{"id":43319,"date":"2026-10-21T08:06:24","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T08:06:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/expat-life-en\/christmas-at-kew-afternoon-tea\/"},"modified":"2026-10-22T18:03:21","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T18:03:21","slug":"christmas-at-kew-afternoon-tea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/en\/london-en\/christmas-at-kew-afternoon-tea\/","title":{"rendered":"December in London: Christmas at Kew and Afternoon Tea"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text\" style=\"grid-template-columns:15% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"http:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Penna-a-Spillo-Stickers.pdf-3.png\" alt=\"Penna a Spillo London Lifestyle &amp; travel Blog Logo SoulMap\u2122\" class=\"wp-image-36260 size-full lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"http:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Penna-a-Spillo-Stickers.pdf-3.png\" alt=\"Penna a Spillo London Lifestyle &amp; travel Blog Logo SoulMap\u2122\" class=\"wp-image-36260 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Penna-a-Spillo-Stickers.pdf-3.png 650w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Penna-a-Spillo-Stickers.pdf-3-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Penna-a-Spillo-Stickers.pdf-3-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Penna-a-Spillo-Stickers.pdf-3-440x440.png 440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1 wp-block-paragraph\"><em><\/em><em>A SoulMap&#x2122; London journey by Penna a Spillo <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x1f5fa;&#xfe0f;&#x1f4cd; <strong>Follow my <a href=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/en\/soulmap\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"37676\">SoulMap&#x2122;<\/a> and discover London like a local<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x1f385; <strong>Category: Christmas in London<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2\">&#x1f384;Alternative Christmas Itinerary: Afternoon Tea at The Original Maids of Honour and Christmas at Kew<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap p1 wp-block-paragraph\">Here is <strong>an alternative London Christmas itinerary<\/strong> that takes you slightly off the beaten track away from the usual city centre crowds, yet delivers <strong>a truly spectacular experience:<\/strong> <strong>combining afternoon tea at The Original Maids of Honour with Christmas at Kew, the enchanting evening light trail hosted at the Royal Botanic Gardens in London.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p2 has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew<\/strong> span over 120 hectares in South West London, housing more than 40,000 plant species. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p2 has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>During the festive season,<\/strong> the gardens dress up for the holidays with one of the most incredible light displays in the entire city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery aligncenter has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/78B0B2BD-6C52-4B88-B1D6-FC6A59622BB8_1_201_a-scaled.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/78B0B2BD-6C52-4B88-B1D6-FC6A59622BB8_1_201_a-scaled.jpg\" data-id=\"16903\" alt=\"Kew Palace London\" class=\"wp-image-16903 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" data-id=\"16903\" src=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/78B0B2BD-6C52-4B88-B1D6-FC6A59622BB8_1_201_a-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Kew Palace London\" class=\"wp-image-16903\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/78B0B2BD-6C52-4B88-B1D6-FC6A59622BB8_1_201_a-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/78B0B2BD-6C52-4B88-B1D6-FC6A59622BB8_1_201_a-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/78B0B2BD-6C52-4B88-B1D6-FC6A59622BB8_1_201_a-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/78B0B2BD-6C52-4B88-B1D6-FC6A59622BB8_1_201_a-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/78B0B2BD-6C52-4B88-B1D6-FC6A59622BB8_1_201_a-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/78B0B2BD-6C52-4B88-B1D6-FC6A59622BB8_1_201_a-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/78B0B2BD-6C52-4B88-B1D6-FC6A59622BB8_1_201_a-1080x810.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/stale_thumb_1d8be.jpg\" data-id=\"15090\" alt=\"Kew Palace London\" class=\"wp-image-15090 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"488\" data-id=\"15090\" src=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/stale_thumb_1d8be.jpg\" alt=\"Kew Palace London\" class=\"wp-image-15090\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/stale_thumb_1d8be.jpg 650w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/stale_thumb_1d8be-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since the light trail runs from late November through early January in the evening, usually between 5pm and 10pm, the best plan is <strong>to start with tea at an extraordinarily quaint and authentic British spot<\/strong> I discovered thanks to some London friends. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>It sits right across from the main entrance of the gardens at Victoria Gate. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once darkness falls, you can step straight into an enchanting stroll among the illuminated trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Between festive markets, sparkling lights, and unique seasonal events, <strong>December in London is truly magical.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Make sure to check out my complete guide so you do not miss a thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading p2 has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>&#x1fad6;<\/b><\/span>The Original Maids of Honour: The Most Authentic Afternoon Tea in Town<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap wp-block-paragraph\">London is home to countless places to enjoy afternoon tea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every <strong>luxury hotel in the city centre offers its own version<\/strong>, with famous names like <strong>The Dorchester, Claridge\u2019s, The Ritz, and The Berkeley <\/strong>coming to mind right away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other popular spots include <strong>Sketch, The Sanderson, and Fortnum &amp; Mason<\/strong>. You are truly spoilt for choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>However, I discovered a very different kind of place<\/strong> that feels like it stepped straight out of an Agatha Christie novel. Time seems to have stood still here, and everything from the decor to the patrons sitting at the tables feels so charmingly picturesque that it is hard to believe it is real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>It is called <a href=\"https:\/\/theoriginalmaidsofhonour.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Original Maids of Honour.<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be sure to double check their opening hours on the website as they close early. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Located just across the wall bordering Kew Gardens along the road leading to Richmond, it is quite easy to miss from the outside because its signage is rather modest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You really need to know it is there, as you are unlikely to stumble upon it by chance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery aligncenter has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"http:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/0925A89D-FCA0-4F0D-9020-ED78E64150BF_1_201_a.jpg\" data-id=\"22261\" alt=\"London Kew The Original Maids of Honour\" class=\"wp-image-22261 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"867\" data-id=\"22261\" src=\"http:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/0925A89D-FCA0-4F0D-9020-ED78E64150BF_1_201_a.jpg\" alt=\"London Kew The Original Maids of Honour\" class=\"wp-image-22261\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/0925A89D-FCA0-4F0D-9020-ED78E64150BF_1_201_a.jpg 650w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/0925A89D-FCA0-4F0D-9020-ED78E64150BF_1_201_a-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"http:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/45EC3A91-AC19-4388-8E3A-52B56A22695B_1_105_c.jpeg\" data-id=\"17239\" alt=\"London Kew The Original Maids of Honour\" class=\"wp-image-17239 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"17239\" src=\"http:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/45EC3A91-AC19-4388-8E3A-52B56A22695B_1_105_c.jpeg\" alt=\"London Kew The Original Maids of Honour\" class=\"wp-image-17239\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/45EC3A91-AC19-4388-8E3A-52B56A22695B_1_105_c.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/45EC3A91-AC19-4388-8E3A-52B56A22695B_1_105_c-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/45EC3A91-AC19-4388-8E3A-52B56A22695B_1_105_c-768x576.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading p2 has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6\">&#x1fad6; Pure Magic Inside<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap wp-block-paragraph\">The front of the shop looks like a traditional bakery, featuring display cases <strong>filled with delicious pastries available for dine in or takeaway. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The real wonder, however, is the tearoom itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is <strong>a cosy space with small round tables, <\/strong>wooden chairs, gilded mirrors, and lovely floral centrepieces. While it is not luxurious, it radiates an authentic countryside charm with an atmosphere that simply cannot be manufactured artificially. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Entering the room feels like stepping into a storybook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You simply choose your preferred blend from an extensive tea menu that offers a seemingly endless variety, which truly explains why the British love using the phrase &#8220;not my cup of tea&#8221;. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can then pair it with a pastry of your choice, such as cheesecake, homemade cakes, or daily specials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The tearoom is famous across the United Kingdom for its iconic Original Maids of Honour Tarts. <\/strong>These puff pastry tarts feature a secret filling of sweetened curd cheese, said to originate from the Tudor court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everything else arrives as part of the experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The tea is served alongside warm scones and clotted cream on delicate blue and white porcelain chinaware<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each tea selection comes with its own teapot, mini strainer, teacup, saucers, small sugar bowl, and milk jug. It feels wonderfully nostalgic, almost like an elevated version of a childhood doll house tea set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Scones and mini sandwiches <\/strong>filled with salmon, cucumber, or cheese are presented on beautiful tiered cake stands that are worth the visit alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rather than crowds of tourists, you will find pairs of local elderly ladies chatting pleasantly in perfect British accents, looking as though they might solve a nearby mystery novel while enjoying their tea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>It is a genuine local experience well worth trying.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery aligncenter has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/IMG_5116.jpg\" data-id=\"8010\" alt=\"London Kew The Original Maids of Honour\" class=\"wp-image-8010 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"488\" data-id=\"8010\" src=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/IMG_5116.jpg\" alt=\"London Kew The Original Maids of Honour\" class=\"wp-image-8010\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/IMG_5116.jpg 650w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/IMG_5116-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/IMG_5116-573x430.jpg 573w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/wiJibwq4TG6QTjvEIgbqHg_thumb_1477b.jpg\" data-id=\"15094\" alt=\"London Kew The Original Maids of Honour\" class=\"wp-image-15094 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"488\" data-id=\"15094\" src=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/wiJibwq4TG6QTjvEIgbqHg_thumb_1477b.jpg\" alt=\"London Kew The Original Maids of Honour\" class=\"wp-image-15094\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/wiJibwq4TG6QTjvEIgbqHg_thumb_1477b.jpg 650w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/wiJibwq4TG6QTjvEIgbqHg_thumb_1477b-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/dG1XaJbfQcOrKGThpHf3dA_thumb_ecbb.jpg\" data-id=\"11766\" alt=\"The Original Maids of Honour afternoon tea\" class=\"wp-image-11766 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"488\" data-id=\"11766\" src=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/dG1XaJbfQcOrKGThpHf3dA_thumb_ecbb.jpg\" alt=\"The Original Maids of Honour afternoon tea\" class=\"wp-image-11766\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/dG1XaJbfQcOrKGThpHf3dA_thumb_ecbb.jpg 650w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/dG1XaJbfQcOrKGThpHf3dA_thumb_ecbb-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/dG1XaJbfQcOrKGThpHf3dA_thumb_ecbb-573x430.jpg 573w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/2xwDyMVnRpSzq5afi41aQ_thumb_14783.jpg\" data-id=\"15092\" alt=\"London Kew The Original Maids of Honour\" class=\"wp-image-15092 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"507\" data-id=\"15092\" src=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/2xwDyMVnRpSzq5afi41aQ_thumb_14783.jpg\" alt=\"London Kew The Original Maids of Honour\" class=\"wp-image-15092\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/2xwDyMVnRpSzq5afi41aQ_thumb_14783.jpg 650w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/2xwDyMVnRpSzq5afi41aQ_thumb_14783-300x234.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/E2B62C8F-0EC7-4222-8EAC-43BEF4D1CF8C_1_201_a.jpg\" data-id=\"22269\" alt=\"London Kew Afternoon tea The Original Maids of Honour\" class=\"wp-image-22269 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"910\" data-id=\"22269\" src=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/E2B62C8F-0EC7-4222-8EAC-43BEF4D1CF8C_1_201_a.jpg\" alt=\"London Kew Afternoon tea The Original Maids of Honour\" class=\"wp-image-22269\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/E2B62C8F-0EC7-4222-8EAC-43BEF4D1CF8C_1_201_a.jpg 650w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/E2B62C8F-0EC7-4222-8EAC-43BEF4D1CF8C_1_201_a-214x300.jpg 214w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading p2 has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>&#x1f370; Afternoon Tea versus High Tea: What Is the Difference?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap p2 has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8 wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"s1\">H<\/span>I discovered that there are actually two distinct types of afternoon tea in Britain: <strong>Afternoon Tea and High Tea.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The difference lies in their origins. The most widely known is Afternoon Tea, traditionally served between four and six in the afternoon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It features sweet treats like classic scones with jam and clotted cream alongside various cakes, while upscale venues might also serve champagne. Savoury bites like egg, smoked ham, or salmon sandwiches are also included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p2 has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9 wp-block-paragraph\">High Tea, on the other hand, originated during the Victorian era during the Industrial Revolution as a heartier evening meal for the working class, served between five and nine in the evening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p2 has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-10 wp-block-paragraph\">It was often called Meat Tea because it was much more substantial and served as a full dinner replacement. Typical items included ham salads, meats, bread, butter, pickles, and cheeses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">&#x1f449; <strong>Check also <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/en\/london-en\/afternoon-tea-in-london-5-places-you-must-try\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"37653\"><strong>Afternoon Tea in London: 5 Places You Must Try<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"p2 has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-11 wp-block-paragraph\">Returning to our outing, after enjoying your tea at The Original Maids of Honour, <strong>you simply cross the road and enter through Victoria Gate to experience Christmas at Kew.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading p2 has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-12\"><strong>&#x2728; Christmas at Kew: The Royal Gardens Transform into an Enchanted Forest<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap wp-block-paragraph\">Picture a magical forest at night, fully illuminated by thousands of holiday lights, with music echoing gently through the trees and light shows dancing across the water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That place exists, and it is <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kew.org\/kew-gardens\/whats-on\/christmas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Christmas at Kew at the Royal Botanic Gardens.<\/a><\/strong> <strong>Be sure to book your tickets online in advance,<\/strong> as it is one of the most festive experiences you will ever see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The main entrance is Victoria Gate, located near Kew Gardens station on the District Line<\/strong>. Always verify your designated entrance gate on your ticket so you do not have to walk around the perimeter in the cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The event runs in the evening from 5pm to 10pm,<\/strong> with last entry around 8pm, as darkness is needed to fully appreciate the spectacle. As night falls, the forest lights up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Right from the entrance, you can tell something extraordinary is waiting. The gardens are magnificent on their own, but seeing the trees dressed in holiday lights takes it to another level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>As you walk along the path, you will encounter breathtaking light installations <\/strong>accompanied by a soundtrack of holiday tunes. Further along, you will discover a festive village complete with rides, stalls, themed slides, hot chocolate, and toasted marshmallows to keep you warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The grand finale features the iconic Palm House greenhouse fully illuminated in vibrant lights that change color in sync with the music, reflecting beautifully off the lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery aligncenter has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/IMG_5352-1.jpg\" data-id=\"8068\" alt=\"London Kew Gardens Christmas at Kew\" class=\"wp-image-8068 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"487\" data-id=\"8068\" src=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/IMG_5352-1.jpg\" alt=\"London Kew Gardens Christmas at Kew\" class=\"wp-image-8068\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/IMG_5352-1.jpg 650w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/IMG_5352-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/IMG_5352-1-573x430.jpg 573w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"http:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/aZEFimuTzSOXK8XsG5Fng_thumb_1a784.jpg\" data-id=\"11503\" alt=\"London Kew\" class=\"wp-image-11503 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"488\" data-id=\"11503\" src=\"http:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/aZEFimuTzSOXK8XsG5Fng_thumb_1a784.jpg\" alt=\"London Kew\" class=\"wp-image-11503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/aZEFimuTzSOXK8XsG5Fng_thumb_1a784.jpg 650w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/aZEFimuTzSOXK8XsG5Fng_thumb_1a784-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/aZEFimuTzSOXK8XsG5Fng_thumb_1a784-573x430.jpg 573w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/A0D79A08-5F89-42C0-8E6D-BAA5D4AC597E_4_5005_c.jpeg\" data-id=\"24899\" alt=\"London Kew Gardens Christmas at Kew\" class=\"wp-image-24899 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"910\" data-id=\"24899\" src=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/A0D79A08-5F89-42C0-8E6D-BAA5D4AC597E_4_5005_c.jpeg\" alt=\"London Kew Gardens Christmas at Kew\" class=\"wp-image-24899\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/A0D79A08-5F89-42C0-8E6D-BAA5D4AC597E_4_5005_c.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/A0D79A08-5F89-42C0-8E6D-BAA5D4AC597E_4_5005_c-214x300.jpeg 214w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Is it not completely magical?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Did you enjoy exploring Kew Gardens with me?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-13\">&#x1f449; Discover More<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For all the details about Christmas in London, read my practical guide for your <a href=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/en\/london-en\/guida-pratica-per-il-tuo-dicembre-a-londra\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"43130\"><strong>December visit to London.<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can also read what to see at Kew in London, a <a href=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/en\/london-en\/what-to-see-in-kew-london-botanical-gardens-village-guide\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"42303\"><strong>guide to the Botanic Gardens and the surrounding village.<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you are looking for a handy pocket guide to carry around on your trip and discover London like a local, take a look at my book, Alessandra in London, notes for discovering the city.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div style=\"--wp--block-button--width: 50;\" class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width wp-block-button__width-50\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/subscribepage.io\/pennaspillo-book-alessandra-in-london\" style=\"background-color:#a5171d\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>DISCOVER MY BOOK<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#x1f4cc; Let Us Stay in Touch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do not forget to subscribe to <strong>the free monthly Penna a Spillo newsletter<\/strong> for updates on events, exhibitions, and unusual spots in London and beyond.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can sign up directly here.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"http:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/3.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"http:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/3-1024x538.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23869 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" src=\"http:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/3-1024x538.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23869\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/3-1024x538.png 1024w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/3-300x158.png 300w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/3-768x403.png 768w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/3-1080x567.png 1080w, https:\/\/pennaspillo.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/3.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons has-white-background-color has-background is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/pennaspillo-newsletter-mensile.subscribepage.io\/\" style=\"background-color:#a5171d\">SUBSCRIBE<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>December in London: lights, festive atmospheres, and themed events. Discover Christmas at Kew at the Royal Botanic Gardens and where to enjoy an authentic Christmas afternoon tea.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":17243,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"gallery","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":"","_wp_rev_ctl_limit":""},"categories":[138],"tags":[1362,1363,1359],"class_list":["post-43319","post","type-post","status-publish","format-gallery","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-london-en","tag-natale-a-londra","tag-ristoranti","tag-soulmap","post_format-post-format-gallery","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>December in London: Christmas at Kew and Afternoon Tea<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" 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