The Potion Room, Cutter & Squidge review ★★★★★

Chic bakery Cutter & Squidge invite aspiring witches and wizards to learn new spells and feast upon a delectable selection of cakes, sandwiches and surprises. The underground dining space beneath the Soho bakery has been transformed into a potions classroom, where fires burn and cauldrons bubble for this new immersive afternoon tea experience.

The flickering lights and delightful details help transport you as students are given a hooded robe and ushered into a cavernous space filled with strange phials and test tubes.

Each desk is bedecked with a miniature cauldron and an array of mysterious concoctions. Under the guidance of the very chipper Potions Mistress, we learn the art of magical mixing by brewing up a Galaxy Juice. After choosing from a selection of teas (why have Earl Grey when you could sip Unicorn Tears or Elixir of Life?) there is a potion to conjure. Magicians must never reveal their secrets, but be prepared for fizzes, bangs and alchemy.

After our lesson comes the tea itself, where traditional British flavours mix with Cutter and Squidge's creative flourishes. Graze on miniature beef and yorkshire puddings, creamy cheese and leek pie and a selection of finger sandwiches, plus a bag of oven-warm rock cakes laden with cream and jam. The playful puddings include Knickerbocker Glory bites and a buttery, crumbly Butterscotch Biskie. And make sure you save space for some more edible surprises.

After two and half hours at the Cutter & Squidge Secret School of Wizarding Alchemy, you'll leave with tummies full and imaginations truly ignited.

Age: 8+