Nacho average afternoon tea

NACHO AVERAGE AFTERNOON TEA: VIRGIN ATLANTIC CREATES MEXICAN-INSPIRED AFTERNOON TEA-QUILA EXPERIENCE

• Virgin Atlantic has put a spicy spin on a British tradition, announcing the launch of a new fiesta-fuelled afternoon tea, inspired by the flavours and the airline’s new destination - Cancun, Mexico
• Created by Virgin Hotels Chef, Barry Vera, the Afternoon Tea-quila lives up to its name with a watermelon and steak finger sandwich, a grilled strawberry burrito, tequila chilli macarons, an iced earl grey margarita and even cheddar and jalapeños butter scones topped with sticky short rib  
• Available during Afternoon Tea Week (11th - 24th August) from 1pm - 4pm at Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic offerings, plus the opportunity to save up to 65% on a Virgin Atlantic Holidays package to Cancun
• It comes as research finds almost three quarters (71%) of Brits would choose Mexico as a top travel destination thanks to its vibrant food culture

Fasten your tastebuds and prepare for take off, Virgin Atlantic is putting a spicy spin on a British tradition with the launch of a new fiesta-fuelled afternoon tea to celebrate its new route to Cancun, inspired by the flavours and destinations of Mexico.

With an eclectic menu, designed by Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch Chef, Barry Vera, the aptly named ‘Afternoon Tea-quila’ features a watermelon and steak finger sandwich, a grilled strawberry burrito, tequila chilli macarons, an iced early grey margarita and even cheddar and jalapeños butter scones topped with sticky short rib.

Launching during Afternoon Tea Week, ‘Afternoon Tea-quila’ is available at Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch and will serve up some fiery Mexican flair on British tea-time classics to get taste-obsessed travellers in the mood before their holiday. 

Inspired by Virgin Atlantic’s signature Mile High Tea—a modern take on British afternoon tea served at 38,000 feet—the menu invites guests to chip, sip and dip into bold Mexican flavours, with eclectic creations including:

• Earl-garita: Infusing the traditional taste of earl grey with fiery kick of chilli lime perfume served through a theatrical experience at the table 
• The Finger Fruitwich: A fruity twist on a classic finger sandwich with a chipotle steak and salted chilli filling packed between a compressed watermelon crust 
• Strawburrito: A juicy grilled strawberry burrito filled with a refreshing lemon balm creme fraiche and a silky sweet dulce de leche
• Bone Voyage Tacos: Prawn Tacos that pack a punch with a rich bone marrow salsa and finished at the table with tequila & lime foam
• Mexi-scone: A flaky and buttery scone that combines the sharp kick of montgomery cheddar with jalapeño butter heat. Topped with sticky short rib for a rich, spicy and just the right amount of naughty combo

Tastier still, the tantalising tea could save travellers up to 65% off on a trip to Mexico, which complements Virgin Atlantic’s Afternoon Tea-quila, with a holiday package to Cancun, to celebrate Virgin Atlantic’s new route to Mexico. 

Visitors will also be treated to Lime Curd & Raspberry Tart with a tequila gel and fruit scones paired with spiced tequila syrup clotted cream and strawberry and jalapeños jam as traditional afternoon tea is served up with a Mexican flare.

Afternoon Tea-quila will be available from 11th August to 24th August from 1pm - 4pm to celebrate Virgin Atlantic's new three times weekly service from London Heathrow to Cancun.  The new route will cater for increased demand for travel to sunny destinations as travellers search for warmer climes during the winter months. Whilst Brits will be heading off to Mexico when the new service launches on 19th October 2025, the airline is also seeing increased demand for Dubai with bookings up 72% year on year and Cape Town with a 38% increase in bookings from 2024. 

Research shows that 71% of Brits voted Mexico as the top destination to travel for food culture as well as a 53% increase in Brits considering it as their next holiday destination over the last two years. 

Over a third (34%) said that a thriving food scene is the number one factor they think about when booking a holiday, above museums (9%) and historic landmarks (28%). In fact, Brits are increasingly living their food dreams while on their travelling adventures, with 56% agreeing their travel itineraries revolve around foodie hotspots. 

Executive Chef at Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch, Barry Vera commented: “Creating Afternoon Tea-quila has been a real celebration of flavour and fun, just as any great trip should be. With Virgin Atlantic jetting off to Cancun soon, we wanted to take tastebuds on a journey of their own, fusing the bold, punchy tastes of Mexico with British classics. We can guarantee that every element aims to surprise and delight.” 

Corneel Koster, Chief Customer & Operating Officer at Virgin Atlantic, said: “As we count down to our much-anticipated return to the sun-drenched shores of Cancun this October, we’re inviting flavour-loving flyers to join us for a delicious detour - Afternoon Tea-quila. This bold new twist on our signature Mile High Tea blends the best of British tradition with the vibrant spirit of Mexico, served up in tiers stacked with tacos, tequila, sugar and spice. It’s the perfect way to toast Afternoon Tea Week and get inspired to visit the Riviera Maya - salud!” 

To book a holiday to Cancun and to find out more about Afternoon Tea-quila visit here. Those unable to book the Afternoon Tea-quila, will still be able to get a taste of Mexico and expert holiday tips in Virgin Atlantic Holidays stores, with mini bottles of PATRÓN EL ALTO, a unique blend of PATRÓN Extra Añejo, Añejo and Reposado tequilas, available to all who book a trip to Cancun in selected stores* from 11 - 24 August. The London Heathrow Clubhouse will also be offering PATRÓN cocktails during the two week period.

Notes to Editors 

*Participating Virgin Atlantic Holidays stores:

1. Bluewater Shopping Centre  - Greenhithe

2. Bond Street - Chelmsford 

3. Lakeside Shopping Centre -Thurrock

4. Meadowhall Shopping Centre - Sheffield

5. Merry Hill  - Brierley Hill 

6. The Maltings - St Albans

7. Metrocentre - Gateshead - 

8. Centre:MK - Milton Keynes

9. Chantry Place - Norwich

10. Trafford Centre - Trafford Park

11. White Rose Shopping Centre - Liverpool

Methodology 

Consumer research was conducted during 17th July 2025 and 18th July 2025 by Research Without Barriers across 2,012 UK adults who travel.

Afternoon Tea-quila Offering at Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch

Afternoon Tea-quila will be available from 11th August to 24th August, with sittings between 1pm-4pm. The experience is priced at £49.50 per person, with guests able to upgrade to a cocktail pairing menu, featuring three tequila-inspired cocktails for an additional £35.00 per person.

Please note that a discretionary 12.5% service charge will be added to all bookings.

Reservations must be made with at least 48 hours’ notice, and the tea will be served in Hidden Grooves at Virgin Hotel London-Shoreditch. Bookings will be available via the website. Please note that availability is limited to 20 covers per day. 

About Virgin Atlantic 

Virgin Atlantic was founded by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson in 1984, with innovation and amazing customer service at its core. In 2024, Virgin Atlantic was voted Britain’s only Global Five Star Airline by APEX for the eighth year running in the Official Airline Ratings. Headquartered in London, it employs 8,500 people worldwide, flying customers to 28 destinations across four continents throughout the year.       

Alongside shareholder and Joint Venture partner Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic operates a leading transatlantic network, with onward connections to over 200 cities around the world. In February 2020, Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic launched an expanded Joint Venture, offering a comprehensive route network, convenient flight schedules, competitive fares and reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, including the ability to earn and redeem miles across all carriers.  Virgin Atlantic joined SkyTeam in March 2023 as the global airline alliance’s first and only UK member airline, enhancing the alliance’s transatlantic network and services to and from Heathrow and Manchester Airport.         

Virgin Atlantic has been pioneering sustainability leadership for more than 15 years, committing to Net Zero by 2050 and continuous action that reduces environmental impact.  The airline operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the skies, with an average age under seven years. In October 2022, Virgin Atlantic welcomed its first A330-900’s to the fleet, continuing its transformation towards 100% next generation aircraft by 2028.  In November 2023, the airline led a consortium to deliver the world’s first flight across the Atlantic on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), demonstrating that 100% SAF can be used safely as a drop in fuel in existing infrastructure, engines and airframes. The need to scale production is an industry imperative and Virgin Atlantic is committed to radical collaboration across the energy chain to support commercialisation ahead of 2030.        For more information visit www.virginatlantic.com or via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @virginatlantic.

About Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch

Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch is the first London hotel and eighth location from the luxury lifestyle hospitality brand. Located at 45 Curtain Road, London-Shoreditch brings an unparalleled blend of heartfelt service, innovation, and personalised experiences to one of the capital's most dynamic and eclectic neighbourhoods. Opened on 1st August 2024, the 120-bedroom hotel completed its phased transformation in late April 2025 and brings iconic features of the Virgin Hotels brand to the space, including the innovative Lucy app offering members of The Know a personalised experience. Hidden Grooves is the hotel’s new street-level hi-fi listening bar and flagship food and beverage concept fusing music and community with all-day light bites and creative cocktails, as well as an evening events programme. Hotel guests also benefit from complimentary access to the rooftop pool, Marlin's on the Roof restaurant, a private gym and treatment rooms that form a sophisticated private members' club sanctuary called Blue Marlin Ibiza. For more information visit www.virginhotels.com or Instagram @virginhotelsldnshoreditch