Located amongst the hustle and bustle of London’s Southbank, in the iconic Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Swan London is an all-day British bar and restaurant, boasting impressive views over the River Thames and St Paul’s Cathedral.
At The Swan London, enjoying the classic British pastime of afternoon tea is a long-held tradition, and here the team enjoy using literature and plays as inspiration to theme the changing menus, in delicacies that pay homage to some of the world’s greatest playwrights. Expect ever-changing menus that take inspiration from John Webster's 17th-century play The Duchess of Malfi or the Bard’s beloved Romeo and Juliet, with bespoke cakes and cocktails that tell a story with each bite.
Here, you’ll find a bright dining room that’s flooded with natural lighting and showcasing idyllic riverside views. Take a seat on plush seating, and embrace this historical location, whilst tucking into tiered stands of cakes, scones and sarnies, all washed down with teas, or a selection of frizz - your choice. It’s the perfect spot for relaxing and refueling whilst taking in the views of the city.
First, kick things off with custom cocktails, or a glass of sparkling wine such as Rathfinny English sparkling or Deutz Brut-Classic Champagne. Onto the savoury selection, expect classic sarnies and seasonally-changing tartlets, followed by plain or fruit scones served up with clotted cream and jam. Finally, delve into a selection of vibrant and colourful sweet treats that look almost too good to eat.
Something that really stands out about the afternoon teas here is how flexible and accommodating the team are happy to be. As well as the classic menu they offer gluten-free, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian and savoury only options. As if you needed any more reason to give this place a try, you’ll be pleased to hear that every time you purchase afternoon tea here, a portion will be donated to help support the Globe.