Afternoon tea takes on a modern twist with these daring flavor combinations and creative display concepts, offering a refreshed take on the classic tradition.
Afternoon tea, a quintessential British tradition, is being reimagined with creative twists and unique themes across the globe. From craft sessions to magical experiences, these innovative tea parties offer more than just a cup of tea and a scone.
One such example is the Craft-ernoon Tea, where guests can enjoy activities like knitting, embroidery, or painting, while indulging in creative treats like button-shaped biscuits, paint-your-own shortbread, and watercolour macarons.
For chocolate lovers, the Death by Chocolate theme offers a rich, chocolate-themed afternoon tea, with chilli-chocolate brownies, dark chocolate scones, and cocoa-dusted treats. Pair this with whipped-cream-topped hot chocolate or spicy cacao cocktails for an indulgent experience.
The Gentlemen's Afternoon Tea offers a unique twist, swapping traditional finger sandwiches for steak sandwiches, beef sliders, smoked rasher scones, and whiskey chocolate truffles. This can be paired with beer for a truly unique experience.
Magic-themed Afternoon Teas offer an enchanting experience with themed decor and treats, perfect for a whimsical afternoon. Science-themed Afternoon Teas, on the other hand, create a scientific twist with experiments and cleverly designed desserts.
Balancing sweet treats with savory options, many afternoon teas now offer unique sandwich fillings like roasted vegetables with hummus or turkey with cranberry chutney. Savory sausage rolls and sweet and savory scones are also becoming popular additions.
Seasonal fruits and edible flowers are being incorporated into desserts and pastries to add freshness and visual appeal. Modern desserts like lemon bars and madeleines (in lemon, chocolate, or berry-glazed varieties) are also being served alongside traditional options.
Afternoon tea bus tours combine the traditional afternoon tea with a sightseeing tour, providing a unique way to explore a city. For those who prefer a more unusual companion, afternoon teas surrounded by animals, such as cats at Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium, are also available.
A harvest feast-ival features pumpkin scones, dainty toffee apple tartlets, cinnamon swirl bites, and warm chai, mulled cider or apple juice. Cocktails, cakes & canopies offer mojito macarons, mini mimosa jelly trifles, petite piña colada panna cottas, and Negroni-glazed jam tarts, as well as cocktail-infused savouries.
The secret garden afternoon tea features chicken and rosemary sandwiches, sage and thyme mini sausage rolls, and basil and sun-dried tomato and cream cheese pinwheels. Lavender shortbread, rosewater sponge, violet scones, and petal-topped cakes complete this garden-inspired tea party.
Golden Ticket Treats offers a Willy Wonka-inspired afternoon tea, with golden ticket shortbread, blueberry macarons, a chocolate-dipping fountain, edible teacup cookies, golden "egg" truffles, bubblegum-flavoured meringues, and jellies that fizz and pop.
A Regency-style afternoon tea features pastel-hued cakes, floral macarons, lavender shortbread, raspberry tartlets, and mini syllabubs, all served on vintage china.
These unique afternoon tea experiences offer a fun and delicious way to enjoy this traditional British tradition with a modern twist. Whether you're a chocolate lover, a craft enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique afternoon out, there's an afternoon tea experience to suit everyone.
- Craft-ernoon Tea, a unique afternoon tea event, combines creative activities like knitting, embroidery, or painting with delicious treats, such as button-shaped biscuits, paint-your-own shortbread, and watercolour macarons, offering a wellness ritual that balances food-and-drink and lifestyle interests.
- For those seeking a rich, chocolate-themed experience, the Death by Chocolate theme delivers, offering chocolate-inspired desserts and drinks like chilli-chocolate brownies, dark chocolate scones, cocoa-dusted treats, whipped-cream-topped hot chocolate, and spicy cacao cocktails, promoting health, beauty, and overall wellness.
- If a savory twists on traditional afternoon tea is preferred, The Gentlemen's Afternoon Tea offers hearty options like steak sandwiches, beef sliders, smoked rasher scones, and whiskey chocolate truffles, pairing with beer, creating a satisfying food-and-drink experience.
- As the afternoon wears on, one can indulge in a magical-themed tea party, enchanted with themed decor and treats, or even a science-themed afternoon tea, with experiments and cleverly-designed desserts, bringing a unique entertainment element to this wellness lifestyle experience.
