Did you know that the 7-13 August was Afternoon Tea Week in the UK?
The British afternoon tea was first introduced in 1840 by the Duchess of Bedford. Unwilling to let her stomach rumble as she waited for a late dinner, she began to invite her friends round for sandwiches and cake in the late afternoon. Before long, the concept had caught on, and by the late 1800s it was a popular tradition among wealthy women.
Today, afternoon tea has become popular the world over, and many have given the classic concept their own spin. So, to make the most of Afternoon Tea Week, read on to discover some of the most unusual afternoon teas that you can enjoy across the UK.
1. Wizard afternoon tea
If you’ve a wizard in the family, this one is for you. The Wizard Exploratorium in London offers a magical afternoon tea experience in which you use a magic wand to brew fantastical teas full of bewitching flavours.
You’ll also enjoy some delicious cakes and treats, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available too. This interactive experience is one you won’t forget.
2. The Ampersand Hotel afternoon teas
Just around the corner from London’s famous museum district, the Ampersand hotel offers a range of very special afternoon teas.
The science afternoon tea features chocolate astronauts, macaron galaxies, and jelly petri dishes. If you’re heading out to the Natural History Museum, why not uncover chocolate fossils and sip a cocktail from a dinosaur egg with the Jurassic afternoon tea beforehand?
Both teas come with a children’s option as well as gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan alternatives.
3. Chilli Afternoon Tea
The Edible Ornamentals chilli nursery in Bedford hosts one of the most unique afternoon teas you’ll find in the UK. Edible Ornamentals has been growing a wide variety of chilli peppers since 2001 in a pick-your-own setting. They also offer a selection of gourmet sauces, spice rubs, dried, smoked, frozen, and pickled chillies.
Their afternoon tea features chilli-themed sandwiches and homemade cakes. Glasses of milk are also available if you find the heat a little too much!
4. London-themed afternoon tea
The Dilly in London is home to the exquisite London-themed afternoon tea, suitable for locals and visitors alike.
Enjoy underground-themed macarons, sweet treats in the shape of beloved London landmarks, and dainty finger sandwiches. Of course, it also features a classic scone with jam and cream to complete your experience.
5. Red Bus Bistro afternoon tea
The Red Bus Bistro in Edinburgh has combined two wonderful activities into one: seeing the beautiful sights of the city from a vintage-style bus and enjoying a delicious afternoon tea. What better way to spend the afternoon?
The afternoon tea can be enjoyed with a glass of fizz or a gin cocktail, and the team will keep you entertained with fascinating information about the landmarks you can see from the bus.
6. Japanese-inspired afternoon tea
Take a trip to the land of cherry blossoms with Issho’s Japanese-inspired afternoon tea this summer. Based in Leeds, the restaurant’s unique menu will transport you across the world, featuring delicate sushi, matcha-flavoured scones, and loose leaf Japanese green tea.
7. Peter Pan afternoon tea
Watch out for the crocodile at this Peter Pan-themed afternoon tea at Aqua Shard in London. Let the team guide you on your journey through Neverland, with Tinkerbell cookies, mushroom-shaped bread, and a pile of sweet and savoury treats aboard the Jolly Roger pirate ship cake stand.
An added bonus is that the Aqua Shard has partnered with Great Ormond Street Hospital, so for every afternoon tea sold, a donation will be made to the hospital to help them to continue their life-saving work.
8. Art afternoon tea
If you want to indulge in something a little more highbrow, look no further than the Rosewood Hotel’s Art afternoon tea. The cakes and pastries are inspired by the works of artist David Hockney, whose current exhibition at the Lightroom is titled “Bigger and closer (not smaller and further away)”.
As well as exquisite sweet treats, you’ll enjoy a carefully curated range of rare teas in an immersive setting. There is even a children’s menu so that your little ones can join in the experience.
9. The Fourteas
Step back in time and enjoy a 1940s afternoon tea at the Fourteas in Stratford-Upon-Avon. The café is decked out with memorabilia from the post-war era and filled with popular music from back in the day, including Vera Lynn and Glenn Miller.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, why not book the VIP Spitfire room for your guests to make your afternoon tea even more special?
10. Game of Thrones afternoon tea
For fans of the hit HBO series Game of Thrones, Ballygally Castle in Northern Ireland has the perfect afternoon tea experience.
Overlooking the coastal region where many iconic scenes of the series were filmed, you can enjoy a delicious afternoon tea. Treats include a rustic ironborn focaccia, Lannister egg rolls, and Dothraki trifle with mini dragon’s egg.
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