An Affair of Taste and Tradition: Cutter & Squidge Brings the World of Downton Abbey to the Heart of London

There are few pleasures in life quite as quintessentially British as afternoon tea. Pair that with the refined charm of Downton Abbey, and you have an experience worthy of the Crawleys themselves. In celebration of the digital release of Downton Abbey The Grand Finale this October, Cutter & Squidge has created a partnership that captures the spirit of both worlds — an elegant fusion of cinema and confectionery.

Inside the Soho bakery, guests are invited to step beyond the silver screen and into the story. The lower floor has been transformed into an intimate reimagining of Mrs Patmore’s kitchen, complete with rustic warmth and the kind of old-world detail that feels straight out of Highclere Castle. It is here that the Mrs Patmore Afternoon Tea unfolds — a feast inspired by the quiet glamour of the downstairs quarters. Roast beef and horseradish sandwiches, wedges of cheese and chutney, and delicate egg and cress buns are followed by sweet treasures such as Blackberry and Almond Loaf, Golden Tartlets and scones accompanied by Gooseberry and Elderflower Jam. Every plate tells a story of tradition and indulgence, served in a setting that hums with nostalgia.

Upstairs, the tone shifts to that of the grand drawing room. The Grantham Afternoon Tea captures the grace of the Crawley family in their element, where conversation and ceremony meet over fine china and fizz. Guests are welcomed with a glass of prosecco or a soft bellini before being served a series of refined sandwiches and desserts that look as exquisite as they taste. The Earl Grey Posset and The Drawing Room Cake of the Day stand out as particular highlights, both as elegant as the world that inspired them.

For those wishing to recreate this indulgence at home, Cutter & Squidge has prepared a collection of afternoon tea hampers available for nationwide delivery. From the classic At Home Hamper to the Luxe selection complete with prosecco, each one has been designed to turn an ordinary afternoon into an event worth dressing up for. It is the perfect way to mark the digital release of Downton Abbey The Grand Finale, available from 13 October 2025, whether watching with family, friends or fellow devotees of the beloved series.

The collaboration feels like a natural fit — two icons of British taste coming together in celebration of heritage and hospitality. Cutter & Squidge has long been known for its ability to craft experiences that go beyond flavour, and this partnership only deepens that legacy. As co-founders Annabel and Emily Lui put it, bringing this afternoon tea to life has been a creative journey from the start, designed for fans who want to savour the occasion in true Downton style.

From the clink of teacups to the scent of freshly baked scones, Cutter & Squidge has created more than a themed afternoon tea. It has built a moment in time, a slice of cinematic magic you can taste.

Bookings for the Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea are now open at Cutter & Squidge Soho Bakery, with experiences running from 24 October to 28 December.

Book your experience here