Afternoon Tea Week: 5 of the most weird and wonderful ones you can get
Afternoon tea is such a classic English tradition that purists can’t abide messing with it. However, not everyone is so thrilled with the typical fare of Earl Grey, finger sandwiches and dainty cakes.
This means a growing scene of alternative options have been popping up around the UK. So if you’re bored of scones with jam and cream, why not try these quirky takes on afternoon tea…
1. For science lovers…
Where: The Ampersand Hotel, London.
What: This hotel is located around the corner from the Science Museum, so it was a no brainer to put on a completely science-themed afternoon tea. All the food is incredibly well thought out, with chocolate spacemen, Milky Way macarons and dinosaur biscuits on offer. This is definitely one kids will love – the tea has interactive elements throughout, such as brushing cacao powder off fossil shaped shortbread and pouring your own dry ice.
Price: £39.50 per person, £49.50 with a glass of champagne.
2. For fantasy lovers…
Where: Ballygally Castle, Northern Ireland.
What: Few things seem further apart than the medieval fantasy TV show Game of Thrones and the refined tradition of afternoon tea, but the two are combined at Ballygally Castle. This actually makes sense – the show was filmed in the area around the castle, so fans will recognise the Causeway Coast scenery.
If you’re a keen GOT person you’ll enjoy that the menu is completely on theme, with Dothraki trifles and mini dragon’s eggs as well as Jon Snow cakes and Arya’s madeleines.
Price: £24 per person.
3. For fashion lovers…
Where: The Berkeley, London.
What: There’s no doubt this is the most stylish afternoon tea you can get – the whole menu is inspired by fashion, and changes every six months to fit in with current trends. What’s perhaps most impressive is the sheer dedication to detail. The Berkeley knows exactly what is buzzworthy at the time – whether it’s Moschino’s iconic McDonald’s bag or dainty biscuit stilettos, it all looks almost too good to eat. Bonus points for the use of Paul Smith-designed crockery, meaning that everything is fashionable on this table.
Price: £52 per person, £62 with a glass of Laurent-Perrier.
4. For seafood lovers…
Our Seafood Afternoon Tea is the perfect alternative to the tradition. Enjoy this #spring. https://t.co/7RGb0E81uB #afternoontea #brighton pic.twitter.com/RqjrwLeJOr
— The Grand Brighton (@GrandBrighton) May 16, 2017
Where: The Grand, Brighton.
What: Those who don’t have much of a sweet tooth aren’t the biggest fans of afternoon tea, but what if you still want to enjoy the ritual of it all? Luckily, this iconic waterfront hotel in Brighton has the perfect alternative – a seafood version. Instead of cupcakes and macarons, you’ll be treated to bites of fresh crab, oysters and caviar.
Price: From £22.95 per person.
5. For spice lovers…
Where: Edible Ornamentals at Cherwood Nursery, Bedfordshire
What: If vanilla puffs are, well, a bit vanilla for you, maybe you should try out this chilli-themed afternoon tea instead. Expect some of the hot stuff infused throughout almost every bite, from chilli chocolate cupcakes to spicy marmalade sandwiches. It’s held in the chilli nursery, and you’ll also be treated to a chilli and chocolate tasting session.
Price: £50 for two people.
Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor
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