Enter a world of pure imagination, i.e. the first floor of the One Aldwych Hotel.
If we can’t visit Willy Wonka in his chocolate factory, lick the wallpaper and eat everlasting gobstoppers, then this afternoon tea is certainly the next best thing.
The tea starts savoury–as civilised people generally do–with the likes of coronation chicken and egg mayo sandwiches, and a delicious cheese scone served with bacon jam.
The main event, of course, is the sweet selection. You’re presented with a podium of scrumdiddlyumptious treats, including blueberry cake pops, fresh scones with clotted cream and berry jam, bubble-gum panna cotta, chocolate caramel milk, homemade candy floss and golden eggs filled with mango cheesecake. And that’s not even the end of it. There’s also chocolate tea, and a wacky, steamy cocktail made with whiskey, chocolate bitters, cherry, and grapefruit.
I can’t find any pictures that do it quite the justice it deserves – perhaps because it’s actually pretty dark inside the restaurant. But one thing’s for sure, you’ll leave feeling satisfied, if maybe a little bit like Violet Beauregard.
One Aldwych’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea was voted Bookatable’s ‘Best Afternoon Tea in London’ in 2017 (props ?). It costs £44 per person, or £56 with a glass of champagne or a cocktail. They also have amazing vegetarian and/or gluten free afternoon teas, just make sure you let them know you’ll be needing them in advance! Book here.