Afternoon tea that’s a touch Shakespearean!

A flying visit over to London isn’t complete without squeezing in an afternoon tea. Last week, I booked myself into the Taj 51, just a short stroll from Buckingham Palace (yes, very posh, and no, I didn’t wave to the king).

The theme was A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the website photos promised something spectacular. I’m a sucker for a good theme, especially when it involves a bit of mystery and theatre, and the Taj 51 delivered on both counts.

Of course, the patisserie was top-notch, but what really wins me over is the theatre of the whole affair. A Midsummer Night’s Dream has it all: drama, intrigue, and just enough ceremony to make you sit up a little straighter.

The menu arrived in the form of a storybook, complete with nods to Shakespeare’s play. Things kicked off with a dainty appetiser: a violet-infused moelleux. Normally, these little cakes are made with chocolate and hide a gooey centre, but this one was light as air and set the tone beautifully.

Then came Puck’s Mischief, a mini bourbon cocktail presented in a jewelled perfume bottle alongside a tiny glass. Adarsh, my host, poured the drink like some character in a period drama.

The sandwiches were faultless, the pastries exquisitely crafted, and the scones could easily have been served to the queen herself (or the king, as the times now dictate).

My second cocktail was a colour-changing gin creation in a tulip-shaped glass. Theatrics? Absolutely. Did I love it? Every sip.

Best afternoon tea so far? Tough call. It’s neck and neck with Fortnum & Mason and the Rosewood Hotel. What set the Taj 51 apart was the setting. The room was dedicated entirely to afternoon tea, with soft classical music, muted voices, and art that was clearly chosen with care. The pace was unhurried, and Adarsh (I do hope I’ve remembered the name correctly) was a superb host, knowledgeable without ever being intrusive. My expectations were high, and they were met with ease.

If you’re looking to treat yourself, my top four London afternoon tea spots are: Cakes & Bubbles on Regent Street (don’t miss the ‘cheesecake’), Fortnum & Mason in Piccadilly (where a tea sommelier matches your brew to the menu), Rosewood Hotel in High Holborn (ever-changing art collaborations make it extra special), and of course the Taj 51 (technically called the Kona Afternoon Tea) for the perfect blend of atmosphere, service, and indulgence.

Next trip, I’m eyeing the Jasmine Afternoon Tea at Taj 51, which looks equally divine. And before you ask, no, it isn’t cheap.

But for 90 minutes of bliss, I’m more than happy to justify it. In London, I usually go solo, so I can focus entirely on the experience without getting caught up in conversation. Back in Cork, though, I wouldn’t dream of going without my friend Judy, it’s quietly become our little ritual. Cork has also some beautiful places for afternoon tea and my top three would be Montenotte Hotel, Metropole Hotel and Hayfield Manor.