As someone who loves exploring unique and historical venues (and indulging in traditional afternoon tea!), I recently had the pleasure of experiencing afternoon tea at the Cutty Sark.
The iconic 19th-century tea clipper, now a museum, offers a truly memorable setting for indulging in one of Britain’s most beloved traditions.
Dining beneath a historical boat
As the fastest ship of its time, the Cutty Sark is a marvel of maritime history, and stepping onboard really feels like a journey back in time. The famed British clipper ship, which once visited every major world port, now resides on the shore of the river Thames in Greenwich, displaying the vessel’s rich maritime history for all to see.
First impressions are everything, and it’s clear to see how beautifully preserved the ship is, with its gleaming copper hull and intricate rigging. The afternoon tea is served directly beneath the iconic hull, situated in the lower hold where the ship’s cargo was one stored, making it worlds away from any of the tea rooms I’ve been to before.
The ambience was both cosy and grand, with the wooden beams and nautical decor creating an atmosphere that you won’t find in a typical tea room.
The afternoon tea experience
The tables are elegantly set with fine china and silverware, which adds a touch of sophistication to the overall experience, without feeling too pretentious. The menu offers a large selection of teas, from the classic English Breakfast tea to more exotic blends like Earl Grey and Darjeeling. I opted for the classic English Breakfast tea with oat milk, which was perfectly brewed and softly fragrant.
I think there’s something really special about sipping tea on the world’s only surviving tea clipper!
Sumptuous sweets and savoury delights
The food is of course the highlight of any afternoon tea. The tiered stand arrived with an array of delicious sweet and savoury treats. The finger sandwiches were soft and fresh, with fillings such as British egg mayonnaise and mustard cress, Wiltshire cured ham and mature cheddar cheese and smoked mackerel and dill pate. The scones were served warm and crumbly, and I topped them with clotted cream and my favourite Tiptree jam – THE best (and only) right way to eat them of course…
The pastries and cakes were equally impressive. From the delicate macarons to the miniature Victoria sponge, each bite was a delight. My personal favourite was the lemon drizzle cake which was moist and deliciously zesty, and I’m still thinking about now.
To toast to the occasion we also added a glass of prosecco to the afternoon tea experience, and spent our time relaxing in the historical charm of the ship.
The ticket price also includes admission to the Cutty Sark, to explore at your leisure before or after having afternoon tea.
Don’t miss your chance to enjoy a memorable and unique afternoon tea in London – book tickets for the Cutty Sark afternoon tea now.