Ramping up the excitement surrounding the notion of afternoon tea is Aqua Shard, the 32nd-floor restaurant from Hong Kong’s glamorous Aqua group. Tea, cake and a spot of Champagne is a happy combination in itself, but factor in incredible panoramic views across the city and you have one of those ‘red-letter day’ London experiences. Aqua’s contemporary-style afternoon spread includes fashionable, subtly innovative spins on teatime classics including chicken sandwiches perfumed with lavendar mayonnaise and Victoria sponge cake with bugglegum macaroon. Leaf teas are by the Rare Tea Company. Expect to pay £42, or £55 with a glass of Veuve Clicquot.