To celebrate Afternoon Tea Week, I thought I would put together a few products for you to have your own geeky afternoon tea at home. With the rise in popularity of afternoon tea, there are so many great products to chose from. Also as tea parties feature both Alice in Wonderland and Beauty and the Beast, there are some great tea related products based on these franchises available.
Afternoon Tea at Home with a Twist!
Good Food has some great ideas for hosting your own afternoon tea at home, from decorating tips to what to serve. Pinterest is also a great place to search for geekier recipe ideas. In my Pinspiration series, I have featured Stranger Things cupcakes, Hulk cake pops and Captain America cookies. All of these be great for the pastry course of your afternoon tea. Alternatively, you can also look for a macaroon or mini pie recipes.
During an Afternoon Tea, cakes are served on a tiered cake stand. Like the whimsical Alice in Wonderland cake stand from the V&A Museum. Yet, as I discovered when research quirkier teas in London. Hotels are getting more creative with their stands using old records and even books as serving boards. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative the Disney have some cute disposable tiered cake stands. Which come with matching disposable tablecloths and napkins.
The great thing about afternoon tea is there are no hard and fast rules. You could have a matching tea set like this Harry Potter one, or opt for a mismatch of china cups. Taking inspiration from the Mad Hatter’s tea party you could have an ill-sorted collection of plates and cups, and carry this even further with mismatched chairs.
How are you celebrating Afternoon Tea Week?
What themed Afternoon Tea would you like to have?
Let me know in the comments below.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I will earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link.
When researching the post on Fandom Afternoon Teas, I found some other unusual afternoon teas available in London. Something a little different from the traditional teas, versions with an interesting twist. So I thought I would put together another fun list of places that offer a Quirky Afternoon Teas in London.
Quirky Afternoon Teas in London
B Afternoon Tea Bus London Tour
When visiting London, one of the best ways to see is the city in on an iconic red bus! B Bakery has taken this to a whole new level by re-furnishing classic Routemaster Buses into tea rooms! The 90-minute tour passes Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Trafalgar Square. Don’t worry, they serve your tea in a handy travel cup, so you won’t be spilling your drink.
Dominique Ansell Afternoon Tea
Dominique Ansell is the king of quirky desserts. The inventor of the cronut has just started offering an afternoon tea at his Belgravia bakery. The bakery is already an Instagrammers dream. With it’s blossoming Hot Chocolate, iconic cakes and new watermelon soft serve ice cream. In fact, this afternoon tea sounds just as picturesque.
Science Afternoon Tea at the Ampersand Hotel This is a great example of the themed tea, each of the desserts is perfectly designed around a different scientific field. Notably, jelly served in Petri dishes, drinks in test tubes and a chocolate fossil you have to excavate from chocolate “soil.” As the Ampersand Hotel is a short walk from the Science Museum, it would be a great post museum treat!
Glam Rock Afternoon Tea at K West K West has renovated the former BBC recording studios in Shepherd’s Bush, into a luxury boutique hotel and spa. To showcase their musical roots, their afternoon tea includes “Rolling Scones.” And their own special tea blend called “Tea Rex.” Instead of plates, they serve the food on classic album covers.
Not a tea-lover, don’t fret the Park Lane Intercontinental Hotel has you covered with their High Coffee. Like a traditional afternoon tea only served with coffee drinks instead. Start with sandwiches accompanied by an espresso martini, then have a latte with your desserts and finish with a Caffè corretto (coffee with grappa).
The heatwave in London finally broke this weekend, with a day of epic rain. Jason and I originally, planned on having a quiet Sunday at home. Catching up on some financial work and binge-watching the new season of Orange is the New Black. However, on Sunday, a friend messaged us to say he was going to London Film and Comic Con (LFCC) and did we want to join him.
Batmobile @ LFCCStranger Things photo op
London Film and Comic Con
It had been a good few years since I had attended LFCC, last time we went it was still at the old Earl’s Court venue. I think it is probably four times larger than the first time we went over ten years ago. It is great to see LFCC grow in both size and popularity, and thriving at London’s Olympia.
Our friend D, is a huge Doctor Who fan. He booked himself in for several photo-shoots with previous Doctors. He explained to me, that seven of the living Doctors were at LFCC. In fact, as David Bradley played One in “Doctor Falls” episode fans also include him as a Doctor, it was actually eight. It was also the first time Christopher Eccleston had attended a signing convention! And the fans gave him a lot of love!
13
D always has does amazing cosplay! I knew he had previously cosplayed Doctors but had never seen them in person. I was so excited when I saw him dressed as Thirteen! But being D, he was unhappy with this coat and pointed out the faults. Even so, I couldn’t see them.
When we meet up with D, near the autograph signing area. We had a quick beer and catch up. Whilst chatting we shocked to see Peter Davidson walk past. Shortly followed by David Tennant, D and I completely geeked out, but none of us had a chance to take a photo!
iZombie Panel @ LFCC
As it was a last minute decision for us to attend LFCC, we opted not to do any photoshoot or autographs. However, we made a quick decision to attend the iZombie panel. Mainly, we were there to people watch, shop and soak up the atmosphere. As you would expect at a con, there were so many amazing cosplayers in action!
At the start of the year, I listed the five films I was excited about at the first half of 2018, luckily I remembered to update the list for the second half of the year. Whilst for me 2018 was all about seeing Avengers: Infinity War, there are still plenty of interesting movies released later this year.
Of course, it is going to be a little strange not having a new Star Wars movie in December. In recent years, we have started a few traditions around Christmas involving seeing the newest Star Wars movie, a midnight release with friends and then with family on Boxing Day. As a result, of the Solo movie’s May release, we are going to have to find something else to watch instead.
Five Fandom Friday: Five Films I’m excited about in 2018 part 2
Ant-Man and The Wasp (August 3rd)
The end of Avengers: Infinity War left me wanting the next instalment in the MCU. Luckily, we didn’t have to wait too long (Well we had to wait longer in the UK). Whilst I am excited to see the sequel. I am really excited to see Wasp in action (I still get so happy to see decent female superheroes onscreen). At the same time, I want to see how this movie tied into Avengers: Infinity War and that ending!
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (November 16th)
It surprised me how much I loved the first Fantastic Beasts movie. Whilst I loved the idea of heading backing into the Wizard World. I was unsure if it would be the same without Harry Potter and Co. But, J.K. Rowling yet again weaved her magic and I fell in love with a new gang of wizards! Now we get the chance to return to Hogwarts, see a young Dumbledore and hopefully meet some new fantastic beasts!
Venom (October 5th)
This is a weird one, A Venom film without Spider-Man! How would that work? Yes, I do think of Venom as an anti-hero rather than a villain, so I guess he doesn’t need a “hero” in his story. Yet, the Venom origin’s story I know is linked to heavily to Spider-Man. Eddie Brock working at the Daily Prophet with Peter Parker. The Spider-Man rejecting the Symbiote and it finding Brock. It will be interesting to how they re-work this story. Plus it stars Riz Ahmed, so of course, I want to see this film.
Aquaman (December 14th)
I was a little apprehensive about the Aquaman film. not because it is a “World of DC” movie after all Wonder Woman was amazing. The truth is I felt a little seasick watching the underwater scenes in Justice League. And was unsure I could watch a whole movie set underwater. In light of the trailer release at SDCC last weekend, I am now hooked!
Mary Poppins Returns (December 21st)
Mary Poppins is a great film from our childhoods. A classic Disney family movie, memorable songs, magic and dancing penguins! It’s pretty much perfect despite the dodgy cockney accent. This sequel has an amazing cast, notably the brilliant Angela Lansbury and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
We are in the full swing of comic con season. As always the headliner is San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC). Social Media can create awful Con Envy, but can also help us keep up to date with all the fun events happening at Comic-Con. Live blogging via Twitter, streaming in Facebook. Or seeing photos on Instagram can help us stay up to date with what is happening in SDCC. With that in mind here are my highlights from SDCC, from someone who wasn’t there!
Monday Musing: Highlights from SDCC 2018
First off, SDCC started with amazing news! Billed as the 10th Anniversary Star Wars: Clone Wars panel. The Star Wars panel ended with the exciting news that The Clone Wars would be back for the eighth season. Ahsoka is one of my favourite characters, so I loved this news, I can’t wait to see the Clones and Jedi back in action. Soon after the panel, #CloneWarsSaved was trending on Twitter, this was clearly, something the fans wanted.
The other major panel on Day One had to be Doctor Who. This was our first proper look at not only the Thirteenth Doctor but also her new companions. The trailer did give us a sneak peek of them all in action. But it looks like we will have to wait until later in the year to see the first female Doctor in action. I also adored that Jodie Whittaker was the surprise model at the Her Universe fashion show!
What about Marvel?
Marvel scaled back their presences at SDCC this year. There wasn’t a major panel for the MCU movies. Instead, they focused on the television shows, cartoons and comics. The big TV shows like Cloak and Dagger, Legion, and Iron Fist all had individual panels. I was sad to see there wasn’t an Agents of SHIELD panel. As this is one of favourite Marvel shows and I am interested to see which direction the show is heading for in season 6. But, they did share some interesting news, including a new head of SHIELD.
For me, the most interesting panel was the Marvel Animation Presents: Marvel Rising one. Announcing a new cartoon, Marvel Rising. With a new team that includes Quake and Ms Marvel. As well as bring fan favourite’s Ghost-Spider and Squirrel Girl to the small screen. Hopefully, it won’t be too long before we see them on the big screen too!
The World of DC
With Marvel scaling back their panels, it was DC comics time to shine. Their big panels were to promoted all their television shows, movies and DC Universe streaming service. Whilst, there is no news if their new streaming service will be available in the UK. I am really excited about in the new Titans TV series. And Young Justice: Outsiders which will both set to be available in on the service.
Sticking with the DC television programmers, the Arrowverse universe added another hero to its team in the form of Batwoman! Who will feature in the major crossover as well as her own series. The Batwoman TV programme seems to be based on New 52 version of Kathy Kane. The Supergirl television programme, not only deals with topics other shows won’t handle but also deals with them well (I loved Alex’s coming out storyline). I was not surprised to hear, they were introducing the first transgender superhero. And as a result, I can’t wait to see the next season.
Putting the mess of Justice League behind them, the DCEU announced its official name “The Worlds of DC”. Then spoiled us with two amazing trailers for Aquaman and SHAZAM. The stars of Wonder Woman were also there with exclusive footage for the attendees, but nothing new available online. I guess we will have to wait for the official trailer.
Other Highlights
With SDCC lasting four days there were so many fun events happenings. Here are some of the other highlights I loved reading about online this weekend.
The Buffy reboot. I was a huge fan of the original Buffy: The Vampire Slayer programme. And I kind of wish this was a continuation rather than a reboot, but I am excited to see the slayer back on our screens.
It is hard to ignore the toxicity online towards the character of Rose Tico and towards the actor Kelly Marie Tran, from people claiming to be Star Wars fans. So, it was amazing to see such support of the character with a rally at SDCC.
There is an image of the perfect blogger! If you look on Instagram, bloggers build the image of themselves sitting at their IKEA desk, typing away on their laptops producing wonderful content. That is not me! I have never considered myself a “good blogger”. I never update regularly, my posts are often and varied. Whilst I might have the messy hair and live in yoga pants, like a stereotypical blogger. I have always struggled to find a happy blogging schedule. Ultimately, I think of myself as a bad blogger.
This month, I am aiming to focus some time on my blog. I don’t want to do a rebrand but I might have a bit of a re-design if I have time. Instead, I want to focus on sorting out everything behind the scenes. Update my about me page, edit my privacy policy and trying to find a blogging schedule that suits me.
First thing I did this morning was to tackle my drafts! I had over a dozen posts sitting in the draft folder, none of them are ready for me to hit the publish button. It’s not that they are bad posts it’s that they just aren’t quite ready yet and need some extra work, be it photos, graphics or just editing. Of course, that has lead to yet more issues!
To give an example, there are some photos of the Game of Thrones tapestry we saw in Belfast, just waiting for words. Alternatively, the write-up of the Wonder Woman Wrap I knitted which needs photos. The thing is these were posts I planned earlier in the year. And I am wondering if anyone will want in reading these posts now. It has been months after we went to Northern Ireland or after I knitted the shawl (which was a very popular knitting project earlier year).
The oldest post in my drafts folder was one about the evolution of Batgirl, which I wrote in Manila, way back in October 2016! This might not be relevant at the moment, but could be when the Batgirl movie is released! For me, it was a labour of love piece which I hoped to turn into a series. Do I delete it? Or wait until it comes relevant? Or post it now?
The Plan
Next, I figured I would devise a plan of action! Whilst, I will never be the type of blogger who updates regularly, I would like to blog more. I am not suited to updating on a set day or writing a weekly regular series. So I need to find a happy medium. My aim is to focus on set areas and develop content around those sections. Trying to publish twice a week over the summer months. My plan so far involves…
Work on more Geek Girls to London Guides. I have a few ideas for more posts and am hoping to find more inspiration over the summer.
Start a “Knitting Natter” series to write more about my knitting projects. This blog originally started as a knitting blog, I have been knitting more lately and would love to write about my creations.
Complete more of the Five Fandom Friday posts. I joined 5FF very late and so missed so many posts, but I have a list of some of the prompts I’d like to talk about.
Re-start the monthly round-up posts. I used to love doing”currently” updates, but I also like the idea of doing a “monthly must haves” or “things I love this month” type post. So I have to find a way to incorporate these into the blog.
Do you have a blogging schedule or just write when you feel like it?
Do you have any blogging tips to encourage me to write more often?
Is there anything you would like me to write about?
When completing the Road to Infinity War pinspiration posts, I missed out one significant character, Black Panther. So to mark recent the home entertainment release of Black Panther in the UK. I am sharing my favourite Wakanda themed crafts and products.
Pins from Pinterest inspired by Black Panther
Cookies by Afropolitan Mom
The Afropolitan Mom has some amazing recipes inspired by the movie, I am including two of them on my list. First up these, cookies based on the Black Panther mask. The easy step-by-step instructions mean you can easily whisk up a batch for your viewing party.
Cocktails by Afropolitan Mom
Next up also from Afropolitan Mom, is this cocktail. Her interpretation fo the Heart of Wakanda drink from the movie. Whilst this cocktail will not give you the power of the Black Panther, it certainly looks like the drink from the movie. The site also has a Vibranium themed cocktail, which takes its inspiration from the blue in the Black Panther suit.
Knitted Wrap pattern by Jeff Gillies
Whilst watching the movie in the cinema the first time, I immediately became obsessed with Nakia’s green shawl. During the weeks that followed my obsession and that online also grew. With a dedicated Ravelry group and article on Buzzfeed. Jeff Gillies also made the pattern available online, I joined the hundreds of others in casting on this wonderful wrap.
Kimoyo Bracelet by RockLove
All of the costumes in Black Panther were stunning, I adored the mixing of traditional African design with the technically advanced designs from Wakanda. The Kimoyo Bracelets are probably the perfect example of this fusion. The Vibranium beads, carved with traditional glyphs, have many uses in the films including communication devices. RockLove Jewelry has beautiful replica bracelets, complete with a glow-in-the-dark “prime bead.”
Having Afternoon Tea in London is on many people’s bucket list. Traditionally, it was always “Tea at the Ritz.” Although, judging by Instagram posts, Sketch seems to currently be the place to go. With its millennial pink decor and space-aged toilets, you can see why it has become so popular. In London, there is no shortage of places to have afternoon tea, and a lot of them have an interesting twist.
Ordinarily, I might be a coffee drinker. However, that doesn’t stop me from enjoying a good afternoon tea. Whilst traditional afternoon teas are fun, As a fangirl, I love quirky versions. Especially those linked to a fandom, designed around a book or film. With this in mind, here is a list of six afternoon teas I want to try.
Places for Fangirls to have Afternoon Tea in London
Sherlock Holmes Afternoon Tea at the Taj (Not available in May)
The Taj offers several interesting tea experiences, but the one that interests me the most is the Sherlock Holmes themed one. Designed around Arthur Conan Doyle’s books the menu features sandwiches named after Holmes stories. Namely, Hound of Baskerville (Roast beef filling) or The Five Orange Pips ( Smoked salmon and orange flavoured horseradish).
Cutter and Squidge’s The Potion Room Available from the 3rd May to 30th October
This summer, Cutter and Squidge have transformed into “The Potion Room” offering a wizard-based afternoon tea. Even though, the experience isn’t linked to the Harry Potter books or movies. It clearly takes inspiration from the wizarding world and famous witch school. One of the highlights from the menu is the Hubble Bubble drink served in a cauldron.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tea at One Aldwych
When Charlie and the Chocolate Factory returned to the West End stage a few years ago. The nearby hotel One Aldwych designed an afternoon tea based on the classic Roald Dahl novel. Food from the book provides the inspiration for the menu. By creating such delights as bubblegum pannacotta to blueberry cake pops and of course a lot of chocolate!
Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at The Sanderson Available from the 2nd Mayto 26th September
Arguably, one of the most famous tea parties in literature has to be the Mad Hatter’s party in Alice in Wonderland. This summer you too can venture down the rabbit hole at The Sanderson Hotel. Their Alice themed afternoon tea features desserts includes Queen of Hearts cookies or a chessboard gateau.
Theatre Not Afternoon Tea at the OXO Tower
The iconic Oxo Tower on the banks of the River Thames, offers an afternoon tea, with a definite twist. The emphasis is on pairing cocktails and cakes (but they do offer a non-alcoholic version for children). The Theatre Not Afternoon Tea takes its inspiration from not one but several West End stage shows. For example, cakes are inspired by iconic shows including Hamlet, Wicked and the Lion King.
Tale as Old as Time at The Townhouse Sold Out
Finally, the Tale as Old as Time afternoon tea at The Townhouse. Originally created to coincide with the release of the live-action version of Beauty and the Beast. This tea has been incredibly popular, that they are continuing to still offer the experience. Unfortunately, it is currently sold out, although you can sign up for updates via their website.
Avengers Infinity War has now been released, but I never did complete my series of Road to Infinity War pinspiration posts. So for the last character in the series, it is the turn of Spider-Man. Peter Parker’s alter ego has remained a fan favourite for years, due to the reboot movie franchises and animated series. Personally, I am a fan of the 1994 Spider-Man: Animated Series.
Pins from Pinterest inspired by Spider-Man
Spider Web Blanket by AnneM
The Spider-Man’s Web Blanket by AnneM, is an amazing pattern. I am obsessed with knitting patterns that use different construction methods. Which this pattern does, the blanket is knit from the inside out and the “webbing” is added afterwards. Creating a visually stunning blanket.
Candy Apples, always remember me of Bonfire Night. We always ate toffee apples whilst watching the fireworks. I never thought of having them at any time other than in November. But these are seriously cute. I love how Nerdy Mum make eyes from marshmallow to decorate them.
Cross Stitch by Nikki Pattern
I love how this cross stitch used the different shade of thread to add a geometric dimension to the sewn artwork. The different triangles interlock to create a textured effect to Spider-Man’s mask.
Spider-Man Cake by Amanda Cookin
Normally, I have added cupcake or cake pop recipes to these pinspiration posts. However, this Spider-Man cake is fabulous. Amanda’s Cookin has given detailed instructions not only on how to decorate the cake but also to make the oval-shaped cake.
You can see all my Pinspiration posts here, these including more Avengers themed ideas. If you would like to be featured in a future post please contact me.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I will earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link.
During Phase One of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), S.H.I.E.L.D. featured in the storylines. Nick Fury appearing in several of the movies. Natasha Romanoff was a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent working undercover at Stark Industries. Phil Coulson dealt with Tony Stark in both Iron Man movies and S.H.I.E.L.D. tried to secure Mjolnir in Thor. It was it was the presence of the S.H.I.E.L.D. organisation that linked the movies.
During the first season of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., the Marvel movies affect the storylines. They cleaned up the mess in Greenwich after Thor: Dark World. The whole organisation collapsed after Captain America: Winter Soldier. Also, Nick Fury saved Fitz and Simmons in the season finale. There is no denying there was an association between the television programme and the movies.
The second season of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has linked to the Agent Carter TV show but had fewer links to the MCU movies. The movies never mention the characters from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. At the start of Avengers: Age of Ultron, the Avengers are working for S.H.I.E.L.D. hunting down HYDRA weapons. As Phil Coulson is still working for S.H.I.E.L.D. at the time, does that mean they know he is alive? Why do they not address this plot hole?
In the later seasons of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., the link is barely there. There is an appearance by Lady Sif. A newspaper headline mentioning Peggy Carter’s funeral in one episode. Later, several “Inhumans” signed the Sovokvia Accords. Now, the show operators almost separately from the movies.
I felt there were opportunities for crossovers. When writing the Sovokvia Accords, it must have included S.H.I.E.L.D. Why were they not mentioned? Likewise, S.H.I.E.L.D. agents must have helped with the closing The Avengers Tower in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Why didn’t Coulson have a guest appearance then? It will be interesting to see what happens post-Infinity War. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has yet to be renewed for another series. Will the organisation end after this season and the events of Avenger: Infinity War? I can’t wait to find out.
The Defenders
As for Netflix/Marvel TV shows or The Defenders, there is a very loose link to the MCU movies (and other TV shows). It appears more as in passing in conversations, mentioning one of The Avengers or the “Battle of New York”. In the Daredevil, they manage to get reduced rent on their new office because of the incident. Or in Luke Cage, a man selling bootleg copies of the battle on DVD.
But I wonder why they haven’t linked the shows more. Whilst they don’t have to include the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents we know. They could have included someone from the organisation. From the end of the first Captain America movie, we know there is a S.H.I.E.L.D. base in New York. I am sure agents would have investigated a giant hole appearing in Midland Circle. Or at least wanted to question Jessica Jones or Luke Cage after their arrests. Why was this never explored?
In the Netflix/Marvel shows, they are hinting moving towards a Luke Cage and Iron Fist partnership. As seen in the Heroes for Hire comic books. How about a Punisher and Ghost Rider collaboration? This would be a great way to link the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. programme to Netflix programmes.
Similarly, I would love to see Avengers interact with The Defenders. Spider-Man is the obvious character to do the crossover from the movies to television shows. From the comics, he has ties most of The Defenders. Now personally, I like to think of Spider-Man as more a street-level hero. I loved the 1990’s cartoon, one of my favourite storylines was whilst he was working with Daredevil to take down Kingpin. How amazing would this be to see in live action?
Of course, I haven’t even mentioned The Runaways or Inhumans series (because I am not up to date with these programmes). As for the new upcoming shows link Cloak & Dagger. I have no idea if they have connections to the larger MCU, be it movies or television programmes.
The Future?
So what about the future? As I said Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. might not be renewed for another series. Rumour has it Phil Coulson will be appearing in the new Captain Marvel film. As I understand, this film is set in the 1990’s, so a prequel to the stories we know. But will it relate to the programmes? As the movie will also include the Kree, who are in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Will the movie explain where the alien involved in the T.A.H.I.T.I. project came from?
There is no doubt everything is going to be shaken up by Avengers Infinity Wars. The future of the MCU will be very different to the universe we know and love. I am wondering if this shake-up will link the programmes to the movies more or less? Or if the future will be a blank slate to continue the programmes without referencing the movies.
What do you think? Do you like that the Marvel programmes are connected? Do you wish they were more connected? Or do you think they should be separated? Let me know in the comments below.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I will earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link.
The heatwave in London finally broke this weekend, with a day of epic rain. Jason and I originally, planned on having a quiet Sunday at home. Catching up on some financial work and binge-watching the new season of Orange is the New Black. However, on Sunday, a friend messaged us to say he was going to London Film and Comic Con (LFCC) and did we want to join him.
We are in the full swing of comic con season. As always the headliner is San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC). Social Media can create awful 
