I’m always partial to an afternoon tea and when it could be (even loosely) linked to musical theatre then I needed to get there! Upon arrival at the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory afternoon tea you are greeted with a cute photo opportunity before heading down to the main restaurant.

The food started, as all good afternoon teas do with the sandwiches, which could be replenished as much as you requested. They included Coronation chicken, Smoked salmon with cream cheese and cucumber,
a mushroom toastie, leek and Shropshire blue cheese quiche and finally a beetroot and horseradish ‘hot ice cream for cold days.’ The more traditional sandwiches were delicious but my favourite was the mushroom toastie.

After the sandwich course we were brought warm scones and again they could be replenished as requested. As you would expect they came with clotted cream and strawberry jam but an added bonus was the pineapple jam! We were also treated to a palate cleanser between courses.

The desert course was last up and this is where this afternoon tea really comes into its own. The desserts were a ‘Goodbye Violet’ macaron, Butterscotch & soda in a small glass, Augustus Gloop’s strawberry fudge, ‘Hair toffee’ mousse, caramel chocolate milkshake and finally a fabulous fluffy floss. As you can see there were a lot of deserts and after 2 rounds of the sandwiches and 2 scones I struggled to finish them all.

What was delightful about this afternoon tea was the story that came with each course, the waiting staff seemed to take real pleasure in delighting the imagination as much as the taste buds, when presented with the Hair toffee mousse I was told all about how it would make my blonde hair grow and about how the caramel chocolate milkshake was mixed by a waterfall.

The drinks were just as magical. There was a selection of teas to choose from including your traditional selection as well as both a chocolate and caramel based tea as well as some more fruit based ones. I worked my way through the tea menu trying all 5 of the featured ones between us. They also do cocktails which if you know me you will know I had to try. I went for ‘The almost entirely edible one’ which had in it Gin, strawberry liqueur, cranberry, lemon, strawberry purée and raspberry lemonade and can 100% recommend. Bringing the cocktails out they were brought out in smoking tea pots and pouring them out was a show in itself.

The afternoon tea is £75 and when I did it there was an offer on so this included either a cocktail or a glass of fizz. Whilst this sounds expensive you do get a lot for your money and for central London I felt it was good value. I was there with one other adult but there were a lot of (very well behaved) children around me all adoring the experience so it seems like it is perfect for all ages. It is available from Wednesday – Friday 12-3 and Saturday/Sunday 12-4:30. We ate at a very leisurely pace and we were there for just over 2 hours.

The Charlie and The Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea is more than just a meal; it is an imaginative experience which manages to capture the playful feel of the book on your plate. With generous portions, inventive desserts and staff who clearly enjoy brining a little magic to the table, it feels like a treat in every sense of the word. At £75 it is certainty a special occasion indulgence but for fans of afternoon tea, families looking for something memorable, or anyone who enjoys a touch of whimsey with their dining it is a delightful way to spend a couple of hours in London.

You can find out more on Charlie and The Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea on the hotels website here.

If you like this review you might also like my write up of the Phantom of the Opera Afternoon Tea, Brunch at The Musicals and the restaurant at The Mill at Sonning.