy-tale atmosphere.
The modern hotel boasts 226 rooms, suites, and residences, and is notably one of the capital's leading pet-friendly establishments. While no guest rooms face the river directly, the vibrant City of London scenes provide plenty of excitement. The staff, some sporting Christmas jumpers, were praised for their friendly and efficient service, adding to the welcoming vibe.
The Enchanting Festive Afternoon Tea
The centrepiece of the experience is the meticulously crafted 'Once Upon a Christmas' afternoon tea. This fairytale-inspired event showcases a creative selection of savouries and sweets designed to delight the senses. The sandwich menu includes unique offerings like beetroot-cured gravadlax with dill crème fraîche and herring caviar on a charcoal bun, and Burford egg with black truffle on mini brioche.
Guests then face the delightful challenge of choosing from exquisitely designed patisserie, which features an Enchanted Slipper tartlet, a Starry Midnight apple cinnamon Napoleon, and a Grand Ball cookie cup. A wide selection of black, green, white, and fruit teas is available, served with timers to ensure the perfect brew. The experience is priced at £45 per person, or £60 with a glass of Taittinger Champagne. Vegan and vegetarian menus are also offered.
Exploring the Historic Location
The hotel's location is undeniably one of its greatest assets, providing easy access to some of London's most famous sights. It is just a five to ten-minute walk from St Paul's Cathedral, where entry to daily services is free. The Thames Path outside the door leads walkers past historic sites like the Samuel Pepys pub and towards the Southbank's Christmas market, the London Eye, and the Tate Modern.
In the other direction, the route leads to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. For relaxation after exploring, the hotel's Heavenly Spa offers a beautiful pool, hot tub, steam room, and sauna. The festive afternoon tea is served daily from 1 pm to 5 pm (excluding Christmas Day) in the hotel's restaurant, which also houses the Hithe and Seek bar with panoramic views.
Nightly rates for a Signature King Room at the five-star hotel start from £459. The 'Once Upon a Christmas Afternoon Tea' provides a perfect excuse for a luxurious short break in the heart of the capital, blending gourmet treats with historic exploration and festive magic.
