Available to guests and non-residents alike, Mr Ma’s Afternoon Tea offers a unique glimpse into the poignant meeting of two cultures that have shaped the colourful district of Bloomsbury. The hotel has partnered with Jing Tea to develop an exclusive blend for The Academy – Mr Ma’s Special Blend is presented in an Asian inspired tea service.

It features a selection of Asian teas such as Jade Sword and Oolong, as well as a collection of English staples. In my humble opinion, like the rest of the hotel, the sophisticated library, designed by New York-based award-winning Champalimaud Design, offers the perfect backdrop for the tea.

Those who like to indulge in a tipple alongside their afternoon tea, can choose a glass of bubbly or a G&T from the gin menu. Eager to be fully alert to enjoy the afternoon tea experience, both Jo and I decided upon non-alcoholic cocktails while we waited for the food to arrive. The fruity sparkling concoction was like a palette cleanser and just the perfect aperitif before we tucked into delectable dishes including ginger and cinnamon scones with Devonshire clotted cream, Chinese egg tarts and Sesame Jian Dui Dough Balls.

If you like Asian-inspired dishes, you will love this afternoon tea with a twist. Personally, the dough balls were a tad too much for my taste buds but the ginger scones went down rather well. So much so we ordered another round. There were also plenty of other bite-sized cakes to nibble on which we took our time tasting while mulling over the collection of books adorning the shelves.

After savouring this alternative afternoon tea, I was intrigued to read Lao She’s novel and was invited to take the book home with me. Eager to start it on the train journey home, I guess I was subconsciously prolonging my afternoon tea experience. Ideally, I would have loved to have sat in the library for the rest of the evening to get totally lost in it.

Mr Ma’s Afternoon Tea at The Academy Hotel – Where and How?

Mr Ma’s Afternoon Tea at The Academy Hotel costs from £25 and is available seven days a week between noon to 6pm. Bloomsbury Sparkling Wine or Gin Afternoon Tea is available for a £10 supplement per person. Rooms at The Academy Hotel start from £300 per night. For more information, visit www.theacademyhotel.co.uk.

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