Science Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel
A Unique, Scientific Twist on Afternoon Tea
The Science Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel in South Kensington is an award-winning experience, inspired by its close proximity to The Science Museum. It is a fun, interactive, and educational take on traditional Afternoon Tea, making it perfect for families, science lovers, and anyone looking for a playful twist on high tea.
A Menu Inspired by Discovery
The menu is creatively designed to reflect scientific themes, featuring planet-shaped cakes, petri dish desserts, and erupting “volcanic” scones.
Savoury Selection
Coronation Chicken on Granary Bread
Smoked Salmon & Lemon Crème Fraîche on Rye Bread
Cheddar Cheese with Tomato & Chutney on Beetroot Bread
Egg Mayonnaise & Cress on White Bread
Sweet Delights
Chocolate Dinosaur Egg filled with Raspberry Mousse
Smoky dry ice cocktail for dramatic effect
Petri dish panna cotta with fruit compote
Tea Selection
A variety of specialty loose-leaf teas are available, including classic black teas, floral infusions, and fruit blends.
Who is This For?
This Afternoon Tea is perfect for:
Families with curious children
Science enthusiasts
Those looking for a playful take on traditional tea
Vegetarian & gluten-free options available upon request
Booking Information
Timings: Served daily from 12:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Pricing :
Classic Science Afternoon Tea: £54 per person
Children’s Science Afternoon Tea: £39.50 per child
Advance reservations are recommended.
Reviews

10/10 vegetarian afternoon tea. The whole experience was a delight, from the "fizzy lemonade" experiment to start off, to the chocolate dinosaur excavation to wrap things up. Each of the sandwiches was fresh and wonderfully flavorful. But my favorite part was the scones, perfectly warm and soft yet crumbly, as good scones ought to be. As an added bonus, the service was quite friendly. Highly recommend!

The scones and cakes are delicious. of course this afternoon tea is for children ,they are everywhere in the room, they are amazed by the various scientific devices and concentrate on them, but they also get bored very quickly.
It was impossible to relax as we usually do at afternoon tea, and we could not stay to enjoy the pot of tea that we could refill freely.

Lovely afternoon tea, staff are super friendly and they have a fully vegan option which isn't terrible (this is speaking from trying many vegan ones around). Staff offer more sandwiches if needed and top up the tea for free. The vegan hot dog was delicious. The desserts are good, but not mind blowing - I don't know if I'd go back specifically to eat it all again.

What an absolute treat this was. It was probably twice the upper limit of what I’d usually spend on a meal, but for a one-time experience, it was worth it. You can’t beat this level of creative presentation. I’d call the food a solid 8-9/10 as well. As someone in the sciences for a career and who also likes creativity in food, I was in heaven. I recommended it to family who travels a lot.

The Science Afternoon Tea was an extraordinary and unique adventure! The food exceeded our expectations, which was a delightful surprise. Initially, we anticipated a great science-themed experience, and it certainly delivered on that front. Next, we were presented with a "food tower" featuring a variety of savory bites, followed by four delicious scones, and topped off with beautifully designed desserts.
Claridge’s
Nestled in Mayfair, Claridge’s Afternoon Tea blends luxury and tradition. Guests enjoy finger sandwiches, warm scones with Claridge’s jam and Cornish clotted cream, and seasonal pastries. A curated tea selection, including Claridge’s Blend and Oolong, enhances the experience.
Served in elegant surroundings with impeccable service, it’s perfect for special occasions or indulgent afternoons. A Children’s Afternoon Tea ensures an inclusive experience. Served daily from 2:45 pm to 5:30 pm, prices start at £95 per person. Advance reservations recommended.
The Wolseley
Located in Mayfair, The Wolseley offers a classic afternoon tea in a grand Art Deco setting. Guests enjoy finger sandwiches, including smoked salmon & cream cheese and Coronation chicken, alongside warm scones with clotted cream and homemade jam. The patisserie selection features raspberry macarons, chocolate éclairs, and Victoria sponge, paired with premium loose-leaf teas or Champagne.
A relaxed yet refined experience, perfect for special occasions or a stylish afternoon in London. Advance booking recommended.
The Rubens At The Palace
Located opposite Buckingham Palace, The Rubens at the Palace offers a quintessentially British Afternoon Tea in a regal setting. Guests enjoy a curated tea selection, including exclusive blends, alongside finely crafted finger sandwiches with classic fillings like Scottish smoked salmon and roast chicken with tarragon mayonnaise.
The experience continues with handmade pastries inspired by Royal traditions and warm scones with clotted cream and homemade preserves. For added indulgence, guests can opt for Champagne Afternoon Tea. Advance reservations are highly recommended.
Queens of Mayfair
For an elegant yet modern afternoon tea, Queens of Mayfair offers a boutique-style experience in one of London’s most exclusive districts. Known for its artisanal produce, exquisite patisserie, and specialty coffee, this intimate venue provides a refined take on British tradition.
Enjoy gourmet savouries, buttermilk scones with house-made preserves, and beautifully crafted desserts, including pistachio éclairs and signature macarons. Pair with luxury teas, single-origin coffee, or Champagne. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. A sophisticated and artisanal afternoon tea in Mayfair.
The Milestone Hotel
Overlooking Kensington Palace, The Milestone Hotel offers a luxurious afternoon tea in an elegant setting with live piano music. Guests enjoy classic finger sandwiches, including smoked Scottish salmon on beetroot bread, alongside warm scones with clotted cream and homemade preserves. The patisserie selection features chocolate ganache tarts, Victoria sponge, and Earl Grey mousse, paired with a curated tea menu or Champagne upgrade.
Vegan, gluten-free, and children’s afternoon tea options are available. A refined and traditional experience in the heart of London.
Raffles London at The OWO
Experience history and indulgence with Tour & Tea at Raffles London. Begin with an exclusive guided tour of The OWO, once home to Winston Churchill and British intelligence, exploring its military past and architectural grandeur.
Afterward, enjoy a luxurious afternoon tea in the Drawing Room, featuring savoury bites, warm scones, and exquisite pastries, paired with premium teas or Champagne. A unique blend of heritage, elegance, and fine dining, perfect for history lovers and afternoon tea enthusiasts.
You can also follow us on Pinterest for more afternoon tea inspiration
Disclaimer : We often review or link to products & services from Amazon or other affiliate partners. If you click on one of our product links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commision.