HIDDEN beneath the elegant Vintry & Mercer hotel in the City lies Do Not Disturb, a candlelit speakeasy that sets the stage for an afternoon unlike any other. Their new Magic of Afternoon Tea is a spellbinding mix of whimsy, theatre, and indulgence, and from the moment we arrived, the magic began.
The experience opened with the Hocus Pocus Elixir, and it was pure potion-making fun. Presented in a set of tiny test-tube-like bottles and a round glass mixer topped with a cork, we poured, swirled, and watched as the liquid changed colour before our eyes. The light, refreshing blend of pea tea, apple shrub and elderflower, with a touch of edible glitter is then served in petite glasses. It was the perfect prelude to the enchantment ahead.
Magic of Afternoon Tea at Do Not Disturb, Vintry & Mercer
Next, we were served the Box of Bones, a playful pot of chocolate soil and edible bones, complete with a miniature shovel to dig for hidden surprises. It was a delightful, hands-on treat that made us grin before the main event had even begun.
Then came the grand arrival of the afternoon tea stand, enveloped in clouds of dry ice as it was set down — a magical theatrical moment that made the whole table gasp.
The savouries quickly became my highlight: the roast beef and horseradish in a Yorkshire pudding with gravy was wonderfully hearty, while the truffled egg mayonnaise in a brioche bun was irresistibly creamy and rich. The smoked salmon with herb cream cheese and coronation chicken vol-au-vent rounded out the perfect selection.
Warm, buttery scones followed, classic, simple, and just as they should be, paired with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam.
Finally, the pastries took the spotlight: the Excalibur white chocolate and mango cheesecake, the Blood Moon mousse with its raspberry and grenadine notes, and the Book of Spells chocolate opera cake were all as delicious as they were beautiful.
Magic of Afternoon Tea at Do Not Disturb, Vintry & Mercer
We chose the Magical Tea Pot Tails to accompany it all, a creative trio of teapot-served cocktails that added another layer of playfulness to an already imaginative experience.
If you’re looking for a touch of fantasy with your afternoon tea, The Magic of Afternoon Tea at Vintry & Mercer is an absolute must. It’s immersive, elegant, and brimming with surprises from start to finish.
Available for a limited time only, from 26th October to 3rd November, and again from 23rd December to 5th January (excluding Christmas Day), between 12pm and 5pm.
by Vivian Hui
Vintry & Mercer, 20 Garlick Hill, London EC4V 2AU
From £49.50 per adult | £37.50 per child
Book your magical experience at vintryandmercer.com