What
To coincide with the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death and Emma Rice’s staging of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Globe Theatre, Swan has launched A Midsummer Night’s Dream themed afternoon tea worthy of the fairy queen herself.
Where
Swan, Shakespeare’s Globe
21 New Globe Walk,
Bankside,
London,
SE1 9DT
Experience
I strolled easterly along the Southbank to Swan restaurant on a sunny Wednesday afternoon to experience a magical Midsummer Night’s Dream themed afternoon tea. I arrived early and was shown to a private room overlooking both the glistening Thames and inside Globe Theatre grounds which has been transformed into a fairyland forest. I knew to expect something very special indeed.
The white clothed tables were decorated with playful crockery designed by illustrator Annika Wester who mimics themes in the play. When other guests had finally arrived we were all served a Love Potion cocktail. The separate potion contained Earl Grey infused gin, honey from the London Honey Co and blackberry puree. I was encouraged to add my potion to a half glass of prosecco and fresh blackberries to create a magical (very boozy) mix.
The menu has been cleverly designed to incorporate the food and characters in Shakespeare’s famous play. I started with a dainty herb fed lemon chicken sandwich with pea flower. Pea flower being the flower from which Oberon’s love potion is squeezed. The filling was rich and creamy. I enjoyed the brioche casing too, although I think the love potion struggled to work its magic.
Afternoon tea is nothing without a good scone. Plain and mulberry scones sat proudly on top of the three tiered tea trays. I picked a mulberry scone remembering how Pyramus and Thisbe agreed to meet under a mulberry tree. My scone was well risen and so light. I covered it in jam and polished it off.
I had to leave earlier than the other guests so I didn’t get to try the other dishes including duck egg mayonnaise sandwiches with asparagus, smoked salmon with grape mustard and a dill pancake, strawberry delice with elderflower meringue, and hibiscus and apricot dessert shots. I was encouraged to take home a dreamy wild mushroom and whipped goats cheese tart which I ate on the way home.
I have organised a work trip to watch A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the end of June and cannot wait to return for an afternoon tea. The entire, very unique, experience was bewitching from start to finish.
When
The tea will be available Monday to Saturday from 11.30am – 3.30pm, and Sundays from 2pm – 3.30pm.
Cost
£24.50
£29.50/£32.50 (with a glass of Prosecco/Champagne)
£33 (with a love potion cocktail)
£39.50 (with 90 minutes of unlimited Prosecco)
Filed under: Food & Drink, London, London
