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.
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 Langham
Palm Court at The Langham London, the birthplace of afternoon tea, has upheld this tradition since 1865. Guests enjoy Victorian-inspired finger sandwiches, pastries, and warm scones with clotted cream, crafted by Michel Roux and Andrew Gravett. A curated tea selection complements the menu, set in an elegant setting with live music.
Afternoon Tea is served Wednesday to Sunday from 12:15 pm to 5:00 pm, starting at £75 per person, with Champagne and dietary options available. 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 Ritz
Served in The Palm Court, Afternoon Tea at The Ritz is a world-famous experience of elegance, tradition, and impeccable service, accompanied by a live pianist and harpist. Guests enjoy finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream, and exquisite pastries crafted daily by expert pâtissiers.
With over 20 loose-leaf teas, including The Ritz’s exclusive blend, this tea is perfect for special occasions and classic afternoon tea lovers. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. Served daily at multiple times. Advance reservations required.
The Ampersand Hotel
Inspired by The Science Museum, The Science Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel offers a fun, interactive twist on tradition. The menu features planet-shaped cakes, petri dish desserts, and “volcanic” scones, making it perfect for families and science lovers.
Guests enjoy savoury bites, chocolate dinosaur eggs with raspberry mousse, and a smoky dry ice cocktail. A selection of specialty loose-leaf teas is available. Vegetarian and gluten-free options can be requested. Served daily from 12:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Advance reservations recommended.
Ladurée Covent Garden
Experience a Parisian-inspired afternoon tea at Ladurée Covent Garden, blending French elegance with British tradition. Set in Covent Garden Piazza, enjoy savoury delights like smoked salmon brioche and Brie & truffle on sourdough, followed by buttery scones with Ladurée preserves. Indulge in signature pastries, including the Mini Ispahan and chocolate éclair, alongside world-famous macarons.
Pair with premium teas or upgrade to a Champagne Afternoon Tea. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menus available. A chic, luxurious treat in London’s most vibrant setting.
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