London has its fair share of delightfully delicious afternoon teas; from The Palm Court at The Ritz to the fashion favourite Pret a Portea at The Berkeley, we’re spoilt for choice. However once in a while one comes along that’s a little different from the norm and tickles the tastebuds in unexpected ways.

Soho bakery Cutter & Squidge has done just that, with the introduction of its Genie’s Cave Afternoon Tea, already so popular its offering has been extended to January.

Upon arrival visitors descend into another world, leaving the bright, airy bakery behind for a seat downstairs, in the Genie’s Cave, resplendent with glittering carpet, gold tables and chairs and walls lined with treasure and jewels. It really is like a grown up version of Aladdin’s Cave, with better food.

The tea is different to any other in London in that its been inspired by the flavours of Persia, so while there will be sandwiches and cakes aplenty, you won’t find these recipes anywhere else. It begins with a heavenly concoction of pomegranate, raspberry and mint pashmak - a Persian candyfloss - served with yoghurt and berries, topped with a merigue and tasting like heaven in a bowl. Finger sandwiches feature cucumber and fresh mint, a tangy coronation chicken and cheese with tomato jam, before the savoury treats, including minature vegetable tarts, savoury raosted pepper and feta cheese scone swirls and tiny little puffy golden cheese clouds, tangy and sweet and accompanied with a lush pot of chutney.

The sweet treats are a whole new world (sorry…) - a raspberry and rose tart, the perfect flavour duo, sprinkled with pistachio ‘emeralds’. A peanut butter and jam macaron, cookies in the shape of magic carpets and a slice of ruby dream cake, layered vanilla sponge with an absolutely heavenly strawberry filling, topped with orang glaze and a jelly ruby. The piece de resistance is one of their signature Biskies, a double biscuit delight with a delicious gooey centre, chocolate a-plenty with a Speculoos pearl to finish. Your eyes will most certainyl be bigger than your belly, but thanksfully there’s a plentiful array of delicious teas to wash it all down, served in magical Genie’s Lamp style teapots.

The Genie’s Cave Afternoon tea is packed full of Persian flavour and set in a beautiful atmosphere. It would be all too easy for such a novelty theme to slip into cheesy, but this is one afternoon tea that really takes the biscuit.

Cutter & Squidge

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