If you’re walking down Victoria Embankment this summer, you may end up taking a second glance at the infamous R.S. Hispaniola. This is thanks to its dramatic makeover from Benefit Cosmetics, and it’s not only the ship’s exterior that will make you do a double take.

Once on board, you can treat to yourself to a weird and wonderful Illusionary Afternoon Tea in the’Brow Lounge’. After entering into an extremely pink room with chairs in the style of bunny ears, I expected an array of lipstick and mascara shaped biscuits as the, but to my delight I was treated to more of an illusion.

Now it doesn’t suddenly appear before your eyes upon shouting’Abracadabra’, in fact at first glance it looks like any other traditional afternoon tea. But, after a double take you realise that everything is not quite as it seems.

The menu includes a spectacular savoury spread of sweet courgette brownies, marinara macaroons and chicken lollipops.  Scones are not served with the traditional clotted cream and jam but are tutti frutti flavoured with a superbly moreish coconut cream and popping candy nuttella.

Again your eyes deceive you with the secret sandwiches, which are in fact sponge cakes flavoured with mint and orange. Afternoon tea comes in many forms nowadays, and this was no exception with its spellbinding array of sweet’sandwiches’ and savoury sweet treats. The whole experience is a sensory adventure that you need to taste to believe, but somehow the magic really does work.

After tea, make sure you take a look around the rest of the boat, which has been decked out to reflect a number of Benefit’s core products – you can enjoy a cocktail overlooking the London skyline on the’Hoola Deck’, go down below to the’Porefessional  Vault’ in the evening and even enjoy a makeover and brow mapping in the’Benefit Boutique’ and’Pinkton Parlour’.

From £35 per person, this is definitely one for the girls. But you’ll need to be quick to catch this exclusive hocus pocus afternoon tea as it is only available for a limited time before it disappears forever.

The Good Ship Benefit at R.S Hispaniola

Victoria Embankment

London

WC2N 5DJ

Note: Illusionary Afternoon Tea is available until 31st August and is served Monday – Saturday from 2pm to 5pm.