Visitors to the capital this winter can immerse themselves in a festive fairytale with a magical afternoon tea experience at a top London hotel. The Westin London City is currently serving its enchanting 'Once Upon a Christmas Afternoon Tea', a seasonal treat that combines culinary creativity with a prime riverside location.
A Riverside Hotel with Festive Charm
Located directly on the banks of the River Thames, The Westin London City offers guests spectacular views of iconic landmarks including Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and the Tate Modern. The hotel's lobby sets a magical scene with a huge Christmas tree adorned with a polar bear and penguin tableau, alongside other classy decorations like a glittering Cinderella's coach. This five-star establishment boasts 226 rooms, suites, and residences, and is noted for being exceptionally pet-friendly.
The modern hotel is praised for its efficient and friendly staff, many of whom wear Christmas jumpers to enhance the seasonal atmosphere. With two separate entrances, guests have easy access to both the St Paul's area and the scenic Thames Path. The property, part of the Marriott group, also features an M Club lounge available for non-members subject to availability.
The Enchanting Festive Afternoon Tea
The centrepiece of the hotel's seasonal offering is its 'Once Upon a Christmas' afternoon tea, a fairytale-inspired event available daily from 1pm to 5pm until January 4th, excluding Christmas Day. Priced at £45 per person, or £60 with a glass of Taittinger Champagne, the experience features an imaginative array of savoury and sweet delights.
The sandwich selection includes inventive options such as 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, including 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 provided, complete with timers for the perfect brew. Vegan and vegetarian menus are also available.
Exploring the Historic Location
The hotel's location is a major draw, placing guests moments from St Paul's Cathedral—a five to ten-minute walk away—and the fascinating history of the Thames riverside. A morning stroll along the Thames Path reveals the area's rich past, passing by Oystergate Walk and Globe View Walkway, with the historic Samuel Pepys pub nearby.
Guests can easily cross the Millennium Bridge to the Southbank, home to the Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe, a Christmas market, the London Eye, and food stalls. In the other direction, a walk leads towards the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and HMS Belfast. The hotel is also a short walk from the Sky Garden at the 'Walkie Talkie' building (20 Fenchurch Street), which offers free panoramic views of the city.
For post-exploration relaxation, the hotel's Heavenly Spa provides the perfect antidote, featuring a beautiful pool, double lounge beds, a hot tub, steam room, sauna, and a fitness studio. Dining options extend beyond afternoon tea to include the Mosaic restaurant and the Hithe and Seek bar, which boasts panoramic London views.
Nightly rates for a Signature King Room at The Westin London City start from £459. The 'Once Upon a Christmas Afternoon Tea' can be booked via the hotel's website or through OpenTable, offering a truly magical festive interlude in the heart of the city.
