NACHO AVERAGE: VIRGIN ATLANTIC SERVES UP FIERY AFTERNOON TEA-QUILA IN LONDON

Virgin Atlantic is turning up the heat this Afternoon Tea Week with a fusion of the classic British tradition and cuisine from its newest destination – Cancun, Mexico – to form a fiery and flavoursome ‘Afternoon Tea-quila’ experience at Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch
Running from 11th – 24th August 1pm- 4pm, guests can indulge in a vibrant, Mexican-inspired afternoon tea that celebrates the airline’s brand new route which launches in October 2025
Crafted by Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch Executive Chef Barry Vera, the menu includes playful dishes such as a watermelon and steak ‘fruitwich’ – juicy, savoury, and surprisingly refreshing, grilled strawberry burritos, playfully punchy tequila chilli macarons, and cheddar & seriously indulgent jalapeño scones topped with sticky short rib. Lavish cocktails round out the offering – including the Earl-garita, an Earl Grey–inspired margarita theatrically served from a glass teapot into teacups, with fragrant steam and a bergamot-salt rim
Packages include alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, plus the chance to bag up to 65% off a Virgin Atlantic Holidays package to Cancun
Whether you’re a foodie flyer or just looking to spice up your summer, the Afternoon Tea-quila promises a taste of Mexico with every tier

When: Monday 11th August to Sunday 24th August from 1pm – 4pm

Where: Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch, 45 Curtain Rd, London, EC2A 3PT

Booking: Bookable here

Getting here: Nearest tube stations: Old Street, Shoreditch High Street, Liverpool Street

Virgin Atlantic’s Afternoon Tea-quila lands in London this August, celebrating the airline’s new three times weekly route to Cancun which commences on 19 October.

Virgin Atlantic puts a spicy spin on a British tradition with the launch of a new fiesta-fuelled Afternoon Tea-quila to celebrate its new route to Cancun. In collaboration with Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch, the menu is inspired by the flavours and destinations of Mexico including a Strawburrito and The Finger Fruitwich.
Photographer: Tom Harrison
Inspired by its iconic *Mile High Tea* – a modern take on British afternoon tea served at 38,000 feet – Virgin Atlantic is inviting guests to chip, sip and dip into a world of bold flavours, all served with a Mexican twist. Think earl grey margaritas aka Earl-garitas, Bone Voyage Tacos made with sizzling bone marrow and prawns, the Mexi-Scones, a cheddar and jalapeño scone smothered in sticky short rib and much, much more *(full menu available below)*.

Created by Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch Executive Chef Barry Vera, the Afternoon Tea-quila is a daring reimagination of classic tea time favourites, infused with tequila, chilli, lime and more than a little flair. The experience is priced at £49.50 per person, with guests able to upgrade to a cocktail pairing menu, featuring three tequila-inspired cocktails for an additional £35.00 per person.

Even better? Guests can save up to 65% off trips to Cancun when they book packages during the experience.

Those unable to book the Afternoon Tea-quila, will still be able to get a taste of Mexico and expert holiday tips in Virgin Atlantic Holidays stores, with mini bottles of PATRÓN EL ALTO, a unique blend of PATRÓN Extra Añejo, Añejo and Reposado tequilas, available to all who book a trip to Cancun in selected stores* from 11 – 24 August.

To find out more or book your taste of Mexico, visit here. Follow Virgin Atlantic on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

*Participating Virgin Atlantic Holidays stores: