Afternoon tea is something to be enjoyed with friends or family, and if your party includes children, you’ll want to know they will be properly catered to. Many places that serve afternoon tea understand this and offer a specific children’s menu. But what are the differences? Let’s take a look at six of the ways that an adults’ afternoon tea is set apart from a kids’ one.  
 

1. Portion sizes

One of the main differences is usually in portion size. Many adult afternoon tea stands include around four finger sandwiches per adult on the bottom tier, one scone each on the middle tier and a selection of cakes and pastries on the top tier. A children’s menu may offer fewer sandwiches and sweet treats, as well as smaller scones to cater to a kid-size appetite. 

2. Presentation

In many establishments, a children’s afternoon tea has a more playful presentation than the option aimed at adults. There may be ‘potions’ to mix from elderflower, lemonade and edible glitter, for example, or themed treats such as chocolate spell books or white chocolate dinosaur bones to dig up from chocolate crumb soil.

3. Drinks

The drinks on a children’s afternoon tea menu will usually be caffeine free and always alcohol free. They’ll typically be served juice, hot chocolate with marshmallows or other soft drinks, while adults can choose from tea and coffee or alcoholic drinks like cocktails and Champagne. 
 

4. Sandwich fillings

Finger sandwiches are a key part of afternoon tea, being arranged on the bottom tier of the stand. They’re meant to be eaten first, and while the fillings for adults often include things like beef and horseradish, smoked salmon and cream cheese, and coronation chicken, kids’ fillings are much simpler. They’ll usually be offered sandwiches with ham, cheese, jam or peanut butter. The savouries may even include a mini hot dog or fish finger sandwich.  
 

5. Simpler cakes 

Part of the appeal of afternoon tea for adults is the fancy cake and pastry selection. There may be mini gateaux, mousses, cheese cakes or macarons. The sweet treats on a children’s menu are often simpler, however, including more familiar options like chocolate brownies, shortbread biscuits and even candy floss. 
 

6. Interactive fun

Many establishments understand children’s need for some stimulation during a meal, and offer activities to make their afternoon tea more enjoyable. From colour-in menus with crayons and little themed games to design-your-own gingerbread men, kids can get more from their experience while their adults appreciate the refined flavours of their own afternoon tea. 

Discover The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Afternoon tea is the perfect treat to accompany a trip to the theatre, and what better show to enjoy than the Olivier Award nominated The Tiger Who Came to Tea? Designed especially for kids aged three and up, this fun-filled tiger play retells Judith Kerr’s popular story with song, dance, magic and more. At 55 minutes long with no interval, it’s perfect for short attention spans and kids are sure to have an appetite for afternoon tea afterwards!

This delightful tiger show is touring the UK and Ireland from February 2026 - simply search ‘family theatre near me’ to book tickets through your local venue.