Eight festive afternoon teas you can book as a Christmas treat
The festive season is the perfect time to indulge in a little treat and there's no better way to sample as many as possible than by tucking into a tower of afternoon tea. Whether it's trying out festive flavour combinations or enjoying classic desserts that make an appearance every year, it's an ideal way to sample lots of different dishes.
And plenty of Liverpool establishments are offering their own festive take on an afternoon tea tower, giving customers the chance to make the most of the winter period. There's even the opportunity to meet the big man himself, Santa Claus, at one of the afternoon teas on offer in the city centre this year.
Festive flavours on the menu include Christmas dinner inspired finger sandwiches and flavoured scones that offer a twist on the classic tower of treats. We rounded up some of the afternoon tea offerings available in Liverpool this Christmas, as well as information on the pricing, dates and how to book.
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The Wheelbarrow
Nothing says Christmas quite like the warm welcoming sound of a brass band on a chilly winters day, and The Wheelbarrow's 'brass, bubbles and baubles' festive afternoon tea offers just that. On Saturday, December 14, the Wheelbarrow, which is located next to Greenbank Sports Academy, is hosting Allerton Brass Band for an afternoon of foot-tapping, sing-along fun, while guests enjoy a freshly prepared afternoon tea. The menu includes sandwiches such as turkey with pork and leek stuffing and cranberry, Snowdonia cheddar cheese with Yorkshire ham and a mustard mayonnaise as well as Smoked salmon with cream cheese and dill. Sittings are available for 1pm and 3:30pm and tickets cost £36 per person.
Sefton Park Hotel
A crisp morning walk around Sefton Park is guaranteed to get you feeling in the Christmas spirit - and now you can round it off with a cosy afternoon tea at Sefton Park Hotel. Keenly priced at £19.95 per person, diners can add a glass of prosecco for £5 extra. Guests will enjoy a glass of warm mulled wine on arrival and then enjoy a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are available. This tea is served daily from 2pm until 5pm. To book email: christmas@seftonparkhospitality.com or call 0151 727 7380
The Sir Thomas Hotel
Recently renovated, The Sir Thomas Hotel is now offering a festive afternoon tea for anyone visiting the city centre over the Christmas period. The menu includes a selection of handmade sandwiches and wraps, with fillings including cheese and onion, egg mayo and dill, tuna and red onion, ham and hummus, spinach and tomato. There are also homemade scotch eggs, seasonal cakes and the traditional scones with a festive cranberry cream and jam. Cakes include a selection of chocolate and caramel Yule logs and an orange Christmas cheesecake. The festive afternoon tea is available from Wednesday to Sunday every week and must be booked in advance. It's priced at £24.95 per person or £30.95 with prosecco and can be booked by emailing events@thesirthomas.co.uk or calling 0151 2361366.
The Titanic
The Titanic Hotel is offering a festive afternoon tea which is served in Stanley's Bar and Grill on the first floor of the hotel. The restaurant looks out over the historic dock and is always decorated beautifully for the festive season. The Titanic's afternoon tea offering includes a selection of festive sweet treats and freshly prepared sandwiches with tea or coffee, priced at £28.50 per person. There is also the option to add a glass of mulled wine to your order for an additional £6. Afternoon teas need to be booked 24 hours in advance, and are served Monday to Friday, 12pm-4pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12:30pm - 4:30pm.
Hope Street Hotel
Hope Street Hotel is hosting an afternoon tea with Santa, where families can bring their kids along to a Christmas themed afternoon on the fifth floor of the hotel. The fifth floor is the hotel's events space which is frequently used for weddings and other celebrations, and it boasts stunning views across the city, including both cathedrals. The afternoon teas are taking place on December 21 and 22, from 1pm to 3pm. Tickets are priced at £35 per adult and £25 per child, and include freshly baked cakes, finger sandwiches, a warm scone, fresh berries, tea and soft drinks. The tea is served at 1.15pm and Santa will arrive at 2pm to start the story time. Every child will receive a gift as well as the chance to have a picture with the big man.
The Bentley
The Bentley's festive afternoon tea will take on a musical twist, offering tasty treats to the soundtrack of the timeless classics of Frank Sinatra. A special tribute show will feature Christmas songs performed in the iconic style of Ol' Blue Eyes himself performed by Alan Becks. Guests will receive a glass of prosecco upon arrival, accompanied by a festive afternoon tea just in time for show time. The event will take place on Tuesday, December 10 at 1pm and tickets are available online. Doors will open at 1pm, with tea served between 1:30pm and 2:30pm. The interval will be at around 3:15pm, with festivities finished by 5pm. Tickets are priced at £25.
Zenn
Zenn, on Victoria Street in Liverpool city centre, will also be offering a festive afternoon tea. The exact menu hasn't been decided just yet, but the theme will be 'enchanted Christmas', with their usual afternoon tea offering priced at £22.50. Their alternative afternoon tea usually includes bao buns, sushi and a selection of handmade desserts, with the option of adding a sake sangria to your order.