Prêt-à-Portea

The Berkeley hotel in Knightsbride has one of the best afternoon teas, it is all based around fashion and I have been dying to go for well forever. So when Danny surprised me on our anniversary with a trip there, I really couldn’t wait!

Afternoon Tea at The Berkeley takes place in the Caramel Room and is aptly named Prêt-à-Portea. Each part of the tea has been designed with various top fashion designers in mind. We had a lovely table by the window which was so well presented. The menus were brightly coloured and inside was a bright  and bold fashion slogan. Mine read ‘WORK IT’ and Danny’s read ‘STRIKE A POSE’, I loved it already!

The menu sounded amazing, first up there was a choice of champagnes to accompany the tea and a whole selection of teas to choose from too. The flavours sounded fantastic, with everything from English Breakfast to Chocolate Mint & Truffle. I chose my favourite Fresh Mint and Danny had the Berkeley Blend, we also had a lovely glass of Laurent Perrier too.

The tea at The Berkeley I’ll warn you is a big one, so go hungry! First up we had a selection of sandwiches, these were a mixture of crayfish, egg, salmon, turkey and I’m not sure on the last one but it was delicious! Danny requested no fish which was not a problem at all and he had his fish options changed for some mozzarella and tomato and a few others. The savoury section doesn’t end there. When the tea is brought out on the trays you are then presented with miniature treats that include swordfish and a chicken pate and chestnut cone. I can’t say I have ever had swordfish before, so gave it a go and actually liked it!

My eyes were too busy admiring all the cakes on the other tiers. They are so beautifully made and thought out. Our waiter talked us through each and also left us with a guide to which cake represented each designer. These cakes were all amazing, but my favourites were the Jimmy Choo monochrome chic zebra bag in Dulcey chocolate moelleux and topped with rainbow meringue drops and the Moschino bag, how cute! It was blood orange sponge in red quilted chocolate. For Dolce & Gabbana they had taken inspiration from the owl dress and made a gorgeous star ania and blackcurrant panna cotta with a chocolate owl on top. Each one was so clever and I loved checking to see what each was.

Each time we finished a layer our waiter brought another of the same. So there would be no fighting over who gets the Moschino bag as they do just keep coming! When I thought I couldn’t eat anymore, our waiter presented me with another tray, this time it was a special anniversary one. Such a lovely touch from The Berkeley, so thankyou. I of course delved into another Jimmy Choo bag cake!

Finally we were really full this time and so took some home to have later in the special Berkeley doggy bags!

I would highly recommend afternoon tea at The Berkeley hotel, it’s a great afternoon and with amazing cakes, plus if you love fashion like me it is so unique and fun. For more info and to book Prêt-à-Portea visit The Berkeley.