The Best Christmas Afternoon Teas in Essex

Christmas Afternoon Teas

An Afternoon tea is a wonderful tradition of enjoying delicious sandwiches, scones and delicate cakes all washed down with a pot of tea. It is the perfect to celebrate any occasion or just a treat to yourself. There are so many amazing Christmas Afternoon Teas in Essex. Festive treats with spiced scones, warmed mince pies and festive themed sandwiches. It’s one of my favourite times of the year to enjoy an afternoon tea. Many of these fantastic venues feature in our list of The Best Afternoon Teas in Essex. So without delay, here is our list of the Best Christmas Afternoon Teas in Essex.

The Ultimate guide to 30 of the Best Christmas Afternoon Teas in Essex in 2023:

Magic Mushroom Restaurant, Billericay

The Magic Mushroom is a bright modern restaurant, which offers amazing first class freshly cooked food. The Christmas afternoon tea includes a selection of festive sandwiches, Game Sausage Roll with Cranberry Gel, Spiced cranberry and plain scones with Tiptree Strawberry jam and clotted cream, a selection of festive sweet treats, including Mince Pie Custard Tart, Dark Chocolate Cheesecake, Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and a choice of tea for £32.50 per person. See our full review of their classic afternoon tea at The Magic Mushroom Restaurant.

You have the option to upgrade to the Champagne afternoon tea for £42.50. Children’s Portions, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and other dietary requirements available on request

Running from 29th November to 23rd December. For more information or to book, visit The Magic Mushroom Restaurant website.

Wildflower Teas on the Bus, Wickford

Wildflower Teas on the Bus is set aboard an original Routemaster Double Decker bus. The Christmas Afternoon Tea at Wildflower Teas on the Bus is £30 per person.

It consists of freshly made sandwiches filled with: Turkey & Cranberry, Cheddar & Festive Chutney, Roast Beef & Horseradish, Ham & Honey Mustard and lastly Cream Cheese & Cucumber, served with Mini pigs and blankets. Followed by Christmas Pudding Cheesecake, Traditional Christmas Cake, Mini Mince Pies, Hazelnut & White Chocolate Torte, German Stollen, Chocolate Orange Shortbread Biscuits. Cheese, crackers & mixed grapes. Each afternoon tea is served with bottomless pots of tea, coffee or a yummy luxury hot chocolate. Read our full review of the Christmas Afternoon Teas at Wildflower Teas on the Bus.

They are also running the following Christmas themed afternoon teas:

• ‘Stolen’ Christmas High Tea for £35 per head with lots of fun food inspired by the family favourite Christmas film The Grinch.
• Narnia High Tea which is £35 per head,
• Little Elves Afternoon Tea which includes a festive graze plate as well as the afternoon tea and is £25 per adult and £17.50 per child! It is so much food and really wonderful!

Running from 29th November to 31st December excluding 24th-27th. Visit Wildflower Teas website for further information.

Merrymeade Tea Room, Brentwood

The Christmas Afternoon Tea at Merrymeade Tea Room in Brentwood is £29.95pp.

It consists of a selection of finger sandwiches with festive fillings.
Followed by a selection of home made cakes and Christmas cake, a fruit scone served with clotted cream, jam and butter. Seasonal fruit .Each afternoon is served with unlimited tea and filter coffee.

To book please call: 07526275305 or message on their facebook page. Starting Monday 21st November – Friday 16th December (Monday-Friday during opening hours).

Vegan/Gluten Free/ Dairy free options available and Children’s afternoon tea available.

Scotts of Southend

Scotts of Southend Garden Centre is a great place for Christmas Afternoon Tea in Essex. Not only do they have a lovely restaurant to enjoy your afternoon tea, but they also have heated outdoor pods. Once you have enjoyed the Christmas afternoon tea, you can then have a wander round their Festive Victorian Market for some Christmas shopping, which is indoor and weatherproof.

Their Christmas Afternoon Tea is £26.95 per person and consists of:

Savoury finger sandwiches filled with; Homemade caramelised onion sausage roll, Miniature cheese quiche, Turkey and cranberry brioche roll, Cucumber cream cheese (on white), Smoked salmon cream cheese (on granary), Ham and mustard (on white), Egg mayo and cress (on granary).

Sweet Treats include; Chocolate tart filled with chocolate orange mousse, Red velvet cake with candy cane and chocolate star, Mini mince pie, Spiced ginger cake with mini gingerbread man, Mini vanilla cheesecake Christmas hat and Fruit Scone with Clotted Cream and Tiptree Preserve.

This comes with an unlimited amount of English Breakfast Tea or Americano coffee.

They also offer a children’s afternoon tea for £15.95, standard tea, vegan afternoon tea or gluten free afternoon tea. (Please mention this whilst booking). Dogs are welcome in our outdoor pods. Running 4th-23rd Dec.

Book on the Scotts of Southend Website.

Downham Hall, Downham

Downham Hall in Downham, Essex, is located in a tranquil spot between Billericay and Wickford. A boutique country house hotel and wedding venue, nestled in the Essex countryside with views across the rolling fields. Downham Hall is the perfect place for an Christmas Afternoon Tea in Essex. Read the review of the standard afternoon tea at Downham Hall.

Downham Hall’s festive afternoon tea consists of a selection of festive sandwiches, pork & black pudding sausage roll, classic scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserves. Followed by exquisite pastries made in-house with a festive twist.

Christmas afternoon tea is £28pp, Sparkling or G&T pairing afternoon tea £34.00pp. Served from 12pm-3pm from 1st December until Christmas Eve, each Wednesday to Saturday.

On the 2nd December at 1pm-3pm, Downham Hall has a special Festive Afternoon ‘Sip, Savour & Sing Along’ hosted in their marquee for £35pp with a live singer.

For more information or to book, please visit Downham Hall’s website.

Stoke by Nayland, Colchester

Stoke by Nayland Golf, Spa & Lodges Resort is a family run hotel situated in the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Colchester. Guests can enjoy their Afternoon Tea either in the Lakes Restaurant or al fresco on the terraces overlooking the stunning Constable Country views.

The Festive Afternoon Tea at Stoke By Nayland in their Winter Wonderland themed venue is available from 1st December to 23rd December for £25 per person. It consists of:

Sumptuous selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and local Tiptree jam and delicate cakes, served alongside artisan tea or coffee

Gluten Free and Vegan alternatives are also available. If you would rather have more sandwiches than cakes, please let your server know. You can also upgrade to a Sparkling Afternoon Tea for a little extra.

For more information or to book at afternoon tea, visit Stoke By Nayland Website.

Wivenhoe House, Colchester

Wivenhoe House is a beautiful 18th Century four-star hotel near to the pretty quayside village of Wivenhoe and minutes from Britain’s oldest recorded town Colchester. Their afternoon teas are amazing. Read my review of the standard afternoon tea at Wivenhoe House.

The Festive Afternoon Tea at Wivenhoe House is £30 per person. Add Bottomless Prosecco for £25pp (maximum time slot of 2 hours applies to Bottomless Prosecco). A Children’s Festive Afternoon Tea is £15 per child.

It is served daily from 12-4pm every day. You’ll enjoy delicious sandwiches, freshly baked scones and beautifully presented cakes and pastries. Tea and coffee will be served and replenished as required. Running from 24th November – 31st December 2023

To book your afternoon tea at Wivenhoe House contact them on 01206 863666, email info@wivenhoehouse.co.uk or visit Wivenhoe House Hotel website for more information.

Flamingo, Billericay

A cute and pink family-run, licenced tea room/bar in the centre of Billericay, serving morning coffee, brunch to lunch, afternoon tea, or a slice of cake from their large selection of homemade cakes.

The Christmas Afternoon Tea at Flamingo is £27.95 per person and you can upgrade to include a glass of prosecco. The afternoon tea consists of: Festive sandwiches with a mini sausage roll and mini cheddar & sun dried tomato quiche. Followed by a selection of Christmas sweet treats and a marzipan & brandy scone with clotted cream.

To book or for more information visit the Flamingo facebook page.

The County Hotel, Chelmsford

The County Hotel is an elegant and classic hotel situated in Chelmsford Town Centre. Afternoon Tea at The County Hotel is served in the award winning Samphire Restaurant. Read my review of the traditional and savoury afternoon teas at The County Hotel.

The Festive Afternoon Tea at The County is £25 per person and includes a selection of festive sandwiches, followed by a selection of desserts which include a white chocolate yule log, meringue snowman, dark chocolate and coffee delice and traditional Christmas cake. A festive raisin and cranberry scone is included plus a selection of loose leaf teas or cafetiere of coffee. An upgrade to mulled wine, prosecco or Champagne is available.

For further information or to book visit The County Hotel website.

Morley Nurseries, Wakering

Morley Nurseries Tea Room in Wakering is a situated in the Garden Centre. They offer wonderful afternoon teas, read our review of their traditional afternoon tea at Morley’s.

The Christmas Afternoon Tea is £22 per head or £19.95 per person to take away. It includes:

• Soup of the day
• Sausage Roll
• Mini Quiche
• Scone with Jam & Clotted Cream
• Peppermint Chocolate Brownie Trees
• Mini Christmas Cake
• Orange Drizzle
• Apple Baileys Cheesecake
• Chocolate Truffle
• A choice of 2 sandwiches per person

You can visit the Morley Nurseries website for more information, or book by calling: 01702 585668 ext. 8017 or email tearoom@morleynurseries.co.uk

Mad Dogs and Englishmen, Leigh on Sea

The Parlour Tea Room at Mad Dogs and Englishmen are famous locally for their themed afternoon teas. They decorate the whole venue as well as theming food and costumes to match! This is why they Mad Dogs and Englishmen feature on our list of Best Afternoon Teas in Essex.

They are running The Chronicles of Narnia Afternoon Tea for Christmas. Step through the wardrobe and into the magical snow covered world of Narnia. With fairy lights and fur and an Afternoon Tea extraordinaire, the icy adventure will definitely set your festive season off to an amazing start. It is £44 per person on weekdays and £49.50 on weekends. There is very limited availability as they get booked up early in the year.

They also have The Festive Secret Garden Afternoon Tea in The Botanical Rooms. Based around the novel from the Edwardian Golden Age, discover the most magical hidden winter garden in the Botanical Rooms. Mysterious and Enchanting with hidden keys and snowy trees. The menu includes savoury muffins, followed by finger festive finger sandwiches, warm scones and a delicious cake selection. It is £44 per person on weekdays and £49.50 on weekends.

Please contact them for further information and booking via the Mad Dogs & Englishmen website.

The Inn at Belfairs, Leigh on Sea

The Inn at Belfairs is a premium pub nestled within the green picturesque Belfairs Park in Leigh on Sea. This is a beautiful venue that is themed throughout, with flowered ceiling, flowered selfie wall and vintage bird cages. It is transformed into a winter wonderland at Christmas time. The perfect setting for a Christmas afternoon tea in Essex. Read our review of the Festive Afternoon Tea at The Inn at Belfairs or the traditional afternoon tea at The Inn at Belfairs.

The Festive Afternoon Tea at The Inn at Belfairs includes festive crostinis, festive scotch egg and cheese and chive muffin and other savouries, followed by festive themed desserts and traditional fruit scone. It includes unlimited Tea & Coffee.

Available From 24th November To 24th December and is £34.95pp. A £15pp deposit is required upon booking.

For further information or to book visit The Inn at Belfairs website.

Bonnies Cafe, Hutton

Bonnie’s Cafe in Hutton is based at Hunters Chase Garden Centre. A quaint and charming tea room serving breakfast, lunches and wonderful cakes with outdoor dining available. Bonnie’s are famous for their amazing home made cakes. There is always a great selection of cakes available to suit all tastes.

The Christmas afternoon tea at Bonnie’s Cafe includes a selection of festive sandwiches, prawn cocktail, home made scone with cream and jam, a selection of home made cakes including a mince pie plus a pot of tea or coffee. Afternoon tea is £22.50 per head. Read our full review of the amazing afternoon tea at Bonnie’s Cafe.

To book contact Bonnie’s Cafe facebook page or call them on 01277 659351.

Mulberry House, Ongar

Mulberry House is one of the finest award winning wedding and events venues, situated in the heart of the Essex countryside and set within 22 acres of beautiful grounds. Visitors can enjoy afternoon tea in the Garden Room Restaurant overlooking a beautiful lake. Read our full review of this Christmas Afternoon Tea.

The festive High Tea at Mulberry House is £32.95 per person and includes a selection of Cocktail Finger Sandwiches, warm fruit and cinnamon scone with Tiptree Strawberry Jam and Cornish clotted cream. Followed by a variety of fresh Dainty Cakes. Included is unlimited tea or coffee.

You can upgrade to the Royal High Tea at £38.95 which includes a glass of fine Prosecco. They also offer Children’s High Tea at £7.95 which includes a warm homemade scone with Tiptree strawberry jam and Cornish clotted cream, half round of cocktail Sandwiches and a cake. Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate or a soft drink is also included.

For more information visit Mulberry House website.

The Village Tearoom, Hatfield Heath

The Village Tearoom is in the beautiful village of Hatfield Heath and overlooks the green. They pride themselves on homemade food including bread, jam, cakes and sauces are all homemade.

The Christmas afternoon tea is Adults £24 per person and Children £11. It consists of sandwiches, Smoked salmon & cream cheese, Roast Turkey & stuffing, Brie & cranberry roll, prawn cocktail and pigs in blankets. Followed by fruit scones with clotted cream & jam, chocolate yule log, white chocolate and mulled wine panna cotta, ginger & Baileys tart and mince pie profiterole.

For further information or to book visit The Village Tearoom facebook page.

Tiptree Tea Rooms, Essex

Tiptree Tea Rooms have 9 great tea rooms across Essex where you can enjoy their afternoon Teas. They are located at Tiptree, Dedham, Heybridge Basin, Writtle, Saffron Walden, Cressing Temple, Billericay, Osea, Chelmsford and they also have a tea room in Southwold in Suffolk.

The Christmas Afternoon Tea at Tiptree Tea Rooms is available Friday – Tuesday from 27th November to 24th December 2023. Read our review of the festive afternoon tea at The Lock In Heybridge.

It is great value at £35 for two people including tea or coffee or £45 for two with a glass of prosecco and tea or coffee. It includes festive sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and of course Tiptree jam, along with some cakes and patisseries.

To book or for further information please visit Tiptree Tea Rooms Website.

Muthu WestCliff Hotel, Southend

Westcliff Hotel in Southend has great views across the seafront. They offer a fantastic afternoon tea in their Tides Restaurant. Their Festive Afternoon Tea is £19.95 per head. It includes a selection of Seasonal Sandwiches served with Themed Cakes, Scones, Clotted cream & Tiptree Jam & Christmas Crackers served throughout December.

Visit the Muthu Westcliff Hotel Facebook page to find out more.

Orsett Hall, Orsett

Orsett Hall Hotel is a very pretty venue, a stylish boutique hotel and wedding venue with Spa. They serve their afternoon teas in the beautiful Garden Brasserie with floral-inspired décor and lovely views of the hotel grounds. Its really is a spectacular room with the most stunning multi-coloured chandeliers, definitely a luxury affair, gorgeous surroundings and attentive staff. 

The Christmas afternoon tea at Orsett Hall is served Tue to Fri and is £27.50 per head and Sat – Sun is £30.95 per person. You can upgrade to a Champagne afternoon tea. The Children’s Christmas Afternoon Tea is £17.00 per head (12yrs & under).

The Christmas Afternoon Tea includes a shot of mulled wine, a selection of festive finger sandwiches, pigs in blankets and sage & onion stuffing. Followed by homemade scones with cream & jam and then a top tier of delicious festive fancies.

They also offer Swingmas Afternoon Tea with a live Christmas singer for £40 per head.

To book or for more information, visit Orsett Hall’s website.

The Fancy Fox Patisserie, Leigh on Sea

The Fancy Fox in Leigh on Sea offers their Festive Afternoon Tea for £35pp and it is running from 18th Nov to 30th December. It includes Festive sandwiches with a mini pork and caramelised onion sausage roll followed by Scones with cream and jam, Black forest gateaux, mini mince pie, orange & cranberry cookie and Bailey’s and Oreo cheeskecake.

Visit The Fancy Fox Patisserie facebook page for more info.

Tea Room, Hornchurch

Tea Room is a Vintage Tea Room situated in Hornchurch in Essex. The Christmas Afternoon Tea starts from 22nd of November and is £26.95per person. It includes refillable English tea, Earl Grey, coffee or squash.
You receive 2 sandwiches per person, from a choice of traditional Christmas fillings along with some special Christmassy pickles. You also receive mince pies with double or clotted cream, traditional Christmas pudding or you can choose a scone instead with double or clotted cream. Also includes a drink of your choice from Sherry, port, Prosecco, or their beautiful selection of wines and beers and of course a Christmas Cracker adding a little surprise too.

For more information visit Tea Rooms’s facebook page.

Sconch Tea Rooms, Braintree

Sconch Tea Rooms is set in a beautiful Grade II listed Barn at Blake House Craft Centre in Braintree.

The Festive Afternoon Tea at Sconch Tea Rooms is £22 per person and includes a selection of mini festive sandwiches, mini sausage roll with festive chutney, gorgeous cakes and a homemade mince pie, Helen’s amazing mincemeat, marzipans and brandy scone served with Rodda’s clotted cream & Tiptree jam. The afternoon tea comes with unlimited tea and coffee. You can upgrade to a prosecco afternoon tea. DF/GF/vegetarian/vegan all available.

To book or for more information visit Sconch Tea Rooms website.

Down Hall Hotel Spa & Estate, Hatfield Heath

Down Hall Hotel provides a luxury hotel experience and is an amazing venue for a luxury afternoon tea.

The Festive Afternoon Tea at Down Hall Hotel is served daily throughout December between 2:00pm – 5:30pm. Adults are £47.50 per head and Children’s is £23.75. Add a glass of Champagne for £14 per adult.

The afternoon tea includes a selection of sandwiches with festive fillings and a brie and caramelised red onion quiche followed by fruit scone with clotted cream and jam. The sweet treats include Christmas fruit cake, white chocolate & apple mousse, chocolate & cranberry and spiced latte macaroons. Choose from a large selection of teas.

To book or for more information, visit Down Hall Hotel’s website.

Sara’s Tea Gardens, Leigh on Sea

Sara’s Tea Gardens is a family-run English Tea Garden with a homely atmosphere, traditional cream teas, home-made cakes and locally sourced food, all served by welcoming staff. It is situated on the cobbled streets of Old Leigh and a doggy friendly tea room.

The Festive High Tea at Sara’s Tea Garden is £28 per head or £32 with a glass of mulled wine. It includes festive sandwiches, pigs in blankets, mince pies, festive cakes and scones with cream and jam.

To book or for more information visit Sara’s Tea Garden facebook page or their website.

The Roslin Beach Hotel, Southend

The Roslin Beach Hotel is a luxury sea front hotel in Southend, Essex with panoramic views of the award winning beach. It has become extremely popular for serving the most delectable afternoon teas.

The Festive Afternoon Tea at The Roslin Beach Hotel is £35 per head Mon – Friday or £42 per head on sat and sun. You can upgrade to a sparkling afternoon tea. The afternoon tea includes Festive sandwiches and a red onion & cheese quiche. Accompanied by seasonal cakes, pastries and freshly baked scones complete with clotted cream and Tiptree jams. All served with an unlimited selection of fine teas.
Children’s afternoon tea is an addition to an adults afternoon tea, charged at £18 per child (ages 12 and under).

For more information or to book visit The Roslin Beach Hotel’s website.

The Little Teacup

The Little Teacup Tea Room in Billericay is offering a Christmas Afternoon Tea consisting of Festive sandwiches and seasonal savoury bites, followed by Scones with cream and jam and A selection of seasonal cakes and mince pies. A tea or coffee is included. Running from 20th November to 22nd December 2023. It is £20 per person. Read our review of the Festive afternoon Tea at The Little Teacup.

Visit The Little Teacup facebook page to book.

Pear Tree Pantry, Chelmsford

Pear Tree Pantry is located in rural Hatfield Peverel, just outside Chelmsford. They offer delicious daily home cooked breakfast, brunch & lunch dishes, as well as afternoon tea. You can relax in their idyllic pantry by the log burner to keep you warm on a winter’s day. All food is carefully prepared using only fresh locally sourced ingredients.

The Christmas Afternoon Tea at Pear Tree Pantry is £23.95 per head and includes a selection of freshly made festive sandwiches on thick cut white & granary bread, a selection of homemade savoury items, followed by a selection of homemade baked & desserts & freshly baked scone served with Tiptree jam & clotted cream. Your afternoon tea includes unlimited tea or americano coffee. You can also upgrade to the Prosecco afternoon tea, which is £27.95 per person.

Fete Lounge, Upminster

Fete Lounge in Upminster serves high tea during the day and cocktails by night. The word Fete (pronounced FET) means to Party, at the Fete Lounge where you will discover a new twist to high teas, homemade cakes and tarts and our signature cocktails.

The Christmas Afternoon Tea at Fete Lounge is £25 per head, you can also upgrade to a champagne, cocktail or bottomless afternoon tea. The afternoon tea includes:

A choice from 11 premium blends of teas, warm pastry assortments, selection of finger sandwiches, coloured mini rolls, piddy cones and multi coloured bagels. Followed by a plain scone, Clotted cream with Strawberry Jam and Christmas Pudding Cheesecake, Hazelnut & White Chocolate Torte and Chocolate Orange Bavarois.

To book or for more information, visit Fete Lounge facebook page.

Aurum Restaurant, Southend

The Aurum Restaurant in Southend is a modern British fine dining restaurant situated on the seafront. The Festive Afternoon Tea at Aurum is £33 per person. It includes a selection of roasted sandwiches, followed by plain and mixed scones with clotted cream & jam and a selection of Festive cakes and Sweets.

For more information or to book, visit Aurum Restaurant’s website.

Grandma Lilly’s Tea Rooms, Clacton

Grandma Lilly’s, family owned, family run Tea Rooms in the heart of Holland on Sea. The Festive afternoon tea is £19.95 per person and consists of a selection of festive sandwiches, followed by a homemade scone with cream & jam and festive sweet treats. You also receive unlimited tea or coffee.

To book visit Grandma Lilly’s facebook page.

Braintree Garden Centre, Braintree

Braintree Garden Centre is a fabulous Garden Centre in Braintree, with a great Christmas decorations and displays. They have a reaturant that hosts a number of events and even a Christmas carvery to enjoy once you’ve shopped.

The Festive Afternoon Tea at Braintree Garden Centre is £32.95 for two, so £16.48 per head. It is served Monday – Friday 2pm -4pm. Included in the Afternoon Tea is: A selection of finger sandwiches, festive quiche. Orange, Cinnamon & Cranberry Scones served with Rodda’s Cream and Jam. Mini mince pie, Strawberry cream slice, Raspberry, cranberry & white chocolate Lotus Biscoff cake. Served with Tea or Filter Coffee.

24 hours notice is required for all bookings. For more information and for events visit Braintree Garden Centre facebook page.

Pontlands Park, Chelmsford

Pontlands Park is a family run hotel in Chelmsford. Built in 1879 Pontlands Park features Victorian period architecture perfectly balanced with luxurious and contemporary design.

The Festive themed afternoon tea at Pontlands Park is £25 per head and is served every day from 11am to 6pm. Children’s afternoon tea is £12.50. It includes festive sandwiches, a fruit and plain scone with cream and jam and a selection of sweet treats and cakes. Your afternoon tea is served with a selection of traditional and infusion teas or Americano coffee.

To book or for more information visit Pontlands Park website.

The Cup & Saucer, Thurrock

The Cup and Saucer is a vintage tea room in Stanford le Hope. They are offering a Christmas Afternoon Tea that consists of:

Tomato Soup followed by Turkey and Ham & Mustard Sandwiches for the savoury course. The sweet course consists of Chocolate Fudge Cake, Fruit cake and Mince Pies along with Scones with clotted cream and jam and cheese and crackers. Its is £19.95 a head. Running from 20th November to 22nd December. Visit The Cup and Saucer facebook page to book.

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Thank you for reading ‘The Best Christmas Afternoon Teas in Essex’. We were invited to try some of these afternoon teas on a gifted basis but all comments and opinions are strictly my own.