Fashionista Afternoon Tea at The Berkeley Hotel, Knightsbridge
This Fashion influenced Afternoon Tea is now being held in the most amazing Collins Room (formerly the Caramel Room) which has recently been decorated to an incredibly high standard. It is a perfect blend of contemporary modern chic and elegance. It was named after the famous designer David Collins, and was refurbished by his protege Robert Angell, who is clearly talented.
The Prêt-à-Portea, Afternoon tea is inspired by the fashion world. The Pastry Chef Mourad Khiat has chosen 10 of his favourite creations from top clothing designers and made his cakes, pastries and biscuits using the same patterns as the iconic clothing designs. And they are served on beautifully patterned Wedgewood fine-bone china plates.
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Dolce and Gabbana’s duo of blackcurrant bavarois and star anise pannacotta, topped with chocolate owl dress design.
Jason Wu’s romantic cherry bavarois and coconut cream topped with playful pink skirt and biscuit heel.
Manolo Blahnik’s Hangisi quintessential pointy toe stiletto ginger biscuit.
Burberry’s classic trench coat chocolate biscuit with creamy royal icing.
Jimmy Choo’s glittery gala pointed-toe shoe velvet praline cream cake with hazelnut croquant and sweetheart bow.
Lanvin’s almond sponge, honeycomb and chocolate mousse draped with a light meringue ruffle.
Moschino’s blood orange Victoria sponge ‘yellow M’ handbag encased in red chocolate.
Charlotte Olympia’s dramatic cinnamon biscuit boot with black and red icing.
Simone Rocha’s ethereal embroidered tulle dress vanilla éclair filled with salted caramel crème patissière.
Nicholas Kirkwood’s pearl pump sachertorte layered with raspberry, chocolate ganache and Valrhona crémeux topped with delicate silver pearls.
They have a wonderful collection of Teas from across the world:
Savoury Loose Leaf Tea Pairings
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Nilgiri Frost, Bohea Lapsang, Ceylon & Rose, Assam Breakfast, Earl Grey
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Iron Budda
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Whole Peppermint leaf, Whole Chamomile Flowers, Lemongrass & Ginger
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White Peony
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Jadesword Green
Sweet Loose Leaf Tea Pairings
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Earl Grey
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Wuyi Oolong
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Jasmine Silver Needle
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Blackcurrant & Hibiscus
Premium Savoury Loose Leaf Tea Pairings
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Monkey Picked Iron Budda, Phonenix Honey Orchid - £2 supplement
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Dragonwell Green - £2 supplement, Matcha Supreme - £3 supplement
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Vintage Cooked Puerh - £6 supplement
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Cold Infused Teas (£9 supplement)
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White Peony
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Assam Breakfast
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Blackcurrant & Hibiscus
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Whole Chamomile flower
At the beginning they serve a small dish of seared tuna with shot glasses of beetroot puree.
Next they serve a beautiful selection of sandwiches with a mini burger sandwich of salt beef and pickles. Among the sandwich selection is smoked salmon, egg and spring onion. We were all asked if we would like some more sandwiches after we had finished the first round. To follow is the much talked about designer pastries and biscuits, which do look great. The flavour of the pastries were ok but not the best we have had. Their selection of teas is wonderful.
The cost of this tea is £52 plus service charge and for £62 plus service charge you can have a Champagne Tea instead.
We were a little disappointed that there were no scones, as this is a quintessential part of Afternoon tea. We found the waiters were excellent and very friendly. We felt that this Afternoon Tea you try once for the uniqueness.
Some of our guests are Afternoon Tea junkies and have tried them all. And they recommend the Mandarin Oriental down the road in Knightsbridge. Also The Langham hotel in Regent Street. And for quantity the Park Lodge hotel in Kensington.
We score this a 7/10
Photos with thanks to Anj
Pret a Porter Fashionista Afternoon Tea at
The Berkeley Hotel
Wilton Pl, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RL
Tel: 020 7235 6000
Web: http://www.the-berkeley.co.uk/knightsbridge-restaurants-bars/fashion-afternoon-tea/