On the 16th December 2025, The Dorchester re-created the signature glamour and seasonal magic of their iconic ‘Afternoon Tea’ at The Ark in Barnet.
Volunteers from the hotel served Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice’s children, families and volunteers with delicious delights, all gathered beneath a spectacular Christmas tree, created by The Dorchester’s in-house designer florist Philip Hammond.
The Dorchester stands as one of London’s most iconic hotels, celebrated for its timeless elegance and innovation. For the past three years, they have proudly partnered with Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, united by a shared belief that Christmas should be a magical time for every child.
Together, they create unforgettable experiences for children and families, while also offering fun and meaningful ways for The Dorchester’s staff to support their fundraising efforts. The partnership not only raises vital funds for the charity but also shines a spotlight on the essential support it provides to children and families, making a real difference in their lives.
This year alone, The Dorchester have organised an amazing array of events for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, including the recent Winter Ball (organised in partnership with The Winter Ball Committee) which raised over £500k, a book reading by children’s author, David Walliams and a Christmas concert with acclaimed soul singer, Mica Paris.
In attendance were Nadine and Glenbert Tetteh-Allen from Enfield and their son Montell, 12, and his three sisters, Myala,10, Mellyta-May, 7, and Melisha, 5. The family have been supported by Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice since Montell was three months old. Montell was born with Hydrocephalus, which meant that he had excess fluid in his brain which left him with complex needs and requiring specialist care. Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice provides the family with respite and specialised care as well as access to events and groups for Montell’s parents and siblings.
Nadine said: ‘It was such a lovely day and a real treat for us to experience The Dorchester’s Afternoon Tea in a space that’s accessible for our family. Noah’s Ark consistently offers us amazing experiences that we wouldn’t normally be able to have.’
Sophie Andrews OBE, CEO of Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, said: ‘For the third year, The Dorchester brought all the magic of their iconic Afternoon Tea to us at The Ark. We are so lucky to have such generous and committed corporate partners like The Dorchester who go above and beyond to provide extra special experiences for our volunteers, children, and families.’
Luca Virgilio, General Manager of The Dorchester, said: ‘Here at The Dorchester, Christmas encompasses the spirit of giving, connection and creating moments of joy and delight. Our ongoing partnership with Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice is a key part of our mission, allowing us to share the magic of The Dorchester with families who inspire us with their warmth and courage. We are honoured to once again be working alongside Noah’s Ark in bringing festive cheer to the children and their loved ones. Moments like these are the true meaning of Christmas.’
Children’s Hospices up and down the country are facing severe challenges right now. The recent funding allocation from the government of £80m over three years is a step in the right direction but without any sustainable funding model it means that children’s hospices can’t accurately plan their service allocation beyond that term. They also face growing inflation, un-planned for costs such as Employer National Insurance: added to a growing demand for their support, both in terms of the number and complexity of referrals. Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice relies on fundraising and private donations for 75% of their income. Despite these challenges Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice remains committed to providing these wonderful experiences for the children and families they support.
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About The Dorchester: Standing tall in Mayfair, The Dorchester is a magnificent London landmark and a destination in itself. Here – within London’s vibrant spirit – the worldly and the curious feel at home. Find out more at dorchestercollection.com
About Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice: Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice helps babies, children, and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, and their families, make the most of every day. The charity supports those who die young to do so in as much comfort as possible and by providing exceptional care, organising fun activities and days out, helps families do things they never thought possible. Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice helps those they support to enjoy life as children, rather than patients, as families, rather than carers.
Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice is based in Barnet and welcomes the referrals of babies, children, and young people who meet their acceptance criteria and who live in the London Boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington, and Hertsmere in Hertfordshire. Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice’s costs are currently over £7m per annum to provide essential services to babies, children and young people who are seriously unwell and their families.
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