Afternoon tea is getting a distinctly Cantonese twist at Dim Sum Library in Covent Garden, where a new immersive experience invites guests to explore the rich traditions of Chinese tea culture through storytelling, flavour and interactive dining.
Introducing Tea Tales – a contemporary afternoon tea concept that reimagines the British classic through the lens of authentic Cantonese cuisine and some of China’s most celebrated teas. Combining premium tea pairings, handcrafted dim sum, creative cocktails and a touch of theatre, the experience offers a journey through centuries of tea heritage in a way that is both engaging and delicious.
Roll the Dice and Discover Your Tea Destiny
The experience begins with a roll of the Lucky Dice, a playful ritual that determines each guest’s tea destiny. Depending on the outcome, guests are introduced to one of five legendary Chinese teas, each accompanied by its own story, cultural significance and carefully curated food pairing.
Once their tea has been revealed, guests can choose to enjoy it in a variety of forms, from traditional hot tea and bubble tea to expertly crafted cocktails and alcohol-free mocktails.
Adding an extra element of fun, lucky rollers also have the opportunity to win prizes including Chilli Oil, Peppercorn Oil and the restaurant’s popular Hong Kong Iced Tea.
A Contemporary Yum Cha Feast
Served in an elegant birdcage stand, the afternoon tea showcases a selection of Dim Sum Library favourites and exclusive creations.
Highlights include Wagyu Beef Puff with black pepper, Crystal Har Gau, Wild Mushroom & Beetroot Dumplings and Baked Barbecued Pork Puff, alongside signature specials such as Yu Xiang Crispy Pork Dumplings and Crispy Fried Purple Cabbage Rolls.
The experience concludes with a sweet Cantonese classic, freshly baked egg tarts, providing the perfect finish to an afternoon of exploration and indulgence.
Exploring Five Legendary Chinese Teas
At the heart of Tea Tales is a celebration of tea itself. Guests are invited to discover five premium Chinese teas, each with its own fascinating history and flavour profile.
Jasmine Pearls trace their origins back more than a thousand years to the Song Dynasty, when tea leaves were delicately scented with fresh jasmine blossoms. Shu ‘Ripe’ Pu-erh offers earthy, warming notes and a connection to Yunnan’s ancient Tea Horse Road, while Osmanthus Flowers are prized for their honeyed aroma and association with the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The collection is completed by the revered Tie Guan Yin Oolong, often referred to as the ‘Iron Goddess of Mercy’, and Chrysanthemum tea, a floral infusion enjoyed in China since the Tang Dynasty.
Tea-Inspired Cocktails, Mocktails and Bubble Teas
Each tea is reimagined across an inventive drinks menu designed to showcase its unique character.
Tea-inspired cocktails include Jasmine Jungle, Emperor’s Amber, Osmanthus Dragon, Oolong Sour and HAMA Sunset, while non-alcoholic creations such as Jasmine Lychee, Salted Pu-erh, Osmanthus Peach, Hong Kong Iced Tea and Hibiscus Sour provide equally compelling alternatives.
Bubble tea enthusiasts can choose from Dragon Breeze, Strawberry Bloom, Amber Peach, Mango Pearl and Matcha Cloud, ensuring every guest can experience their chosen tea in a way that suits their taste.
A Unique Afternoon Tea in the Heart of London
Priced at £25 per person, Tea Tales offers a fresh and imaginative alternative to traditional afternoon tea.
Blending education, entertainment and exceptional Cantonese flavours, it delivers one of London’s most distinctive afternoon tea experiences, inviting guests to discover the stories, traditions and flavours behind some of China’s most celebrated teas while enjoying a modern Yum Cha-inspired feast in the heart of Covent Garden.
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