Extraordinary Unusual & Themed Afternoon Teas in London’s Hidden Gems

I simply cannot get enough of clotted cream and scones and think High Tea is something we should all treat ourselves to. If you plan to be in England you must experience some of the unusual afternoon teas in London. There are a host of themed afternoon teas in London ranging from the super-luxurious to art inspired or scientific.

If you have been to England and done the usual afternoon tea in London experience then maybe you are looking for something a little different so how about a quirky afternoon tea in London or a themed afternoon tea in London?

Afternoon tea etiquette

If you are new to the High Tea or Afternoon Tea ritual then perhaps you need to know some details. The Queen for example always took afternoon tea at Buckingham Palace. Her tea was remarkably unexciting as it always involves a cup of Earl Gray Tea, a few finger sandwiches like cucumber and cream cheese and perhaps some Jam Pennies. Jam pennies are simply jam and butter on a round piece of bread how exciting is that?

There is an etiquette for taking part in the great British tea ritual and this is shared across the nation. You can take your tea in any place from N. Ireland across to Scotland, Wales and England and Age Co even has a map of the perfect tea locations across Britain. You can join in the fun and take their quiz Afternoon Tea Etiquette. These days an Afternoon tea can involve champagne, gin & tonics and Prosecco just to fancy it up a bit.

London afternoon teas range from fanciful to extremely luxurious, but one thing you can count on is the scones with clotted cream. Now a scone is simply a biscuit but it’s made with eggs.

Both scones and biscuits are usually made with flour, baking powder or baking soda salt, sugar, milk or buttermilk, eggs and butter.

What is clotted cream?

I hear you what the hell is “clotted cream”? Unlike whipped cream clotted cream is created by gently heating full-fat cream for at least 12 hours. The result is that the liquid separates from the cream and the cream then rests for another 8 hours. The result is a deeply satisfying almost butter-like consistency that isn’t sweetened like whipped cream but adds another dimension to the word cream.

There is always a raging argument somewhere in England as to what comes first on your scone, jam or cream? Personally, I am firmly in the jam first camp. Well not exactly because all scones must have good fresh butter first, then jam then great piles of clotted cream which is then shoved into one’s mouth and enjoyed with sighs of bliss.

Keep in mind that every one of these unusual high teas can be served gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan which is great.

London’s afternoon tea scene goes far beyond traditional cucumber sandwiches and scones. The city offers an array of wonderfully eccentric, themed, and unusual afternoon tea experiences that combine British tradition with imagination and flair. Here’s a guide to some of the most unique afternoon tea experiences in London.

Alice in Wonderland Tea at The Egerton House Hotel

Location: 17-19 Egerton Terrace, Knightsbridge, London SW3 2BX
Price: Price: £68 per person; £74 with Champagne

Fall down the rabbit hole with this whimsical Lewis Carroll-inspired afternoon tea served in the elegant drawing room of this boutique hotel. The experience begins with a “Drink Me” potion—a delightful fruit tea served in adorable little bottles with tags. The tiered stands feature playing card-shaped sandwiches (including smoked salmon, coronation chicken, and egg mayonnaise), freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves, and an array of spectacular pastries.

Children’s “White Rabbit” Afternoon Tea

Specially designed for children under the age of 12 years, you are served a fine selection of sandwiches and freshly baked white rabbit scones, all accompanied by a choice of tea or hot chocolate. The “Six O’Clock brownie” is a rich chocolate orange brownie, while the ice-cream sandwich combines three flavours, sandwiched between toasted brioche bread. Little ones will adore the “Drink Me” mocktails.

Price: £30 per child

The sweet treats are where the Wonderland theme truly comes alive: pocket watch macarons dusted with golden powder, Queen of Hearts jam tarts, “eat me” cake pops, chocolate chip cupcakes topped with sugar mushrooms, and butterfly cookies that would make the Caterpillar proud. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available with advance notice. The attentive service and intimate Victorian townhouse setting add to the magical atmosphere, making it feel like you’ve stumbled into a sophisticated tea party hosted by the Mad Hatter himself.

Science Tea at The Ampersand Hotel

Location: 10 Harrington Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3ER
Price:  Afternoon Tea costs £59.50 per adult and £39.50 per child

Perfect for curious minds of all ages, this science-themed afternoon tea takes inspiration from its neighbor, the Science Museum. Served in the elegant drawing rooms, the “Science Afternoon Tea” arrives on a tiered stand designed like a chemistry set complete with beakers, test tubes, and pipettes.

The savory course includes caramelized onion and goat cheese tarts resembling planets, smoked salmon and cream cheese on dark rye resembling moons, and finger sandwiches with fillings like coronation chicken and cucumber with mint cream cheese. The fun continues with scones accompanied by pipettes filled with jam and clotted cream for “scientific” assembly.

The sweet treats are where the science truly comes to life: chocolate spacemen floating in passion fruit “rocket fuel,” dinosaur-shaped biscuits excavated from chocolate soil, chocolate and passion fruit “planet” mousses that appear to float above the table, and jellies served in petri dishes that smoke dramatically with dry ice. There’s even a candy floss station where guests can create their own sweet cloud experiments. Throughout the experience, the staff explain the science behind the food in an engaging, accessible way—making this afternoon tea both educational and delicious.

Art-Inspired Tea at Sketch

Location: 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, London W1S 2XG
Price: £110 per person, including a glass of Pommery Brut Royal Sparkling Wine.

Sketch isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an immersive art installation that happens to serve food. The afternoon tea is served in the Gallery, a stunning pink room lined with over 200 original drawings by British artist David Shrigley and featuring plush rose-hued velvet banquettes, copper accents, and scalloped chairs that would make Marie Antoinette swoon.

The tea begins with a caviar and quail egg amuse-bouche that sets the tone for this sophisticated experience. The savory selection includes delicate finger sandwiches with unexpected twists—coronation chicken with pickled pineapple, smoked salmon with Jacob’s cream, egg gribiche with asparagus, and cucumber with ricotta and pistachio. Classic scones follow, served with fig jam, strawberry jam, and clotted cream.

The pastries are where the artistic expression reaches its peak—each one is a miniature work of art. Think lemon cheesecake spheres painted like yellow moons, chocolate gateau with edible gold leaf, pistachio petit choux shaped like painter’s palettes, and delicate pavlovas that resemble clouds. Even the ceramics are part of the experience, with Shrigley’s playful, irreverent designs carrying messages like “Forget about it” or “It’s not OK.”

No visit would be complete without a trip to the famous space-age egg-shaped toilet pods, which have become an Instagram sensation in their own right. The staff glide around in designer uniforms that change seasonally, adding to the theatrical atmosphere of what is less an afternoon tea and more a comprehensive artistic experience.

Be our Guest Tea at the Waldorf

Location: Aldwych, West End, London, WC2B 4DD
Price: From £59 .00 Per Person

This charming Beauty and the Beast-inspired afternoon tea has become so popular that bookings often open months in advance. Indulge in an exquisite afternoon tea, a carefully curated journey of seasonal flavors and artisanal craftsmanship. 

Begin your experience with a velvety roasted celeriac soup delicately enhanced with mushroom dust, offering an earthy prelude to the delights that follow. 

A signature wild mushroom, parsnip, and fermented garlic sausage roll presents a sophisticated twist on a classic favorite, with layers of umami depth and subtle aromatics. 

The open sandwich collection features thoughtfully paired ingredients, starting with coconut labneh accompanied by sumac-roasted carrot, pickled carrot, and fresh coriander on aromatic caraway bread. Next, tender smoked duck is complemented by chipotle chilli, sweet corn, and sweet mayo, in a vibrant beetroot wrap. For seafood lovers, delicate crayfish cocktail is served on a buttery brioche bun.

Freshly baked to perfection, the classic and raisin scones are served warm with a selection of traditional strawberry jam, seasonal spiced winterberry jam, and rich Devonshire clotted cream. 

Complete your afternoon tea with the patisserie collection, beginning with a chestnut and vanilla Mont Blanc shot—a delicate balance of sweetness and nuttiness. Next, enjoy an elegant pistachio and rose macaron with subtle floral notes. The seasonal blackberry and pear cube showcases autumn’s finest fruits, while the dark chocolate, cardamom, and bergamot tart offers a sophisticated blend of rich chocolate with aromatic spice and citrus. 

Sherlock Holmes Afternoon Tea and Mini Mystery

Location: Sherlock Escape Rooms, Ground Floor, West 12 Shopping Centre, Shepherd’s Bush, London, W12 8PP 

Cost: £39 per person

Enter a secret speakeasy to indulge in a delicious afternoon tea and test your skills of deduction with an original case to crack. You’ll need to work together as a team to solve a mini tabletop mystery, all whilst tucking into a tasty selection of savouries, buttery scones, and homemade sweet treats.

Your Afternoon Tea will include freshly made savouries, plus a selection of homemade sweets. And of course, no afternoon tea is complete without scones served with clotted cream and jam.

The experience includes a selection of specialty teas or coffee, and for an extra indulgence, you can add a glass of Champagne. The setting is adorned with vintage books and detective-themed décor, making it perfect for fans of Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic sleuth. 

Bridgerton-Themed Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough, in collaboration with Netflix 

Location: Hyde Park Corner, London, SW1X 7TA 

Cost: £65 per person or £75 with a glass of Rosé Champagne 

For a lavish Regency-inspired experience, the Bridgerton Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough offers an opulent spread fit for high society. Held in the hotel’s grand Celeste Restaurant, the menu includes delicate pastries like “The Duke’s Delight” (a raspberry and rose macaron), “Lady Whistledown’s Secrets” (a spiced choux bun), and “The Diamond’s Choice” (a lemon and elderflower tart).

Traditional finger sandwiches feature coronation chicken, cucumber with mint butter, and smoked salmon. Scones are served with clotted cream and seasonal preserves, alongside a selection of fine teas. The setting is adorned with floral arrangements and soft classical music, evoking the glamour of the Ton. 

Both teas offer an immersive experience, blending themed treats with luxurious surroundings—perfect for fans of mystery and period drama alike!

Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard 

Location: Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London, SE1 9RY 

Cost: £65 per person or £75 with a glass of Champagne 

Take flight with this whimsical Peter Pan-themed afternoon tea at Aqua Shard, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of London from the 31st floor. The menu is inspired by Neverland, featuring playful treats like “Tinker Bell’s Fairy Dust” (a passionfruit and mango verrine), “Captain Hook’s Treasure” (a chocolate pirate coin), and “Lost Boys’ Banana Cake.”

Traditional finger sandwiches include smoked salmon, egg & cress, and coronation chicken, while freshly baked scones come with clotted cream and strawberry jam. The experience includes a selection of teas or coffee, with the option to upgrade to Champagne. The magical setting, paired with panoramic city views, makes this a truly enchanting experience for both children and adults. 

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Tea at One Aldwych

Location: 1 Aldwych, Covent Garden, London WC2B 4BZ
Price: £52 per person

Step into a world of pure imagination with this whimsical afternoon tea inspired by Roald Dahl’s beloved tale and the subsequent stage production at the nearby Theatre Royal. Served in the stylish Lobby Bar, the experience captures the fantastical spirit of Willy Wonka’s creations.

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The savory selection puts a playful spin on classics: smoked salmon and herb crème fraîche on poppy seed bread, egg mayonnaise with watercress on spinach bread, leek and stilton quiche, and coronation chicken on onion bread. But it’s the presentation that brings the Wonka magic—served on custom-designed tiered stands with playing card motifs and colorful candy-striped plates.

The sweet treats transport guests straight to the factory floor: golden chocolate eggs filled with vanilla cheesecake and mango; blueberry brioche shaped like Violet Beauregarde after she turns into a blueberry; chocolate caramel milk served in miniature bottles with striped paper straws; bubblegum-flavored panna cotta marbled with bright colors; and homemade cotton candy that arrives in a puff of aromatic smoke. Even the traditional scones get a chocolate chip upgrade, served with snozzberry jam (raspberry, in reality) and clotted cream.

Drinks include a selection of loose-leaf teas, but the real stars are the Charlie-inspired cocktails for adults and decadent hot chocolate for children. The theatrical presentation includes elements that fizz, pop, and smoke, creating an interactive experience that would make Willy Wonka himself proud.

Brigit’s Bakery Bus Tour Tea

Location: Departs from Victoria Coach Station or Trafalgar Square
Price: £45 per person

This innovative concept combines two quintessentially British experiences—sightseeing and afternoon tea—into one delightful package. Guests board a vintage 1960s Routemaster bus, lovingly restored and converted into a mobile tearoom complete with custom-made tables and quirky decorative touches.

As the bus winds its way through London’s historic streets, passing landmarks like Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St. James’s Park, Hyde Park, The Royal Albert Hall, and Harrods, guests enjoy a full afternoon tea service. Tables are set with proper china secured in special holders, and staff demonstrate impressive balance while serving treats during the 90-minute journey.

The menu includes a selection of finger sandwiches (cucumber and mint, smoked salmon with cream cheese, egg mayonnaise with cress, and coronation chicken), freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of pastries that might include lemon meringue tarts, chocolate cupcakes, and seasonal fruit mousse. The exact menu changes seasonally but always includes French patisserie influences, reflecting the company’s origins.

Guests can choose from a selection of teas, coffee, or hot chocolate, all served in travel mugs with lids to prevent spills on London’s occasionally bumpy streets. A recorded commentary provides information about the passing sights, though it’s kept minimal to allow conversation. For special occasions, champagne options are available, and themed tours operate during holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day.

The combination of motion, sightseeing, and dining creates a uniquely multisensory experience that appeals to both tourists and locals looking for a novel way to rediscover their city. Advance booking is essential, as these tours frequently sell out weeks ahead.

Whether you’re a London local or visitor, these unique afternoon teas offer memorable experiences that go far beyond the ordinary, combining British tradition with imagination and theatrical flair.