If you’ve ever wandered through the Natural History Museum's vast halls and found yourself suddenly craving dainty finger food and copious amounts of tea, then you’re in luck. Diners can march themselves straight to the museum's Anning Rooms – a restaurant and lounge area that’s usually only reserved for members and patrons – to indulge in the British affair.
The Natural History Museum's Inspired by Nature afternoon tea is, of course, inspired by the natural world, with all produce sourced from British farmers and growers. It’s created by the chefs at Benugo – a British catering company and cafe chain that serves coffee and homemade food.
The afternoon tea kicks off with an assortment of classic finger sandwiches, including egg mayonnaise with shallot and mustard cress on a brioche roll; Coronation chicken with spinach and mango chutney mayonnaise on wholemeal bread; and smoked mackerel and dill pate on basil bread.
Both plain and Earl Grey-soaked sultana scones bridge the gap between the savoury and sweet courses, and are served with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam. When it comes to cakes, sweet treats include a dinosaur footprint macaron, an Ammonite cookie, sweet pea and lemon cake and an ‘Earth’ pot with raspberry and chocolate.
You can wash down the affair with a selection of nine loose leaf teas, including English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Oriental Sencha, Ginger and Lemon, and Rooibos and Orange, amongst others.
Plant-based eaters can instead select the vegan afternoon tea option, which includes things like marinated carrot, Crematta and dill brioche rolls, and a raspberry and cannellini drizzle cake.
Afternoon tea at the Natural History Museum is available from Wednesday to Sunday, with two sittings to choose from (12pm or 3pm).