Cakes and cabaret, it turns out, is a pretty good combination. Volupte is the sultry and fabulously sexy hang-out where vintage gals come to drink tea and be voyeurs in on the burlesque bonanza. While one butters scones and scoffs sandwiches, one is treated to performances from cabaret singers and beautiful burlesque artistes. Located down a side street in Chancery Lane, you would never expect such a fantastical place in the land of lawyers. The room is filled with small tables and a challenging small stage is set up for the performers and a drum-piano duo.

Upstairs the Bon Bon bar is beautifully decorated and is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or four! I adored this bar and the drinks the expert barman made for us: the ‘Miss Marshmallow’ is sugary but spectacular and the ‘Hard Candy’ comes customised with a sweet bracelet. My friend, who was suffering from a horrible cold was treated to a medicinal Hot Tottie cocktail which she said was delicious and very efficacious.

Showtime began at 3pm and our host sashayed onto the stage. Our compere for the day, Vicious Delicious, was more vicious than delicious and slightly scary especially from the proximity of the front row seats! Cackling and screaming abuse at the one and only male in the room, she introduced the acts for the afternoon. Each dancer or comedian was entertaining and fun though for real wow factor… we had to wait until the star act was introduced.

Miss Polly Rae provocatively stalked the stage, clad in a slinky crystal dress, a beautiful performer that one cannot help but fall in love with. Coy and cute, daring and delicious, I was utterly captivated by this fiery redhead who has established herself as a prominent part of London’s cabaret-burlesque scene. As the star of the show she performed twice, first singing-speaking a clever attitudey song about the misconceptions of a burlesque dancer then coming on at the end to delight us all with the fluttering birdlike dance for which she is known. She is divine and her performance spectacular.

I was too distracted by the titillating showcase to take much notice of the tea… though the scones and sandwiches were delicious… in particular the mini raisin scones with thick clotted cream and strawberry jam. It is the cocktails and wonderful alcoholic teas that really excited me… and I cannot wait to return to try more of the extensive and innovative cocktail list.

Volupte’s very special themed afternoon tea is a fun way to frolic and fantasise on a Saturday afternoon, I absolutely loved it.

Afternoon Tease costs £42 pp including show and full afternoon tea with a glass of fizz.

Visit the website to book here.