Cast your mind back some months, and you’ll recall the giant Tim Burton exhibition that swept through the Design Museumshowing off some of the whimsical director’s personal collection. You might even remember the space later introducing an afternoon tea themed around his movies.
And, even though that exhibition has closed, lightning is striking twice, this time with a different film directing subject: Wes Anderson. We’ve already told you about the exhibition of his archives coming to the Design Museum in November, but now we can also pass on the news of the Wes Anderson-themed afternoon tea that will arrive alongside it.
Running between November 21, 2025 and July 26, 2026Wes Anderson fanatics will be able to experience both a view into his life at the exhibition and a tribute to him through the art of the afternoon tea. Focusing on the latter, you’ll be able to enjoy all the components of an afternoon tea (with plenty of added colour and flair, Wes style), plus a showstopping dessert in the form of the Chocolate Courtesanwhich you might recognise from The Grand Budapest Hotel.
If you’ve still got the room for the sweet stuff, you can also try out the afternoon tea’s financial pistachio and the raspberry and rose shortbread sandwichwhich you’ll enjoy after the classic savoury items, including smoked chalk stream trout and cucumber tartlet. You can even make it a celebratory occasion with a glass of fizz to top off the day of seeing the exhibition and enjoyed an afternoon tea that nods to the beloved director.
Speaking on the announcement, Steve Groves, Executive Chef across Restaurant Associates Venues, said: “We’re thrilled to unveil our latest creation, inspired by the distinctive visual universe of Wes Anderson. Drawing from his quirky storytelling, we’ve crafted a whimsical centrepiece – a playful reinterpretation of the Courtesan au Chocolat. This standout dessert pays tribute to one of the most iconic confections in Anderson’s film The Grand Budapest Hotel. As a special touch, each guest will receive a recipe card to recreate the pastry at home.”
The Wes Anderson-themed afternoon tea lands at the Design Museum from November 21, 2025 until July 26, 2026, and you can find out more information about it here. NOTE: spots at the afternoon tea are required to be booked seperately from tickets to the ‘Wes Anderson: The Archives’ exhibition.
