Found in Fitzrovia, The Academy is one of Bloomsbury's most luxurious, quintessentially British hotels and a natural location for afternoon tea. With a history dating back over 240 years, it fits in beautifully with its Georgian surroundings, which rose in fame with the ascent of The Bloomsbury Set in the early 20th century. It’s no surprise, then, that this hotel is home to a fantastic and refined afternoon tea experience.
Mr Ma’s Afternoon Tea takes its inspiration from the hotel's literary and cultural connections to the Bloomsbury area. But there’s a twist here too, drawing inspiration from the novel Mr Ma and Son. Written by one of the most prominent Chinese authors of the last century, Lao She, the story revolves around Mr Ma and his son as they navigate daily life in London and its struggles. Throughout the novel, their appreciation of tea maintains a connection to their Chinese heritage, providing comfort and solace as they make their way in English society.
For your visit for afternoon tea at The Academy, things will kick off with a selection of afternoon tea sandwiches before proceeding onto classic and fruit scones served with clotted cream and strawberry preserve. You’ll also be in for treats like egg tarts and sesame jian dui dough balls, a variety of petit fours and macaroons.
Naturally, to accompany this selection and reflect the theme, you’ll also encounter a range of quality teas, ranging from classic English breakfast and Earl Grey to jasmine, darjeeling, assam, and rooibos. Plus, if you’re looking to make an occasion out of this Bloomsbury afternoon tea, The Academy also offers the option to spruce up the experience with a glass of Bloomsbury English sparkling wine. Set in a serene Library setting, this non-traditional afternoon tea is brilliantly done and comes in at a remarkably affordable price point.