7 of the best and most unusual afternoon teas in the UK

13 August 2018, 11:25 | Updated: 14 August 2018, 10:28

It's Afternoon Tea Week! Apparently.

If you ask us, every week is afternoon tea week. There's nothing more British than tucking into a load of sandwiches, a pot of tea and whatever tickles our fancy.

But there are plenty of quirky and alternatives afternoon teas on offer around the country that you might like to give a go if you're feeling adventurous...

1. Cute cat afternoon tea (London)

   

   Cost: £25

   East London's Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium is surely one of the most enjoyable places on Earth.

   Not only can only enjoy a lovely meal and afternoon tea, but you'll be joined by loads of cute cats. What more could you want?

2. A Royal Albert Hall afternoon tea (London)

   

   Cost: £30

   The iconic venue of The Royal Albert Hall is hosting an afternoon tea event for customers from August 13 to 20. Guests can explore the amazing hall before being treated to its brand new menu.

   The menu includes classic finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, 13 blends of tea and an awesome mix of musically-inspired cakes. This year’s celebration also allows visitors to enjoy with a free glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne with every booking.

3. Spicy afternoon tea (Bedfordshire)

   

   Cost: £50 for two

   Fancy something a bit spicier? Edible Ornamental have their own fiery spin on afternoon tea.

   Located at Cherwood Nursery in Bedfordshire, the tea includes a huge range of fresh, dried and pickled chillies, several hot peppers and Mexican-inspired chocolates, and of course, afternoon tea.

4. A blokey afternoon tea (Cardiff)

   

   Cost: £24

   If you like your lunch a little more beefy, then look no further than St David's Hotel & Spa in Cardiff Bay.

   In fact, there won't be any tea at all! Instead, you’ll get a pint of full-bodied craft beer, and plenty of savoury snacks, such as mini beef sliders with Welsh cheddar, baked lamb and mint sausage rolls, toasted Welsh rarebit and pulled pork sandwiches, parmesan scones, and seared steak wraps - all served in a wooden briefcase.

5. Pink Floyd afternoon tea (London)

   

   Cost: £50 including entrance to the exhibition

   Based in Bar 190 at London’s Gore Hotel, this was the location for the raucous launch party for The Rolling Stones' album Beggars Banquet.

   Marking the Victoria and Albert Museum exhibition Pink Floyd: Their Mortal Remains, the bar also has its own Floyd-themed tea. You can get Dark Side of the Moon chocolate mousse, plus The Wall as a lemon sponge, jelly and marshmallow.

6. Game of Thrones afternoon tea (Northern Ireland)

   

   Cost: £22

   If you love the fantasy TV series Game of Thrones, then this is an absolute must. Even if you're not, it sounds awesome.

   It takes place place at one of the show’s filming locations, Northern Ireland’s Ballgally Castle, a hotel on the Causeway Coast. The menu features locally baked breads, plenty of sweet treats and even a 'Dothraki trifle with mini dragon’s egg'.

7. A Victorian afternoon tea (Bristol)

   

   Cost: £20

   This is truly unique! Head to Aunt Martha's and travel back in time for a “classic dining in the elegance of the Victorian era.”

   The place is covered in period costume, and Aunt Martha and her team will serve you in the dining room from your choice of the Brigadier, Ladyship, Dowager Duchess, Viscount or Aristocratic afternoon tea.

   “Seasonality will affect what is on offer as it would have done in 1897,” Martha says, “for example no strawberries between October and April.” There's nothing quite like it.