As Afternoon Tea Week approaches (12th-18th August 2025), Londoners and visitors alike are invited to indulge in one of London’s most beloved traditions with a creative twist at two of the city’s most acclaimed boutique hotels, The Ampersand in South Kensington and Vintry & Mercer in the City.

Located in London’s cultural capital, The Ampersand’s award-winning Science Afternoon Tea and Jurassic Afternoon Tea transform teatime into a playful, interactive experience. Inspired by their neighbouring celebrated museums, the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum, these teas blend culinary creativity with scientific and prehistoric flair. Available daily in The Drawing Rooms, the Science Afternoon Tea, offers guests a variety of savoury sandwiches and scones, served with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve, passion fruit curd in a squeeze tube and a variety of toppings which include freeze dried raspberry, freeze dried pineapple, crunchy caramel. The main affair is the pastry selection which includes a Caramel chocolate & raspberry planet, Apricot, hazelnut & almond mooncake and a honey chocolate spaceman.

For those who are fans of the Natural History Museum, Jurassic Afternoon Tea replicates the prehistoric experience of the heralded museum. Guests may enjoy the same savoury dishes available with the Science Afternoon Tea, before experiencing innovative and curious dishes, such as the Apricot & lemon crémeux volcano eruption and a Dark chocolate, caramel & raspberry dinosaur egg nest.

Nestled within the heart of the City, Vintry and Mercer’s Crown Afternoon Tea is a regal celebration of British tradition, served every weekend on the Mercer Roof Terrace with panoramic views from St. Paul’s to The Shard. This elegant experience offers indoor or al fresco seating, and includes a special Princess & Prince’s Afternoon Tea for children. Inspired by the opulent world of British royalty, the menu begins with savoury treats such as ‘Balmoral’ truffle egg mayonnaise brioche, ‘Windsor’ mini Yorkshire puddings with roast beef and horseradish, and ‘Kensington’ smoked salmon and herb cream cheese sandwiches. Guests then enjoy plain & raisin buttermilk scones with Cornish clotted cream, Earl Grey jelly and strawberry jam before moving onto the jewel in the crown – the handcrafted pastry selection. Afternoon Tea can be paired with a Royal Teapot cocktail or a glass of Charles Heidsieck Champagne for a truly majestic experience.

Whether you’re seeking family-friendly adventures or elegant rooftop views, The Ampersand and Vintry & Mercer offer the most imaginative ways to mark this quintessentially British celebration.