Step back in time to the Regency Era for an iconic Afternoon Tea in the world’s oldest used theatre site. The Theatre Royal Drury Lane is as regal and elegant and its name suggests and underneath the cascading, shimmering chandeliers an equally glittering Afternoon Tea menu is served.

Lily Vanilli, a well-loved baker on the London dessert scene, has drawn influence on Recency trends to create a decadent menu full of glitz and glamour.

Going against tradition, sandwiches are not served at this Afternoon Tea, however the three delicate pieces are a deliciously delightful take on the savoury selection.

Further reflecting the Renaissance era when the upper classes would have a heavy meat driven appetite, Lily’s signature puff pastry sausage roll is made with Cornish sausage meat, roast bacon lardons and a cider vinegar deglaze. We opted for the vegetarian version, filled with a hearty concoction of chickpeas, potato, spinach and caramelised onion, it was full of flavour and the pastry had a buttery crumble.

The two remaining pieces played again with traditional notions, smoked fish was also largely eaten in the era so a perfectly soft madeleine topped with salmon, pickled fennel and cream cheese is served - A delicious take on the classic sandwich.

My personal favourite, however was the herb canelé, filled with whipped herby goats cheese and topped with pickled beetroot. This savoury take on a classic worked incredibly well and dare I say, may be even more flavoursome than its sweet counterpart!

On that note, the sweet selection did not disappoint, understandably as Lily Vanilli is known as the Queen of Cakes and her bakes are famed internationally.

The triangular scones are topped with a sprinkle of coarse sugar adding a sweet bite and filled with plump raisins. They crumble apart perfectly and alongside the standard clotted cream and jam, a serving of whipped salted butter is also served.

Reflecting the inspiration taken from the Regency era when dessert was the most elaborate and decadent course of a meal, the three sweet pieces are rich and indulgent.

Lily Vanilli’s famous cakes, which are usually only available from her well-loved cafe in East London, take centre stage on the top tier. A luxurious rich chocolate cake is adorned with her iconic piping, and finished with an elegant chocolate cherub, reflecting the décor of the theatre.

Between the slices ooze out a thick caramel sauce and is filled which crunchy chocolate spheres adding an extra delicious bite, it’s (almost) too pretty to destroy.

The sticky toffee pudding, drowning in a thick salted caramel sauce is the ultimate indulgence but it is decadent without being overly sickly. Spooning into the soft centre reveals a creamy custard centre that cuts through the sweetness and pairs with the pudding so well.

The last pastry is the cutest tart, filled with a sharp, tangy pink lemonade custard and topped with a elderflower jelly flower.

Just when you think you couldn’t indulge any further, a classic trolley arrives at your table standardly serving an Absinthe & mint chocolate chip ice cream into a chilled silver shell. We went for the non-alcoholic cucumber and lemon sorbet which was light and refreshing with strong flavours coming through. After more heavy desserts this worked well as a light palate cleanser to end the delicious experience.

This extravagant Afternoon Tea will let you play out all your Bridgeton fantasies, take the chance to experience true Regency grandeur - it would be a scandal not to!

Afternoon Tea in The Grand Saloon at Theatre Royal Drury Lane is priced from £49 per person for adults and £35 per person for children. Click here for full details and to book your experience now.