An out-of-this-world afternoon tea…

Skylon launches a feast of cakes, sandwiches and scones inspired by the galaxy

With all eyes on the sky and its potential solar storm, the timing could not be more perfect for the Mars-vellous new Gravi-Tea at Skylon restaurant at the Southbank’s Royal Festival Hall, a specially designed feast of cakes, sandwiches and scones inspired by the galaxy – and the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling views onto its wonders.

The promise of an out-of-this-world experience (£25 per person) launches today, when a three-tiered rocket cake-stand touches down laden with an edible journey through the solar system, including colour dusted “galaxy” macarons, glazed “planet” cakes and star sprinkled “galactic” cupcakes. The Delphinus experience will Pluto-eau with a selection of traditional sandwiches, including smoked salmon, avocado crème fraîche, cucumber and dill, and artichoke and egg mayonnaise with mustard cress.

For some extra lift off, the Star Dust cocktail (£13) of gin with lemon sherbet, pineapple and tarragon syrup, green chartreuse and prosecco should send events stratospheric as night descends.