Enjoy a magical ‘Once Upon a Christmas Afternoon Tea’ at a top London hotel

As a treat for my 90-year-old mother-in-law we took up an invitation to taste this hotel’s ‘Once Upon a Christmas Afternoon Tea’ during our stay in the big city. But more of that later.

This really is the epitome of ‘location, location, location’. As we walked into the spectacular lobby area we were greeted by amazing views across the Thames to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the Tate Modern. The huge Christmas tree in the lofty lobby was enhanced by an animal tableaux of polar bears and penguins - it really got us in the festive mood.

The Christmas decorations around the building are very striking and classy. Near the reception desk a glittering Cinderella’s coach and a cute train set and winter scene make it a fun space.

There are 226 guest rooms, suites and residences here. Unfortunately, none of the hotel rooms face the river, but City of London scenes from the rooms and restaurant add to the excitement. During our stay the hotel was buzzing with activity with many foreign and UK visitors.

It is also one of the top pet-friendly hotels in London.

If you’re lucky enough to stay on a Thursday during the Christmas holiday you can enjoy carols filling The Haven (lobby) with festive melodies.

What’s the hotel like?

This is a modern hotel with everything the discerning traveller needs. But we found the icing on the Christmas cake was the attitude of the staff who were all really friendly, helpful and efficient. There is always someone around to help out. Some were wearing Christmas jumpers to add to the festive atmosphere. There are, conveniently, two separate entrances and exits on both sides of the hotel. One gives easy access to the St Paul’s area and the other to the Thames Path, both of which we took advantage of. The Westin brand comes under the Marriott umbrella and there is also an M Club lounge that non members can apply to use if there is availability.

What makes it special?

Undoubtedly the location. Walking along by the river provided a wealth of information about the history of the area from Roman times, right through to today. You can imagine a time when the area was teeming with trade activity along the banks. Queenshithe is a natural inlet along the Thames in this area of the City of London that has always been important for the transport of goods and also people at one time.

Eat in?

Definitely! The hotel’s festive afternoon tea “Once Upon A Christmas’ is a fairytale-inspired event. A lot of imagination has gone into this tea that gets the taste buds going with some unusual breads, fillings and delicious cakes and scones. The sandwich selection includes beetroot-cured gravadlax with dill crème fraîche and herring caviar on a charcoal bun, and Burford egg with black truffle on mini brioche, among other seasonal favourites. It was difficult to choose which cakes to try first, but all are exquisitely designed - an Enchanted Slipper tartlet, Starry Midnight apple cinnamon Napoleon and Grand Ball cookie cup. Choosing from the selection of black, green, white and fruit teas was fun and, of course, we had a timer to help us brew our leaves to perfection. Vegan and vegetarian menus are also available. As we were heading out for a walk, we held off on adding festive sparkle in the form of Taittinger Champagne to our tea. But next time I’m sure we’ll indulge. The Once Upon A Christmas’ afternoon tea is available until January 4 (excluding Christmas Day), every day from 1-5pm (£45, plus £15 with Champagne). To book a festive afternoon tea: https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=252648&restref=252648&experienceId=544633&utm_source=external&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=shared

We also enjoyed a great evening meal in the hotel’s Mosaic restaurant - my steak was melt-in-the mouth and there is also Hithe and Seek, a bar with panoramic London views to try.

Wellbeing

After a walk in the city, the ultimate antidote was a visit to the hotel’s Heavenly Spa. The pool and pool area are beautiful with double lounge beds, a hot tub, steam room, sauna and a huge bowl of ice to help cool down and refresh. There’s also a fitness studio with a gym and six therapy rooms offering innovative thermal treatments.

What’s to discover?

The hotel is perfectly positioned on the banks of the River Thames and moments from St Paul’s Cathedral. We found it an easy 5-10 minute walk to see this magnificent building, although we didn’t go in as the £20-plus entrance fee was too much for a very short visit. A good tip we were given, however, was that entry is free to the daily services. There’s also a lovely shop and cafe in the crypt to spend some time in.

Also on the north side of the river is the ‘Walkie Talkie’ (Fenchurch Building) office block and its beautiful Sky Garden which gives (free) views across the city, restaurants and bars.

During our morning walk along the Thames Path there are reminders of the area’s ancient history. The path weaves beside the river and through narrow lanes and under archways passing by walkways with names that conjure up the past - Oystergate Walk, Globe View Walkway and there’s even a Samuel Pepys pub serving beer brewed by the oldest brewery in Britain. We strolled first towards the Southbank area, which is easily reached across the now not-so-wobbly bridge, exiting directly in front of the Tate Modern. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is next door. The Southbank further along has its Christmas market, food stalls, the London Eye and other attractions. Covent Garden is within easy reach too for a spot of shopping! As we turned around we headed towards the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast with the mighty Shard building reaching for the sky on the other side of London Bridge from where Borough Market (think the Bridget Jones movies) is walkable.

This is a fascinating part of London that had so much to offer during our luxury short break.

Travel facts

Nightly rates staying in a Signature King Room at Five Star Westin London City start from £459. For more information or to book, please visit www.westinlondoncity.com and follow along @thewestinlondoncity