The hotel has teamed up with Fringe venue The Warren to offer the quirky event which sees you sipping Earl Grey and nibbling on cucumber sandwiches, while enjoying comedy, spoken word and music. With gorgeous views out to the sea and the West Pier, an extensive tea menu and luxury grub, it really is a quintessentially English treat. Sitting back with my pot of spearmint tea and vegetarian sandwiches, I enjoyed quick previews of just some of what The Warren had to offer this week. Compered by comedian and Radio 4 regular Michael Fabbri, we had a speedy performance by Max Miller impressionist Jamie Kenna, a funny afternoon tea-related poem by Alex Schofield and songs about Brighton by Hannah Brakenbury. The performances ran for about half an hour before we were served an impressive selection of cakes. I washed down a fruit scone, chocolate and coffee cake, and unusual elderflower jelly and cream with the delicious signature blend tea – a mix of Earl Grey, black orange tea and orange peel with blue cornflowers. I was a bit of a wimp and ended up taking home the remainder of the cake haul – chocolate eclair, lemon meringue tart, polenta cake and a second scone – to enjoy later. Blending the very British pursuit of afternoon tea with the rather rowdy shows of the Fringe might not suit some, but for those of us that like something a bit different, it’s certainly that. The Grand will be running its Pick of the Fringe events with afternoon tea throughout May, each Tuesday and Wednesday at 2.30pm and 4.30pm.