Last Updated on July 29, 2025
Family-Friendly Afternoon Tea in London: Dinosaurs, Dry Ice and Delicious Fun at The Ampersand Hotel
5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Tucked away in leafy South Kensington, just a short wander from the Natural History and Science Museums, The Ampersand Hotel has quietly mastered the art of turning teatime into a theatrical event. And if you’re wondering how to keep your little ones entertained this summer, I may have just the thing. Their themed children’s afternoon teas – Jurassic or Science – are anything but ordinary, combining storytelling, spectacle, and just the right amount of sugar to keep everyone (adults included) thoroughly engaged.
My eight-year-old dining companion, Shay, chose the full lab coat-and-lava-lamp science experience, and what followed was a playful, exquisitely constructed tea that gleefully rewrites the rulebook. Think gastronomy meets chemistry, with a dash of physics and a flourish of theatrical meets science alchemy. There were bubbling beakers, billowing clouds of dry ice, and wide-eyed wonder from Shay at every turn – the perfect way to wind down after a day of museum-hopping or adventuring through Jurassic World: The Experience across the river in Battersea.
Afternoon tea at this lovely boutique hotel is served in a plush, intimate space where Victorian elegance meets playful modern design. Jewel-toned chairs in rich reds and turquoise sit alongside mirrored tabletops that catch the light, while soft, patterned carpets add warmth underfoot. Sunlight floods through original sash windows, casting a gentle glow that adds just the right touch of theatre to the experience.
We settled in comfortably and were presented with the menu – rest assured, this tea is cleverly designed with the whole family in mind. There are menus to suit everyone – from curious kids to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free guests – all thoughtfully catered for. Grown-ups can add a touch of sparkle with a glass of Charles Heidsieck Brut NV, rosé Champagne, or a pour of Wild Idol’s alcohol-free sparkling rosé. And of course, there’s a pot of tea (or two) in the mix.
I began with a glass of Charles Heidsieck Brut NV, the perfect way to set the tone, while Shay was presented with a deconstructed hot chocolate that was as playful as it was indulgent. A steaming mug of rich, velvety milk sat invitingly before him, accompanied by a chocolate spaceman perched on a stick, just waiting to be dunked. On the side, a scattering of mini marshmallows and glossy chocolate pearls added a sprinkle of whimsy. With great delight, Shay set about crafting his own creation, dipping and swirling, and making a lovely mess!
Next, the science kicked in with beakers and tubes of vibrant strawberry and passionfruit presses, along with a sachet to add the fizz, allowing Shay to craft two distinct lemonade flavours. It was pure, hands-on fun – turning simple drinks into a playful experiment.
Then the tea trays arrived – what an incredible feast, and so beautifully executed. Mine was set with delicate savouries: dinky salmon and cream cheese blinis, a brioche roll filled with thin slices of roast beef, crisp cress, and tangy cornichons, alongside a tasty mini quiche. The must-have homemade fluffy scones, accompanied by rich Cornish clotted cream and preserves, were divine. I especially loved the homemade lemon curd, which came in a squeezable tube for added fun.
The cakes were simply irresistible: a raspberry and peach macaroon, a Dulcey chocolate and blackberry tartlet, and a mandarin and redcurrant petit dish, alongside the lightest mango, pistachio, and almond mooncake that I could happily eat on repeat.
But the kids’ tea was even more spectacular – presented on a red rocket tiered tray, complete with a dramatic cloud of dry ice. It was piled high with a child-friendly dinosaur cheese sandwich – staff kindly swapped the usual jam for cheese at our request – a rocket-shaped cheese straw, and a mini hot dog. The scones came with extra toppings, cleverly served in science lab tubes for a playful twist. The sweets had Shay wide-eyed: an orange and strawberry jelly, a chocolate lollipop resembling a planet on a stick, and the highlight – a dinosaur tin filled with chocolate dinosaurs hidden in ‘chocolate soil,’ just waiting to be excavated.
I enjoyed a steaming pot of Jing Organic Yunnan tea – a needle-style brew with delicate floral notes and a wonderfully soft texture. The service was seamless: friendly, attentive, and always ready with a fresh pot.
Just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, we were offered their caramel ice cream, made in the dining room with liquid nitrogen for all to see, a treat we couldn’t resist. It was utterly delicious and the perfect finale to a fantastic tea experience. We had a brilliant time, and with such incredible food and thoughtful touches, this is truly a tea designed to delight the whole family.
Address: 10 Harrington Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 3ER
Phone: 020 7589 5895
https://ampersandhotel.com
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