Afternoon teas with a twist in both Kensington and Belgravia and a foodie first for Savile Row...
The Art of Afternoon Tea, South Kensington
The Kensington has elevated afternoon tea into a true artform with a new expressionist experience like no other.
Inspired by some of the world's most renowned artists, The Art of Afternoon Tea indulges your inner aesthete with a collection of carefully curated cultural confections and innovative libations such as the ‘Girl with the Balloon’ cocktail, inspired by the evocative work of Banksy.
A mix of the contemporary and the abstract, The Kensington’s culinary creatives have sculpted a gallery of sensational sweets atop the traditional three-tiered silver stand that pays homage to influential artists Jackson Pollock, Yayoi Kusama and Alicja Kwade.
The abstract expressionism of Pollock’s famed ‘drip technique’ adorns the dark chocolate mousse tart with passion fruit parfait. There's Japanese artist Kusama's playful polka-dot pumpkin made up of mango mousse surrounding coconut yoghurt cream. And a delicious replica of contemporary visual artist Kwade’s natural spheres constructed from white chocolate vanilla mousse with pineapple compote centre.
The Kensington is made up of four traditional Victorian townhouses and sits on the corner of Queen’s Gate and Old Brompton Road. This corner of the capital is surrounded by a concentration of art galleries featuring everything from
the classic to the contemporary, making it the perfect spot for beginning or rounding off any cultural exploration of West London.
Prepared and served fresh daily, The Art of Afternoon Tea is available everyday from 12pm-4.30pm for £58 per person or £70 per person including a glass of champagne.
109-113 Queen’s Gate
doylecollection.com
Boutique Belgravia hotel, the Hari, has introduced two new gastronomic delights - a new afternoon tea with a taste of Italy twist, and an innovative low and no-alcohol cocktail menu.
The restaurant il Pampero’s new Italian-style afternoon tea is called ‘Dolci Momenti’ and it showcases a selection of freshly prepared antipasti and delicate pastries. Savoury highlights include freshly baked focaccia topped with 24-month-aged Parma ham, creamy stracciatella and a balsamic reduction, as well as a crispy deep-fried taleggio cheese served with fig jam. Meanwhile, sweet treats include the Tiramichoux, a decadent pastry filled with mascarpone cream and finished with an espresso glaze, and the Bunet, a rich chocolate and amaretti pudding accompanied by a vibrant sour cherry compote.
The Dolci Momenti Afternoon Tea is complimented by a refined selection of JING Teas, bean-to-cup coffee from Illy, and Champagne from Moët & Chandon.
Meanwhile in the Hari Bar, there's an innovative new mixology experience placing the spotlight on mindful drinking options.
With recent reports that a third of Gen Z aged 18-24 don’t consume alcohol, bar manager, Andrea Manca, has curated a low and zero alcohol menu brimming with an array of flavours.
The No and Low Alcohol Cocktail Menu includes a refreshing ‘Alpine Fizz’, complete with Everleaf Forest, pear, almond and ginger ale, or a savoury Italian spin on the mojito, with Cherry Tomatoes, Basil, Balsamic Vinegar and Lemonade. For those with a sweeter tooth, the bar team’s ‘Sweet Seduction’ offers a fruity blend of passionfruit, apple juice, honey, aloe vera and egg white.
20 Chesham Place
thehari.com
Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Jason Atherton has launched his life’s legacy restaurant on Savile Row
Row on 5 is the new flagship restaurant, split across two floors at No.5 Savile Row, the iconic home of British bespoke tailoring.
The restaurant is Jason and wife Irha’s personal and professional legacy, and the pinnacle of culinary mastery. It marks a first for Savile Row - on which there has never been a restaurant leased in its 290-year-old history- and is the realisation of a dream for the Michelin-starred chef, who is also a passionate champion of British tailoring.
The venture is a continuation of sister restaurant Row on 45, which was awarded two Michelin stars within the first six months of its opening.
Row on 5 is offering a 15-course tasting menu divided into three acts and showcasing the peak seasons of the finest of British produce.
'I have been fortunate enough to open restaurants all over the world, but Row on 5 is different,' says Jason. 'I want it to be my legacy, and I don’t say that lightly. "Row" stands for "Refinement of Work", and in this case I mean my life’s work as a chef. Row on 5 is like a fashion designer’s haute couture collection - a showcase of creativity and finesse, but instead of fine fabrics and artisanal needlework, the stars of Row on 5 is the world-class culinary team and the very best produce from all over the British Isles.'
At its helm is executive chef Spencer Metzger, formerly Head Chef at The Ritz for 13 years before he moved to Dubai as one of Jason’s opening chefs at Row on 45, and Roxane Dupuy as executive sommelier.
5 Savile Row
rowon5london.com/
