Under the Tent: Mastering London’s Afternoon Tea, One Sponge at a Time

LONDON WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE

Under the Tent: Mastering London’s Afternoon Tea, One Sponge at a Time

A three-hour, hands-on baking class in an iconic London marquee where pairs craft Victoria sponge sandwiches, éclairs and truffles — then sit down to taste their creations with tea.

Check availabilitySee guide details

Under the Tent: Mastering London’s Afternoon Tea, One Sponge at a Time.

Duration
3 hours
Location
London
Operator
The Big London Bake East
Category
Workshop
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

In a bright baking marquee tucked into east London, The Big Bakes invites visitors to an immersive, three‑hour masterclass that culminates in a traditional afternoon tea. Working in pairs at fully equipped stations, you’ll learn practical techniques for Victoria sponge sandwiches, éclairs and chocolate truffles, assemble them on a three‑tier stand and then enjoy what you’ve made over fresh tea in the venue’s café area.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

A purpose‑built baking marquee with top appliances
THE VENUE

A purpose‑built baking marquee with top appliances

The Big Bakes runs award‑winning experiences in beautiful marquees outfitted with 12 baking stations and professional appliances; everything you need is provided and the team even does the washing up.

Hands‑on instruction — bake in pairs
THE PROCESS

Hands‑on instruction — bake in pairs

Sessions are deliberately playful and practical: participants work in pairs (or small teams) under expert guidance to bake a selection of classic afternoon‑tea items and prepare them on a three‑tier stand.

Eat what you bake — fresh tea tasting
THE RESULT

Eat what you bake — fresh tea tasting

After baking you relax in the café area to taste your warm, freshly made creations with tea — a simple but satisfying payoff to the hands‑on work.

What the day feels like

What the session feels like

The rhythm is compact and convivial: arrive at the tent, take a station, and — paired with another guest — move through recipe demos and guided baking. You’ll shape sponges, pipe éclairs, and hand‑finish truffles and decorations before stacking them on a three‑tier stand. The session ends with a communal tasting in the café area, and the staff handle cleanup so you leave with a box of treats and little fuss.

A purpose‑built baking marquee with top appliances

THE VENUE

A purpose‑built baking marquee with top appliances

The Big Bakes runs award‑winning experiences in beautiful marquees outfitted with 12 baking stations and professional appliances; everything you need is provided and the team even does the washing up.

Hands‑on instruction — bake in pairs

THE PROCESS

Hands‑on instruction — bake in pairs

Sessions are deliberately playful and practical: participants work in pairs (or small teams) under expert guidance to bake a selection of classic afternoon‑tea items and prepare them on a three‑tier stand.

Eat what you bake — fresh tea tasting

THE RESULT

Eat what you bake — fresh tea tasting

After baking you relax in the café area to taste your warm, freshly made creations with tea — a simple but satisfying payoff to the hands‑on work.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this workshop suits — and when it might not be ideal.

1
Families with childrenWelcoming to families: children can participate under age‑specific rules (free for under‑5s when baking in a team of three; 6–13 must bake with a responsible adult; 14–17 may bake without an adult but require adult supervision at the event).
2
First‑time bakersIdeal — no prior experience is required; sessions are designed to be hands‑on and fun, with instructors providing step‑by‑step guidance.
3
Couples and date nightsA convivial, small‑team format makes this a good choice for a date or an outing for two, combining collaborative baking with a shared tasting.
4
Accessible or seated visitorsThe operator can provide a chair at a baking station on request, but there are limited stools at venues and no highchairs; guests with mobility or seating needs should contact the operator in advance.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The workshop runs for three hours.

Meeting point

The meeting location is under the bridge at Lee St, London E8 4ED.

What to bring

Bring yourselves and wear comfortable clothes suitable for baking. The operator supplies all equipment, ingredients, aprons, customisable decorations and a takeaway box; they also handle the washing up.

Child supervision & safety

Children must be supervised when using ovens and hobs; venues have a limited number of stools and do not provide highchairs. Follow the operator’s guidelines for team composition by age group.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Can I have a chair at my station while baking?

Yes — the operator can provide a chair at your baking station if you need to sit during the event; request this in advance so the team can prepare your station.

How do I request a chair at my station?

Contact the operator in advance to let them know you require a chair so they can ensure everything is set up upon your arrival.

Are children allowed to take part?

Yes. Children aged 5 and under can attend free when baking in a team of three with two full‑price ticket holders (notify the operator after booking). Bakers aged 6–13 must bake with a responsible adult and all require a ticket; 14–17 year‑olds may bake without a responsible adult present but must be accompanied by a supervising adult at the event.

Do I need to bring equipment or ingredients?

No — all equipment, ingredients, aprons and a takeaway box are provided by the operator.

Do I need previous baking experience?

No experience is needed — the session is designed to be fun and accessible; just bring your enthusiasm.