LUXE Serendipity magazine

By Donna Richardson

Fasten up the seatbelts as Virgin Atlantic turns up the heat this Afternoon Tea Week with a fusion of the classic British tradition and cuisine from its newest destination – Cancun, Mexico.

Virgin Atlantic’s Afternoon Tea-quila lands in London this week celebrating the
airline’s new three times weekly route to Cancun which commences on 19 October.

The ‘Afternoon Tea-quila’ experience takes place at the iconic Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch -the first London hotel and eighth location from the luxury lifestyle hospitality brand, from 11th to 24th August between 1pm- 4pm.

A new level of luxury

The afternoon tea is served at Hidden Grooves. the hotel’s new street-level hi-fi listening bar and flagship food and beverage concept fusing music and community with all-day light bites and creative cocktails, as well as an evening events programme. Hotel guests also benefit from complimentary access to the rooftop pool, Marlin’s on the Roof restaurant, a private gym and treatment rooms that form a sophisticated private members’ club sanctuary called Blue Marlin Ibiza.

Crafted by Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch Executive Chef Barry Vera, the Afternoon Tea-quila is a daring reimagination of classic tea time favourites, infused with tequila, chilli, lime and more than a little flair.

The menu includes playful dishes such as a watermelon and steak ‘fruitwich’ –
juicy, savoury, and surprisingly refreshing, grilled strawberry burritos, playfully
punchy tequila chilli macarons, and cheddar & seriously indulgent jalapeño
scones topped with sticky short rib. Lavish cocktails round out the offering –
including the Earl-garita, an Earl Grey–inspired margarita theatrically served
from a glass teapot into teacups, with fragrant steam and a bergamot-salt
rim.

Inspired by its iconic Mile High Tea – a modern take on British afternoon tea served at 38,000 feet – Virgin Atlantic is inviting guests to chip, sip and dip into a world of bold flavours, all served with a Mexican twist. Think earl grey margaritas aka Earl-garitas, Bone Voyage Tacos made with sizzling bone marrow and prawns, the Mexi-Scones, a cheddar and jalapeño scone smothered in sticky short rib and much, much more (full menu available below).

Whether you’re a foodie flyer or just looking to spice up your summer, the Afternoon Tea-quila promises a taste of Mexico with every tier.

The experience is priced at £49.50 per person, with guests able to upgrade to a cocktail pairing menu, featuring three tequila-inspired cocktails for an additional £35.00 per person. Furthermore guests can save up to 65% off trips to Cancun when they book packages during the experience.

Virgin Atlantic, founded by Sir Richard Branson in 1984, prioritises innovation and excellent customer service. In 2023, APEX named it Britain’s only Global Five-Star Airline for the seventh consecutive year. Based in London, the airline employs over 8,500 people and offers flights to 30 destinations across four continents.

In partnership with Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic provides a strong transatlantic network with connections to more than 200 cities. In February 2020, the airline joined with Air France-KLM and Delta to launch a Joint Venture, offering a wide route network, competitive fares, and shared frequent flyer benefits. In March 2023, Virgin Atlantic became the first UK airline to join the SkyTeam alliance, enhancing its services from Heathrow and Manchester.

For over 15 years, Virgin Atlantic has focused on sustainability, aiming for Net Zero by 2050. It operates a young, fuel-efficient fleet, with an average age of under seven years. In October 2022, it introduced the first of 16 A330-900neos, moving toward a fully next-generation fleet by 2028. In November 2023, Virgin Atlantic conducted the first flight across the Atlantic using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), proving its safety in existing engines. The airline is committed to boosting SAF production in collaboration with the industry before 2030.

When: Taking place from Monday 11th August to Sunday 24th August from 1pm – 4pm at Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch, 45 Curtain Rd, London, EC2A 3PT

Getting here: Nearest tube stations: Old Street, Shoreditch High Street, Liverpool

More experiences

Those unable to book the Afternoon Tea-quila, will still be able to get a taste of
Mexico and expert holiday tips in Virgin Atlantic Holidays stores, with mini bottles of
PATRÓN EL ALTO, a unique blend of PATRÓN Extra Añejo, Añejo and Reposado
tequilas, available to all who book a trip to Cancun in selected stores* from 11 – 24
August. The London Heathrow Clubhouse will also be offering PATRÓN cocktails
during the two week period.

*Participating Virgin Atlantic Holidays stores:

Bluewater Shopping Centre – Greenhithe

Bond Street – Chelmsford

Lakeside Shopping Centre -Thurrock

Merry Hill – Brierley Hill

The Maltings – St Albans

Metrocentre – Gateshead Centre: MK – Milton Keynes

Trafford Centre – Trafford Park

White Rose Shopping Centre – Liverpool

For more information visit http://www.virginatlantic.com and book here