Christmas is without a doubt the perfect excuse to spend time with your favourite people and indulge in a little luxury. For me, this usually involves a glass of champagne and afternoon tea. I have a few go-to spots when it comes to afternoon tea and there is now a shiny new destination on my radar that is perhaps my favourite of all. The Principal Hotel in York is by far the most festive space I’ve ever stepped into. With a sparkling tree nestled in every corner and a train set made from gingerbread and candy canes, you will struggle not to get into the Christmas spirit here.
We were kindly invited to review the Christmas afternoon tea at The Principal Hotel and it was deliciously different. No standard scones or sandwiches in sight. The afternoon tea is held in the Garden Room which has been sprinkled with all things festive. It is one of those places that you just want to settle in and stay for hours.
We began with a savoury starter, a warm sage, apricot and bacon sausage roll, beetroot-cured salmon on a freshly made blini, topped with Hendrick’s cured cucumber and the warm Jerusalem artichoke soup with white truffle which was incredible.
So what makes the afternoon tea at The Principal Hotel so festive? There is mince pies, chocolate yule log and the most delicious mulled wine macaroon you will ever eat. The cranberry and clementine scones are delightful not to mention the turkey and cranberry finger sandwiches. While the afternoon tea was scrumptious, the service is sublime, telepathic even. Champagne is topped up in a flash, tea is served and the staff make you feel truly special. If you want to spoil your mum, sister, mother in law, bestie, this is the perfect spot. The christmas afternoon tea with champagne is £32 per person. You can book a table here.
