A Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard

Ma and Pa Lee love an afternoon tea. Pa Lee in particular has a sweet tooth. So it was the perfect treat for their golden wedding anniversary. Time to take a very special, Peter Pan themed afternoon tea at Aqua Shard, London. Thankfully we didn’t have to make wishes to fly or sprinkle fairy dust to reach the restaurant – a regular lift took care of our 31 floor ascent to Neverland.

I looked at A LOT of afternoon teas in London. As a golden wedding anniversary gift, we wanted our afternoon tea to be a little bit special. But we knew that Ma and Pa Lee wouldn’t want us to break the bank to do it. I’m not gonna lie – I didn’t want to break the bank to do it. But Aqua Shard ticked a lot of boxes including views across the city, a touch of fairytale nostalgia and a spectacular, magical display.

At £52 per person it’s certainly not a budget option, but there are also a lot more expensive London afternoon teas out there. A glass of Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label is an additional £19; Veuve Cliquot rose is £28. A £2 donation to Great Ormond Street Hospital is made from each afternoon tea; J.M Barrie actually gifted the copyright of Peter Pan to the hospital in 1929 so they could continue to benefit.

The Aqua Shard Experience

Aqua Shard is one of five restaurants located in the 95-storey skyscraper. There is a dedicated entrance on St Thomas Street for Aqua Shard and Oblix, the two restaurants sharing a super-speedy lift which shoots you direct to the 32nd floor.

We descend a staircase to the 31st floor, where we are greeted and seated. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows and strategically placed mirrors give a sweeping view of the city skyline. We’re seated at a semi-circular banquette overlooking Tower Bridge, Tower of London and the River Thames.

The Afternoon Tea

Ma Lee, Pa Lee and Mr Fletche controversially select coffee to go with their afternoon tea. I’m more of a traditionalist, although I select the bespoke Adventure Tea, an exotic fusion with notes of mango, ginger, lemon and orange peel. There are two specially curated Peter Pan themed cocktails, an alcoholic (£16) or a non-alcoholic version (£6.50) are available.

The afternoon tea menu is inspired by J M Barrie’s much-loved characters. Our savoury course is delivered to the table. Even the plates are adorned with Peter Pan illustrations; it’s almost a shame to cover them with food. But we do.

Savoury and Sandwiches

A chicken and bacon mayonnaise sandwich on the softest white bread is wrapped in packaging reminding us of the Lost Boys Rules. No talking to pirates. Believe in fairies. Think happy thoughts. Never grow up. I think I can follow those easily. I give away my egg mayo sandwich – not even Peter Pan can convince me that egg mayo is not the filling of villains. There’s a vibrant red cod croquette, and a mushroom brioche chimney. The favourite of the table though, without doubt, is the “baked pig”, a variation of the sausage roll wrapped in crisp delicate puff pastry.

Savouries, well, savoured, it’s time for the eagerly anticipated main event. We are presented with Captain Hook’s pirate ship, an impressive vessel for the sweet element of our afternoon tea. For the full theatrical experience, clouds of dry ice waft from the hull, making the ship appear as if it is floating on a cloud.

Sweet Treats

Warm, freshly baked scones are hidden in a treasure chest. There’s a selection of jams, apple puree and coconut clotted cream. The scones are small and light enough not to be too stodgy. A crocodile gummy swims in a shot glass of raspberry and rooibos tea jelly (which tastes like the filling of a jam tart). Tinker Bell is immortalised in the form of a white iced biscuit, sprinkled with fairy dust. Chocolate sponge encases dark chocolate mousse, raspberry jam and ganache – an indulgently rich swiss roll. And a lime-green sponge, dusted with desiccated coconut is a perfectly edible version of the cake that Captain Hook sent to poison children.

You can view the full Peter Pan Afternoon Tea menu here.

The level of detail and storytelling woven through the entire experience is second-to-none. The Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard London is perfect for kids of all ages.

How to find Aqua Shard

Second star to the right, and straight on til morning. Or, Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY. The nearest station is London Bridge. For full details and to book, visit Aqua Shard.