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The Lanesborough readies for Christmas with martinis and Regency tea

London's storied hotel unfolds a season of festive pleasures, from a Penhaligons scented lobby to Maison Martini in the Great Hall and a Bridgerton inspired afternoon tea beneath the glass roof.

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The Lanesborough's facade decorated with layered wreaths of cream and gold baubles suspended from deep teal silk bows against neoclassical cornicing and balustrade
The Lanesborough (@the_lanesborough)

Golden and crimson baubles swag from teal silk ribbons across the neoclassical facade of The Lanesborough as November arrives in London, and with it comes a calendar of seasonal experiences calibrated to the particular tastes of its discerning guests. The transformation begins in the lobby, where Penhaligons fragrances have supplanted the everyday air with the distinctive scent of fir, accompanied by a curated pop up gifting suite and an invitation to sample the house’s Cream Tea in the Withdrawing Room.

A hand holding a crystal martini glass above a dark wood table set with a leather-bound menu, a cocktail in a coupe glass, and gold-rimmed accessories in moody candlelight

Maison Martini and the Great Hall

In the Great Hall, Maison Martini opens its doors from Wednesday through Saturday until 19 December, a seasonal destination devoted to the timeless architecture of the martini cocktail. The partnership with Grey Goose Altius and Palmaraés Spirit Gin has yielded expertly composed serves, each refined by caviar pairings that elevate the ritual into something approaching ceremony. The dark wood and gilded appointments of the space become the natural setting for this quiet indulgence.

Two delicate green sugar vessels topped with red fondant flowers and white centres sit on a white plate with a blurred white sculptural element behind

Bridgerton and contemporary craft

Beneath the softly illuminated glass roof of The Lanesborough Grill, the signature Bridgerton Afternoon Tea undergoes its seasonal metamorphosis, transforming into a celebration of Regency Christmas from 5 November through 6 January. The pastry team has crafted a festive menu that honours the elegance of the era while speaking to contemporary sensibility, the kind of restraint that marks genuine luxury.

A festive table setting with gold and cream plated elements under soft warm lighting

Executive Chef Shay Cooper’s Thanksgiving menu on 26 November features the expected roast turkey with sweet potatoes and cranberry, yet adds native lobster agnolotti and a salted caramel and peanut s’mores that suggest the kitchen’s deeper ambitions. Those drawn to the contemplative ritual of cigars might attend the final masterclass of 2026 on 27 October at 6pm, where Head of Cigars Yeni Momblan presents the Hoyo de Monterrey Río Seco paired with Laurent Perrier Grand Siècle No 26 and a refined selection of charcuterie.

The Lanesborough Grill's glass roof glowing with soft light above an elegantly appointed festive dining space

Bookings for afternoon tea, Maison Martini and the cigar masterclass can be made directly with the hotel.

A close detail of the hotel's lobby fragrance installation with Penhaligons products and seasonal florals

Imagery courtesy of The Lanesborough (@the_lanesborough).

A hand holding a crystal martini glass above a dark wood table set with a leather-bound menu, a cocktail in a coupe glass, and gold-rimmed accessories in moody candlelight
Two delicate green sugar vessels topped with red fondant flowers and white centres sit on a white plate with a blurred white sculptural element behind
A festive table setting with gold and cream plated elements under soft warm lighting
The Lanesborough Grill's glass roof glowing with soft light above an elegantly appointed festive dining space
A close detail of the hotel's lobby fragrance installation with Penhaligons products and seasonal florals

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