Top Themed Afternoon Teas in London – Review

Afternoon teas are an English institute, that normally you shouldn’t mess with. You can always start a heated debate amongst friends if you suggest whether to jam your scone before the clotted cream (I mean they would be wrong, cream on your scone first before the jam, EVERY TIME). But there comes a time when the standard afternoon tea needs to be jazzed up and oh my how I love a themed afternoon tea. This past summer I have tried some fantastically themed afternoon teas you can try in London.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea, Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel

My favourite book growing up, had to be Charlie and the Chocolate Factory of course. What’s not to love even as an adult, chocolate waterfalls, lickable wallpaper and Fizzy Lifting Drink! I was beyond excited when I saw that Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel was creating their own Charlie inspired feast. It started with our very own Fizzy Lifting Drink of cranberry juice, cream soda and popping candy in super cute miniature soda bottles while we perused the tea menu.

Fizzy Lifting Drink

I went for the Chocolate tea (naturally) which was two smooth, dark teas from China blended with high-grade cocoa nibs for a deliciously refreshing drink with all the sweet treats. The sandwich plate were all classic flavours but it was the dessert plate where the magic began, a milk chocolate bar wrapped up as our own Wonka bar, Blueberry macaroon (we all remember what happened to poor Violet when she tried the Three Course Dinner Chewing Gum), Bubblegum éclair with a bubble gum cream patisserie filling, an orange cupcake dressed up as the colours of an oompa loompa, a refreshing lemon slice and a Golden Egg with lemon curd filling because I WANT ONE NOW (shouted in the style of Veruca Salt).

Willy Wonka Afternoon Tea

We even got to meet Mr Wonka himself and was given a Golden Ticket for our next visit to win a selection of prizes including a free hotel night stay! A truly scrumptious visit!

Willy Wonka Bar with Teddy Bear

Safari Afternoon, The Montague on the Gardens

Tucked around the corner from the stunning British Museum (below), is a hotel offering a rather exotic afternoon tea. The Montague on the Gardens, have a wonderful outside space which on a sunny day is a perfect place away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

In a British garden surrounded by ivy, we went on safari. The sandwiches were a mixture of classic and a twist such as the African spiced chicken and apricot which was a flavorsome take on the old favourite Coronation Chicken. But again the dessert plate is where the fun really comes out.

Apple and cinnamon cupcake with a resting chocolate butterfly on top, edible dirt, rum pannacotta with ginger beer jelly with a combination of warming flavours to recreate the African sunshine, Mango and kiwi tart, Giraffe macaron with salted caramel, Citrus entremets, Vanilla cheesecake, Toasted coconut mousse and Banana meringues sandwiched with a dark rich chocolate, phew and after all those delights we were glad we were able to take our time to chat and soak up the ray’s in the garden.

Safari Afternoon Tea

Beauty and The Beast Afternoon Tea, The Kensington Hotel

My favourite themed afternoon tea I visited, had to be a Disney themed one. I am a huge Disney fan girl and with the release of the new Beauty and the Beast film, I couldn’t be happier that was a Disney afternoon tea to get my teeth stuck in to.

The Kensington Hotel Bike

I think what makes an afternoon tea special is the little details that add up to make a wonderful experience.

Like the golden ball gown spiced biscuit waiting with our menus.

Belle Golden Dress Biscuit

The menu was fantastic. I love a selection when there is attention to the savoury elements as much as the sweet.  Buttery, crumbly bite size venison pie with tender meat, Beef Ragu and saffron arancini and miniature cheese souffle (all mentioned in the song ‘Be Our Guest’, which of course I love!), but were flavoursome as well as being clever additions to the sandwich selection.

Beauty and The Beast Afternoon Tea Menu

Lumière guarding my glass of bubbles

Lumière at Beauty and The Beast Afternoon Tea

Chip was holding a cup full of ‘Grey Stuff’ and yes it was delicious, whilst being a sweet white chocolate mousse. Now I wish I could have my morning coffee in a Chip cup every day to get it off to the right start. Next to Chip, was an artfully crafted Mr Clogsworth full of chocolate ganache and edible face.

Clogworth and Chip at Beauty and The Beast Afternoon Tea

One of my favourite details was that instead of scones, we had ‘Marie’s sweet baguettes’ with apricot conserves and chocolate spread, again another reference to the film when Belle is walking through the market square. Love love it!

We also had a ‘Snowball’ coconut macaron and the visually impressive vanilla and golden jelly with a set rose petal in the middle. Mrs Potts even arrived at the table to pour cream over the jellies. All the attention to details will thrill and please any Disney fan. Book yours whilst you still can. They’ve already extended the dates that they are serving them due to such high demand.

Beauty and The Beast Afternoon Tea Food Collection

Hope no more petals drop from this rose.

Beauty and The Beast Afternoon Tea Rose

I was rather happy hanging out with my pal, Lumière, or that could be all the cake and bubbles I had consumed…

FoodNerd with Lumiere

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