We have always adored afternoon tea at Laduree, the french favourite I have spoken about countless times, but as a birthday treat were determined to find something new. Enter The Berkeley. The five star hotel in London's Knightsbridge is a stones throw away from Harrods, and a favourite of rockstars and royals alike for its impeccable service and attention to detail. I'd heard great things about their fashionista's afternoon tea and was thrilled to discover they had got a last minute slot. I'd definitely advise booking early to avoid disappointment though as tables can fill up months in advance.
So on a typically wintery Monday afternoon, Jack and I headed over to The Berkeley. We were met by the professional and warm doormen, who directed us to the Caramel room, where afternoon tea is served. The room is beautifully decorated with the expected warm chocolate and caramel hues and big, glass windows looking out onto the street. A hostess took our coats and we sat down to our multicoloured china, vibrant menu's and an electric pink shoe with our reservation name on it. Our friendly waiter explained the menu to us and left us to browse the eclectic range of fruit, herbal and traditional infusions.
The menu begins the excitement before you've even tasted a hint of confectionary. The sweets change every six months and reflect the current trends in fashion. As we were attending in winter, our menu highlighted some of the key designer pieces from AW13, and the way they would be interpreted in the biscuits. Fashion and confectionary? I was sold.
We ordered our teas, Jasmine for Jack and an exotic Watermelon infusion for me, politely declining the offer of champagne considering our heads were still a little hazy from the week before, and chatted excitedly about his impending birthday celebrations.
In perfect timing our afternoon tea arrived. Our beverages first, promptly followed by a delicious selection of home made sandwiches served on separate plates. Seconds later our beaming waiter arrived with a tea stand rivalling a fashionista's closet. The bottom tier was a selection of savouries from watercress veloute to swordfish canapés, and the top two tiers were confectionary creations taken from iconic designers from Vivienne Westwood to Oscar de la Renta. We almost didn't want to touch them, but of course we did.
After finishing off our sandwiches, Jack and I tucked in to our sweets. The decision making process was tough, they all looked too good to eat. "Don't worry" our waiter smiled when he came to invite us to try another variety of tea "you can have as many more as you can eat". This both delighted and unnerved me. Challenge accepted.
From the Westwood macaroon, to the Burberry trench coat, each fancy seemed more delicious than the last. But the best had to be the Gaultier mousse. They must have known passionfruit was my favourite.
Unable to squeeze another mouthful in, the waiter kindly wrapped up two of our favourite fancies in the most extravagant miniature handbags for us to take away with us. It was a delicious afternoon for the eyes, tastebuds and the inner fashionista.
The service is as impeccable as the afternoon tea that is served, well worth it for a special treat to fulfil the inner fashionista dream.
For more information and reservations: http://www.the-berkeley.co.uk/fashion-afternoon-tea/
