If you’re heading to London this summer and fancy an Afternoon Tea that’s more Voulez-Vous than Victorian, there’s one place that’s turning teatime into a full-blown ABBA-inspired party.

Just a few minutes from the Novello Theatre—where the MAMMA MIA! musical has been shimmying its way through the West End for an astonishing 26 years—you’ll find the Strand Palace Tea Parlour. This charming venue has undergone a theatrical transformation, offering fans of the iconic musical a chance to eat, sip, and sing their way through an Afternoon Tea experience like no other.

Forget cucumber sandwiches and hushed conversation. This is teatime with a twinkle in its eye and a disco beat in its heart. Think Greek island vibes (yes, the décor channels pure Kalokairi), shimmering desserts, and every dish named after a beloved ABBA song or character.

The menu? As joyful as the show itself. Start with Tanya’s Chiquitita Wrap—a tikka-marinated chicken wrap with mango chutney and mint. Then there’s Slipping Through My Fingers, a cucumber and tzatziki finger sandwich that’s far too pretty to eat (but you’ll eat it anyway). Savoury highlights include Voulez-Vent, a salmon vol-au-vent with lemon basil and dill crème fraîche, and I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Dolmades, served with a zingy lemon dip.

Then come the sweets—cue disco lights. Sophie’s Dream Lemon Drizzle Gateau is topped with a whimsical candy floss cloud. Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! delivers pure midnight decadence in the form of dark chocolate and hazelnut praline. And of course, no tea is complete without The Winner Takes The Scone, served with clotted cream and raspberry jam.

Drinks? Oh yes. The MAMMA MIA! Martini is a heady concoction of vodka, Chambord, jasmine and pineapple—playful and perfect for Instagram. There’s prosecco, Champagne, mocktails, and a generous selection of teas to keep the energy flowing. Kids aren’t left out either, with a children’s menu available.

Running through to November 2025, this is the ultimate pre- or post-theatre indulgence, ideal for diehard fans or just anyone looking to inject a bit of sparkle into their day.

Read More: Symphony of Style: Prada Caffè Opens at Harrods, London

So grab your Dancing Queens, don your best flares, and get ready to sing for your scones—because London just made teatime fabulous.
📍 Strand Palace, 372 Strand, London WC2R 0JJ
🎟️ Bookings recommended. Mamma Mia musical not included—but you’ll be humming it all the same. ◼

Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

© This article was first published online in July 2025 – World Travel Magazine.