The Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard – in partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital – has more than just a pinch of fairy dust – it’s straight up magic. [Disclosure: I was a guest of Aqua Shard but all fae references, play sword fights (with silver teaspoons obvs) and repeat visits are very much my own.]
“Their chief food was roasted bread-fruit, yams, coconuts, baked pig, mam- mee-apples, tappa rolls and bananas, washed down with calabashes of poe-poe; but you never exactly knew whether there would be a real meal or just a make-believe, it all depended upon Peter’s whim.” — From ‘Peter and Wendy’ by JM Barrie
It breaks my heart that so many adults think that adulting means no magic in their lives. I agree with Peter Pan – “…even though you want to, just try to never grow up.” I think you should always leave a little room for fairy dust (it’s why so many children get given cool toys that they never actually get to play with because their parents/aunties/grandparents claim them). Speaking of which – the Peter Pan Afternoon Tea is an exquisite combination of childhood delight and adult delicacies.
“Dreams do come true, if only we wish hard enough. You can have anything in life if you will sacrifice everything else for it.” ― Peter Pan
Together we sat, two Kiwis, hanging out on the opposite side of the world. We had London literally at our feet, our very own Neverland (wow, this metaphor has wings – though in our case made of aeronatical aluminum alloy.) We were Lost Boys – Lost Ladies – who over the years have enjoyed dinner parties (mostly grown up versions of food fights featuring swarovski squirrels and lipstick – you had to be there), played all kinds of games (in escape rooms), fought baddies (usually disguised as bosses) and adventured around English castles, Europe and North Africa (sans Jolly Roger).
So it was actually kinda poetic to round out her London chapter with the Peter Pan afternoon tea. We both have over-active imaginations and see the world as if we were Rufius. And dabble in cocktails (though usually gin-based rather than J. M. Barrie’s Absinthe preference.)
“Would you like an adventure now, or would like to have your tea first?” ― Peter Pan
Both? This is the Shard outpost of Neverland, right?
Every single aspect of the tea has been as well thought out as J M Barrie’s intricate novels – and I’m not going to tell you what they are because I don’t want to spoil the surprise. It would be like reading the last page of a book or saying we don’t believe in fairies (sorry Tink – this was for demonstrative reasons only, it doesn’t count.)
And speaking of tea, they’ve two blends especially for this pinky raising; Darling Tea – A blend of black teas from around the world, elegant rose petals, faintly sweet & floral finish, and Adventure Tea – A blend of black tea, sunflower blossoms, mango pieces, ginger, lemon peel & orange peel.
Of course you know which one I selected…
“I suppose it’s like the ticking crocodile, isn’t it? Time is chasing after all of us.” ― Peter Pan
Oh, and I guess the view is a little magical too…
“Never say goodbye because goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting.” ― Peter Pan
Too true. Thank you Aqua Shard, it was wonderful.
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