We take a look at some of the incredible afternoon teas available in London to help you celebrate National Afternoon Tea Week (7th to the 13th August)….
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon tea, Aldwych One: embrace your inner child with this afternoon tea inspired by Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book. Prepare for the unexpected not-quite-as-it-seems macaron and classic Coronation chicken, with your taste adventure continuing with fluffy floss and a box stacked high with wondrous cakes, sweets, mallows and creams. Alongside these treats, you can sip on a cup of chocolate or lemon sherbet tea, Juicing Room mix, water pistol punch cocktails, or fizzy lifting Champagne. Prices start at £70 for adults and £50 for children.
Afternoon tea at Number Sixteen: for something a little bit more grown up, why not pay a visit to the Number Sixteen hotel for treats including Blueberry and white chocolate éclair, Poached cherry and dark chocolate delice and Oscietra caviar and sour cream blini – all to be enjoyed with your choice of coffee, hot chocolate or tea. Typically £45 per person, you can also upgrade your experience with a glass of Rathfinny Rosé for £57. Afternoon tea is served daily from 1pm to 4pm.
Pay a visit to The Cafe Royal’s Grill Room: enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea, situated in a Grade 2 listed room, selecting from a traditional afternoon tea or the vegetarian and vegan option. Surrounded by gilded features and mirrors, traditional afternoon tea is £70 per person or £80 per person with a glass of N.V. Veuve Clicquot Brut and includes treats such as Raspberry-Elderflower Sorbet – Raspberry-elderflower, vanilla shortbread, Truffle Gougère – Truffle mousse, parmesan choux and Royal Cocoa – Chocolate éclair, hazelnut praline, whipped ganache.
80 Days Around the World Afternoon tea at the Town House in Kensington: for those who enjoy a bit of travel, why not pop along to experience this afternoon tea inspired by Jules Verne’s headstrong hero, Phileas Fogg, and his bid to win a wager by circumnavigating the globe in 80 days. From enjoying a cocktail such as a silk road (Havana Especial, Chai Tea, Coconut, Lime, Clarified) to tasting Kheer pudding with raspberry compote and pistachio cream there is something for all the taste buds to enjoy.
Enjoy a magical afternoon tea at the Georgian House hotel: indulge your love of magic with this wizard afternoon tea filled with plenty of classic savouries – but the sweet treats are kept under wraps until arrival! You can also upgrade your experience and enjoy unlimited prosecco during your time slot. There are also vegetarian and vegan options available – but please note before booking that this experience does not cater for nut allergies – make sure you check before booking of any other allergies.
Peter Pan Afternoon Tea, Aqua Shard: take a trip to Neverland with this Peter Pan inspired afternoon tea, which is served on a custom-made tea stand inspired by Captain James Hook’s Pirate Ship, the Jolly Roger. Guests will begin with a savoury selection of finger sandwiches with a creative twist, including a chicken sandwich topped with crispy bacon wrapped in paper denoting the four ‘Lost Boy Rules’, and an ‘Enormous Mushroom Chimney’ – mushroom-shaped bread that has been inspired by the mushroom stools ‘of charming colour’ in Neverland. Meanwhile, those with a sweet tooth can enjoy Tinker Bell Cookies and Hook’s Perish Cake. It is served in the triple-storey atrium of Aqua Shard and is priced at £61 per person, or £81 with a glass of Champagne or £90 with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Rose.
By Emma Clarendon