Christmas Is Served – Festive Afternoon Tea at Matfen Hall

The fields and forests are gilded with frost and the first snow is in the air – winter is on its way to Northumberland, heralding the season of glad tidings, good cheer and so much to enjoy. 

This year, why not take a moment away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas and treat yourself to an afternoon of pure, unhurried indulgence at Northumberland’s only 5 star hotel. 

Festive Afternoon Tea

Take your seat by the crackling fire of the Drawing Room, breathe in 300-acre views  and savour Festive Afternoon Tea surrounded by tranquil, snowy parkland.

And our 2025 menu is a gift for the senses. Delicate patisserie and homemade scones are spiced with the rich flavours of the season and served with accompaniment from a live harpist and Laurent-Perrier Champagne to offer an extra touch of Christmas sparkle. ’Tis the season after all! 

Savoury

Timeless and beloved, the flavours of a classic Christmas Day are teased out and elevated in delicate pastry and elegant finger sandwiches. 

Apricot, chestnut and pork sausage roll 

Caramelised onion, brie and Parma ham tartlet 

Slow cooked turkey breast with sage  & onion stuffing and cranberry mustard 

Oak smoked salmon with pickled cucumber and dill cream cheese 

Northumbrian Goodfellow free range egg mayonnaise with chive

Scones

Warm, fresh and lightly spiced with the flavours of winter in Northumberland, our homemade scones bring comfort and joy in equal measure. 

Mince pie scone served with clotted cream and homemade Christmas jam 

Collier Cheddar cheese scone, served with whipped salted butter 

Patisserie

The pièce de résistance, each intricately crafted patisserie creation is a gift waiting to be unwrapped. Rich cherry and chocolate, spiced almond, pear, gingerbread and caramel are deftly brought together in this graceful balance of decadence and delicacy.

Tonka bean rice pudding, puff pastry, caramel crémeaux and whipped ganache

Pecan croustillant, confit cherry, chocolate mousse and festive sweet pastry 

Gingerbread cheesecake, pear gel, almond crunch and white chocolate 

Served with your choice of fresh coffee, Newby loose-leaf tea or a tasting flight of Laurent-Perrier Champagne, Festive Afternoon Tea at Matfen Hall is an occasion to treasure. Get together with friends to celebrate the season in 5 star style, treat someone special to a pre-Christmas gift or  or simply indulge in the magic of the season, surrounded by tranquil countryside.   Start planning your luxurious experience here.