A Spellbinding Afternoon at Vintry & Mercer’s Magic of Afternoon Tea

In September, I had the pleasure of visiting Vintry & Mercer’s Magic of Afternoon Tea with my mum and sister (plus my newborn twins). It was their first UK afternoon tea and they found it absolutely magical! Nestled in the heart of the City, Vintry & Mercer have truly outdone themselves with a whimsical, Halloween-inspired twist on the classic British tradition.

Hosted in the hotel’s stylish underground speakeasy, Do Not Disturb, the setting immediately set the tone… moody, mysterious, and delightfully enchanting. Every detail was carefully thought out, from the atmospheric lighting to the magical presentation of the dishes. The menu even has a spark of magic to it as it glows in the dark!

The selection was both creative and indulgent. Savoury highlights included a twist on the classic Sunday roast (roast beef, horseradish, and gravy served in a mini Yorkshire pudding) and a perfectly fluffy truffled egg mayonnaise brioche bun. These were definitely my favourites, though my sister loved the coronation chicken brioche bun. And luckily you can ask for a refill of the savoury options Of course, no afternoon tea is complete without scones, and Vintry & Mercer delivered beautifully baked plain and raisin ones with the essential Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam. It was really lovely of them to just give us plain scones as well as none of us are huge fans of fruit scones.

Then came the real showstoppers… the sweet treats. Each was like something straight out of a fantasy novel. The Excalibur, a white chocolate and mango cheesecake presented with dry ice, made for a dramatic entrance. The Blood Moon mousse and the adorable Witch’s Owl macaroon were almost too pretty to eat, while the playful Box of Bones… complete with chocolate soil and a tiny shovel added a fun, interactive twist.

We weren’t as big of a fan of the drinks when we sampled a couple of the signature cocktails, including the Witches Brew and Mystic Orb. The theatrics were great with them but they were quite strong for our likings. Luckily there’s champagne or for those preferring something softer, the tea and mocktail options were equally impressive, with the Magical Tea Pot Tails selection offering fragrant and creative blends.

It’s worth noting that there’s also a Wizards Tea for younger guests, featuring charming kid-friendly versions of the same magical creations… making this a perfect family outing. We loved watching a couple of the kids there be absolutely mesmerised making their own “potion” and seeing the theatrics. It was really cute.

From start to finish, the service was impeccable, and the attention to detail truly made it a memorable afternoon. My mum and sister couldn’t have asked for a more magical introduction to the tradition of British afternoon tea and I couldn’t have chosen a better place to share it with them.

Vintry & Mercer’s Magic of Afternoon Tea is a must for anyone looking to celebrate the season in style, whether you’re a wizard at heart or simply love a touch of theatrical indulgence.

Vintry & Mercer, 20 Garlick Hill, London EC4V 2AU

Available Saturdays & Sundays, 12–5pm

vintryandmercer.com | @vintryandmercer