If you are looking for a unique afternoon tea experience in London with children, this Science Afternoon Tea review will give you a good idea of what to expect.
The Science Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel is one of the most memorable family experiences in the city. Located in South Kensington and inspired by the nearby Science Museum, this themed afternoon tea combines science, food and creativity to create something far more interactive than a traditional afternoon tea.
We have actually done this experience twice. I rarely repeat activities unless they are really good, so the fact that we have gone back again says a lot. Every visit has been just as enjoyable as the first.
Quick Overview
Location
The Ampersand Hotel, South Kensington, London
Nearest Tube Station
South Kensington Underground Station (around a 2 minute walk)
Price
Adults from £64.50
Children £39.50
Best For
Families visiting London, science loving kids, birthday treats, special parent and child experiences
Nearby Attractions
- Science Museum
- Natural History Museum
- Victoria and Albert Museum
Inspired by the Science Museum
The Science Afternoon Tea was created as a tribute to the Science Museum, which is only a short walk away from the hotel.
The menu blends science themes with gastronomy, resulting in playful presentation and creative desserts.
You will find treats served in unusual ways such as:
- Jelly served in Petri dishes
- Planet shaped desserts
- Chocolate spacemen
- Dinosaur themed biscuits
It is one of those experiences where the presentation is just as exciting as the food.
Because it is so close to the Science Museum, it works perfectly as part of a family day out in South Kensington.
Prices
At the time of writing, the Science Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel in South Kensington starts from £64.50 for adults, with upgrade options available if you would like to include sparkling drinks.
Science Afternoon Tea
£64.50 per adult
Science Afternoon Tea with Wild Idol sparkling rosé or Tea Pot Tails
£74.50 per person
Science Afternoon Tea with Charles Heidsieck Champagne Brut
£79.50 per person
Science Afternoon Tea with Charles Heidsieck Champagne Rosé
£84.50 per person
Kids Science Afternoon Tea
£39.50 per child
A discretionary 12.5 percent service charge is added to the bill.
Food Highlights
The menu changes occasionally but the experience usually includes a mixture of savoury bites, freshly baked scones and science themed desserts.
Some highlights include smoked salmon blinis, roast beef brioche and freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam.
The desserts are where the science theme really comes to life. Expect creative treats such as a mandarin jelly served in a petri dish, planet shaped desserts and a chocolate spaceman.
The presentation is playful and imaginative, which makes the whole experience feel fun rather than formal.
Kids Afternoon Tea
One thing I really appreciate about this experience is that the children’s menu is very child friendly.
As most parents know, children can be very picky eaters, but the options here are familiar enough that most children will happily try them.
The children’s afternoon tea includes simple options such as mini hot dogs, jam sandwiches and cheese straws along with sweet treats like jelly and dinosaur themed biscuits. My daughter practically ate everything, which is quite rare when we eat out.
Why Kids Love It
This afternoon tea feels more like an activity than just a meal.
The science theme makes everything more exciting for children. The desserts are shaped like planets, dinosaurs and spacemen, and the presentation makes the experience feel interactive and fun. If your child enjoys science, space or dinosaurs, they will absolutely love this.
Location
The Ampersand Hotel, 10 Harrington Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 3ER.
Nearest tube station: South Kensington Underground Station
The station is around a two minute walk from the hotel.
The location is perfect for families because it sits right next to some of London’s most popular museums including the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Our Review
In this Science Afternoon Tea review, we can honestly say this is one of the most creative afternoon teas we have tried in London. For us to visit more than once shows how much we enjoyed it. The combination of themed presentation, good food and interactive elements makes it a really fun experience for families.
It manages to feel exciting for children while still feeling like a proper afternoon tea experience for adults.
Final Thoughts
The Science Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel is perfect for families visiting London.
It works well for birthday treats, special occasions or simply creating a memorable day out with your child. Experiences like this become lovely shared memories and if your child enjoys science themed activities they will almost certainly love this.
If you are interested in another themed afternoon tea at the same hotel, you can also read my review of the Jurassic Afternoon Tea which is also hosted at The Ampersand Hotel.
