A Harry Potter-inspired afternoon tea is coming to Norwich and it looks so good its riddikulus. If your acceptance letter to Hogwarts got lost in the owl post, head to The Assembly House where you can expecto be impressed.
There's a spellbinding new afternoon tea for wizards-in-the-making as The Assembly House in Norwich launches a Harry Potter-inspired tea complete with chocolate wands, sorting hat cakes with secret coloured centres and 'Philosopher's' Scones.
The School of Magic Afternoon Tea has been created by Swiss-trained former West End patissier Mark Mitson and his team and will see guests tucking into an afternoon tea spread of sweet and savoury treats with an enchanting theme.
Tea-takers are being encouraged to dress up for the occasion and the city centre venue will also be welcoming another showstopping cake from Great British Bake Off contestant Kate Barmby to create a 'selfie station' in the Grand Hall where people can pose for photographs with a magical cake.
Last summer, The Assembly House's Rainbow Unicorn Afternoon Tea welcomed more than 3,000 people through the doors to enjoy a colourful themed tea and the Georgian building has also hosted a host of other themed teas, including Halloween, Christmas, The Royal Wedding and Easter.
'We are famous for our afternoon teas but we were keen to try something new,' said chef director of The Assembly House, Richard Hughes, 'last year's Rainbow Unicorn tea sold-out and we had waiting lists. This year, we had more than 3,000 bookings before we even unveiled what the tea would look like.
'Afternoon tea is a treat, a luxury and we try and make it an experience to remember. In London, teas like ours would cost twice the price, so it's a way that people can have that high-end experience without the trip down the A11 or the price tag!'
The School of Magic Afternoon Tea, which has no affiliation with JK Rowling's Harry Potter franchise, will include a plate of themed cakes, a plate of specialist sandwiches including a miniature three cheese toastie and a club sandwich, a plate of standard afternoon tea sandwiches and – after the above has been eaten – a plate of warm Philosopher's Scones, one Cheese, Colman's Mustard and Chive, the other fruit served with clotted cream and sparkly jam.
Cakes include The Assembly House's signature cake, the Gateau Opera, given a scarlet and gold twist and topped with a sugar scarf, Dudley's Knickerbocker Glory topped with Exploding Lemonade, A Bolt out of the Blue Macaron, The Wizard's Choosing Hat which has a secret centre which places guests into their wizard houses and a chocolate wand.
All cakes in The School of Magic Afternoon Tea are gluten-free and vegetarian, a vegan tea is also available which includes 'veganised' versions of the standard tea cakes and, where this is not possible, different magical sweet treats.
Afternoon Tea costs £20.95 for one or £40 for two, a Mini Wizards' School of Magic Afternoon Tea is available for children aged 12 years and under which includes The Boy Wizard's Gateau Opera, The Wizard's Choosing Hat, Dudley's Knickerbocker Glory and a Magical Wand, plus a scone and a sandwiches for £12.95.
* For more information and to book, call 01603 626402 or visit The Assembly House's website.
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