At Rosewood London’s Mirror Room, Afternoon Tea becomes a narrative experience: drawing inspiration from the works of Charles Dickens and reinterprets them through the lens of contemporary pâtisserie. Set within the softly glowing intimacy of the Mirror Room, this Art Afternoon Tea unfolds like a well-paced novel: thoughtful, immersive, and rich in detail.

The experience begins gently, with a selection of savouries that reflect both tradition and refinement. Each sandwich is precisely composed, offering variety without excess. A prawn tart paired with baby gem lettuce, Marie Rose sauce and a finishing touch of King’s Imperial caviar sets an indulgent tone, while the cucumber and cream cheese roll is lifted with horseradish, lemon zest and beetroot toast and offers freshness and balance.

More traditional flavours follow: egg and mayonnaise with chives and smoked eel on a soft brioche bun adds depth, while roast bronze turkey with coleslaw, pork stuffing and cranberry sauce, served in a milk bun, nods quietly to festive British comfort. 

The arrival of plain and raisin scones then follow, freshly baked in Rosewood’s pastry kitchen. Light and delicately crumbed, they are served warm with Cornish clotted cream, homemade lemon curd, and English strawberry jam, demonstrating of tradition of the experience before moving fully into the artistic heart of the Afternoon Tea.

The transition into sweetness is led by art-inspired pastries, including a refined lemon meringue pie and buttery shortbread biscuit, before the table is presented with the centrepieces: three sculptural sharing cakes inspired by Dickens’ most celebrated works.

Oliver Twist is reimagined through a modern interpretation of the traditional British Queen of Puddings. Moulded into a distinctive twisted form, the cake subtly references the novel while honouring 19th-century dessert heritage. Layers of lemon sponge are paired with lemon thyme custard, raspberry jelly and lemon mousse, finished with a vibrant green glaze and set upon a crisp sable biscuit. 

Drawing from The Old Curiosity Shop, the second cake captures the bustling spirit of Victorian London: A gently spiced gingerbread sponge forms the base, complemented by pear and vanilla jelly and a salted caramel mousse. Resting on a speculoos biscuit, the cake balances warmth and sweetness, echoing the layered complexity of the era it represents.

Completing the trio is A Christmas Carol, inspired by Ebenezer Scrooge and shaped as his iconic top hat. Draped with a deep red scarf and crowned with an edible chocolate candle, the cake evokes festive nostalgia and transformation. Beneath its striking exterior lies a luxurious combination of white chocolate ganache, sour cherry jelly and Manjari chocolate mousse.

Throughout the experience, tea plays a central and defining role. The Rosewood London Signature Tea Blend is particularly noteworthy: a luxurious infusion of premium Darjeeling leaves, often referred to as the 'Champagne of Teas' layered with soft rose petals, elderflower, hibiscus, and a gentle hint of vanilla. The result is a fragrant, delicately floral tea with a creamy finish that mirrors the refinement of the afternoon itself.

By the final sip and last bite, it becomes clear that this is not simply Afternoon Tea: it is storytelling through taste. The Charles Dickens Art Afternoon Tea at the Mirror Room succeeds in blending literature, design, and gastronomy into a seamless whole, offering an experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Like Dickens’ own work, it rewards attention to detail and lingers long after the final chapter has closed.

Please click here for more details and to book Afternoon Tea at The Mirror Room at Rosewood London.