Last weekend as a treat for my friend, Nikki's Birthday, we thought what better way to spend our Saturday than a shopping spree followed by a Fashionista's Afternoon Tea at the Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge! And I can confirm that my new favourite hobby, eating as many cakes and miniature sandwiches as humanly possible, all washed down by several glasses of Laurent Perrier, is something I'm very good at! YUM YUM YUM!
As you enter the hotel, you walk straight into a plush reception area with an immediate air of luxury and traditional style. Big comfy chairs, lots of marble and most impressively an ornate fire place framed either side by two gorgeous blossom trees. Our shopping bags were whisked away and we were taken straight to our table despite being fifteen minutes early for our reservation.
Berkeley Hotel Reception
We were greeted by our impeccably dressed waiter for the afternoon who took his time explaining the delicious banquet we were about to devour and making sure that everything was perfect. We opted for the Champagne Pret-a-Portea, a SERIOUS treat! As soon as I was presented with the mint green menu setting out a delectable list of fashion related cakes and treats, I became thoroughly overexcited about the afternoon ahead!
After picking our type of tea (you could opt for the standard Pret-a-Portea which comes with a selection of different teas, the champagne option that we enjoyed or the Couture Champagne version!!) our waiter explained each section...first up finger sandwiches! You each get a plate with the following...a traditional Egg and Cress roll, Cucumber and Cream Cheese in Tomato bread, Smoked Salmon and Butter in Wholemeal Bread, Tuna, Hummus, Salad wrap and my favourite on our baby platter Coronation Chicken in Tomato Bread!! We both ate every last crumb....SO DELISH! And then our waiter immediately asked if we would like our plates replenished, we politely declined as the cake stand and our champagne had just arrived!!!
Before we were allowed to dig in, each tier was explained...first up the Savouries...a Feta Cheese Mousse and Horseradish spoon, Miniature Crab Cake, Peanut Beef Roulade, Sesame Salmon Sashimi and a shot of Green Tomato Gazpacho....Nikki and I literally did paper, scissors, stone for who got what....UNTIL we found out that your plate is replenished as soon as the last heavenly treat is removed from a layer...PIGLET BLISS!!
The next two layers up are where the quirky fashion element comes in...each pastry, mousse, cake and biscuit is based on colours and themes from the latest catwalk collections. The menu is altered every six months to keep up with new creations from our favourite designers! Our waiter explained each work of art with the help of a laminated montage of the designs, shoes and bags that they were all based on. The minute detail the pastry chefs have managed to achieve with such perfection is incredible, you really will be impressed!
A few of the beautiful fashion fancies that we ate our way through were...
Gucci's Art Deco Grand Marnier & dark Valrhona chocolate mousse embellished with golden beads (these were pieces of popping candy covered in golden icing!).
Nautical Fendi red and white striped vanilla cake filled with fraise des bois cremeur accessorized with oversized yellow button.
Christian Louboutin must-have neon yellow high heeled chocolate biscuit which comes complete with signature red sole!
Dolce & Gabbana light blue Sicilian blueberry sponge cake wicker basket wrapped in chocolate.
Michael Kors safari cake with dark chocolate & mocha filling topped with signature leopard print.
Every Fashionista should experience this Afternoon Tea! It's not only a chance to swot up on this season's fashion must haves but it was also the most divine few hours of my life! Even better, when you finally roll yourself out of the hotel you're sent away with a sweet little Pret-a-Portea mint green box filled with several pastries and cakes to enjoy when you get home! I begrudgingly gave mine away to Middle Mouse, watching her every move with green evil eyes as she happily munched away!!!
Go on treat yourself....it's for fashion after all!
Served Daily from 1pm - 6pm
Pret-aPortea - £39 per person
Champagne Pret-a-Portea - £49 per person (includes a glass of Laurent-Perrier)
Couture Champagne Pret-a Portea - £55 per person (includes a glass of Billecart-Salmon Rose, Laurent Perrier Ultra Brut, Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle).
The Berkeley
Wilton Place
Knightsbridge
London
SW1X 7RL
0207 235 6000
