The Magic of Afternoon Tea

The Magic of Afternoon Tea is running at Do Not Disturb, the candlelit speakeasy tucked beneath the Vintry & Mercer hotel at 19-20 Garlick Hill, a short walk from Mansion House station. It's a magic-themed take on the traditional afternoon tea, which the hotel describes as a journey of 'gastronomic sorcery and spell making' that mixes the usual spread with sleight of hand and showmanship. The whole thing is set in the moody, low-lit atmosphere of the basement bar, so it's less about a bright tea room and more about a hidden, candlelit corner of the City.

The magic starts before you've even eaten: you're handed a UV torch to reveal mythical creatures hidden in the menu. When the tea arrives, it comes on two golden stands enveloped in dry ice, with savouries, scones and six desserts inspired by magic tales. Adults go for the Magical Afternoon Tea, while children have the Wizard's Tea, which includes a Hocus Pocus Elixir of pea tea, apple shrub and elderflower served in test-tube bottles, and a Box of Bones chocolate soil with a miniature shovel to dig for surprises. Teapot-served cocktails round off the sitting.

It runs Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00pm to 5:00pm, and is also served on bank holidays and during school holidays — 26-30 October and 23 December to 5 January, except Christmas Day. The base price is £49.50 per person, or £64.50 with a glass of Charles Heidsieck Brut NV, £59.50 with a non-alcoholic Magical Tea Pot Tail, and £69.50 with a glass of Charles Heidsieck Champagne Rosé. The kids' menu is £37.50 per child.