Afternoon Teas in Knightsbridge is always going to be a fancy affair. However, head down to the Berkeley and you will discover a truly unique experience: Prêt-à-Portea. Described as “a Fashionista’s afternoon tea”, this is one afternoon appointment not to be missed.
Our first delight was the tea menu. I’ve never seen anything like it. Of course, you have your more traditional English Breakfast and Earl Grey, but added to the mix are teas such as Pear White Peony, Chocolate Mint Truffle and Opulent Orange Chili. Not to mention the Caramel Indulgent, whose asterisk informed us that it contains nuts? Inspired!
The accompanying Berkeley tea sandwiches and canapés certainly didn’t disappoint. Just the right combination of appetizing and satisfying, these savoury treats were simply delicious.
“This is culinary craftsmanship at it’s finest”
Notable as they were however, the savoury treats had nothing on the sweet creations to come…
Inspired by the colours and trends of the Fashion world, Prêt-à-Portea offers cakes and delicacies shaped to mimic clothing and accessories straight from the catwalk.
The imagination is astonishing, from a Manolo Blahnik slingback chocolate biscuit, to Balenciaga modern monochrome dark and white chocolate mousse dress set; this really is a shopaholic’s dream.
The Prêt-à-Portea menu is updated every six months to make sure they’re keeping up with the latest fashion movements. Each creation is modeled from one of the word’s top designers, and certainly reflects the quality of the clothing they represent…
The cakes were, in a word, delectable. Baked, iced and flavoured to perfection, not only were these cakes visually exciting, they also wowed the taste buds. This is culinary craftsmanship at it’s finest.
The quality of the food means this isn’t just for the Fashionista’s out there. Oh, no. The Berkeley has made sure that the quality of the food is outstanding, rivaling any Afternoon Tea I have ever experienced. The cakes wouldn’t have to be shaped like a handbag to make this special. That’s just an added bonus!
Afternoon Tea has become quite the trend, with all of the high-end hotels around the world now embracing this classically British pastime. I think that’s what makes Prêt-à-Portea so exciting.
Most venues stick to what we know in terms of traditional afternoon tea, but the Berkeley have broken the mould in terms of delivery. This only acts to reaffirm the “Fashionista” theme, as being original and expressive is what fashion is all about.
Hats off to you Prêt-à-Portea (excuse the pun)!
The Bill: £39 per head
