If you’re on the lookout for an afternoon tea with a difference, we have  swashbuckling experience that will mark the X on the map in your quest!

This comes in the form of the Columbia bar & restaurant who are offering a pirate themed afternoon tea.

Whilst there is an absence of rum, parrots and scurvy, what they do have is a fabulous array of cakes and sandwiches all to be washed down with a delicious serving of prosecco- this is pirates the classy way.

We were lucky enough to review this tea, and so headed down to the Hotel. Just a short ferry ride from Canary Wharf or a quick bus ride from Canada Water station it is easy to get to. The interior of the restaurant is modern, eclectic and chic, with views of the Thames just beyond the window. We were sat in the Library Bar, a slight separate part of the restaurant and it was cosy, intimate and felt just like home. Our table was next to a roaring fire and as we sat there sipping our tea and listening to the soft crackling of flames, it was easy to forget we were in the throes of London’s dockside.

We were offered an array of different teas, though my partner and I both opted for traditional English breakfast tea. This was brought over promptly and additional hot water and milk was delivered just in case we needed it.

An array of sandwiches were brought over on a wooden board- Ham and mustard, cheese and pickle and salmon & cucumber. Simple, classic and delicious choices, they did not disappoint. However the true highlight of the tea was the cakes and pastries, thanks to them being delivered in a Pirate themed chest! The grand reveal showed a vast selection of cakes immersed in treasure, playing a fabulous homage to the theme. A mixture of scones and fresh cream and a selection of cakes were all delicious. Full of flavour, soft and fresh, they were perfect to follow on from the sandwiches.

The afternoon tea is available at the Columbia Restaurant, Bar & Terrace (which is based in the DoubleTree Docklands Riverside Docklands hotel) via a free ferry ride from Canary Wharf pier.

 The tea is priced at £24.95 and you can see more details here.

 265 Rotherhithe Street
London
SE16 5HW
United Kingdom
TEL: +44-207-231-1001