Last year, I compiled two lists of fun places to have afternoon tea in London. One post based around on fandoms and the other quirky or unusual teas. A few of these places have since closed down or the venues have changed their theme. So now, I thought I would update the list for 2019.

Quirky Afternoon Teas in London 2019

A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream Afternoon Tea at Shakespeare’s Globe

You could argue two of the most English things are tea and Shakespeare. So, an afternoon tea based on one of Shakespeare’s play would be quintessentially English! The Midsummer Night’s Dream afternoon tea is inspired by the characters from Shakespeare’s classic. Enjoy your tea at The Swan pub next door to the world-famous Shakespeare Globe theatre.

Cutter and Squidge’s The Potion Room

Originally, this was only supposed to run for last summer. However, as with a lot of the fandom-themed afternoon teas. Due to popular demand, the wizard-based tea is still available. Cutter and Squidge have transformed their restaurant into a classroom from a wizard school. You enjoy afternoon tea at an old school desk and whilst you create potions in your own cauldron. “The Potion Room.” is not linked to Harry Potter books or movies but would be a great treat for fans.

Mary Poppins Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard

Again this was an afternoon tea what was only meant to have a limited run, to coincide with the release of Mary Poppins Returns. However, it is now running all through the year. Taking its inspiration from the books by P. L. Travers. The magical nanny’s adventures are transformed into the fabulous treat in an amazing building.
You can read about my experiences of the Mary Poppins Afternoon Tea here.

Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea

Another classic children’s book that has been turned into an afternoon tea, is Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit. Again following the success of the recent movie. The Le Méridien Hotel in Piccadilly started offering this fun afternoon tea aimed at both children and adults. Interesting features of this tea include the vegetable box cake stand. A chocolate cake shaped like a flower pot and of course Peter’s favourite a carrot cake!

Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at The Sanderson

Another afternoon tea that I mentioned last year that is still available is the Mad Hatter themed tea. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland. The Mad Hatter’s tea features quirky edibles like a pocket watch macaroon, ‘drink me’ potion and blue caterpillar made from chocolate.

B Afternoon Tea Bus London Tour

I still think having afternoon tea on an iconic Routemaster bus, is the best way to tick two things off your London bucket list. B Bakery offers a variety of options, from a traditional afternoon tea to one with a gin twist. All the options follow the same route. Around several of London’s landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square. It is also worth checking out their website as they offer several ‘holiday’ themed teas for Halloween or Easter.

The Dior Couture Collection at The Berkeley

Normally, the Prêt-à-Portea takes its inspiration from that season’s catwalk shows. However, their fashion-themed afternoon tea for 2019 is inspired by one design house. In conjunction with the ‘Designer of Dreams’ exhibition at the V&A Museum. This season the Prêt-à-Portea is all based on Christain Dior. With chic items on the menu like perfume shaped bottle cakes and biscuits designed to look like Dior’s iconic Bar jacket.
You can see my photos from the Prêt-à-Portea here.

London Landmarks at The Townhouse Kensington

One of the most popular afternoon teas in London over the past few years was the ‘Tale as Old as Time’ tea at the Townhouse. However, this year instead of the Beauty and the Beast themed tea, they have opted for a London themed one! I adore this idea! The cake stand looks like the London Eye. And the treats include cakes based around The Gherkin, Shard and even a red phone box.

Science Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel

Whilst, this Afternoon Tea might not be based around pop culture, it is a great tea for science geeks! And that’s why I am including it on the list. If you are planning a fun day in London I think a trip to the science museum (a favourite of mine), followed by this tea. Would be an amazing treat for science geeks of all ages.

What’s the Tea? at The W Hotel

The W Hotel in Leicester Square is offering a fabulous afternoon tea based on a drag queen’s make-up box! All the treats have a make-up themed and are served in a quirky make-up box, expect plenty of edible glitter! And the scone course comes complete with a jar of Clotted Night Cream and Lipgloss Lip Jam! Once a month, they offer an special experience complete with entertainment from the Globe Girls drag artists.