Prêt-à-Portea Afternoon Tea – The Berkeley Hotel

For my birthday this year, my friends and I went to The Berkeley Hotel for afternoon tea. With its fashion inspired selection of delicacies, it was the natural choice! The Berkeley’s Prêt-à-Portea afternoon tea is carefully thought through and updated every six months to follow the changing seasons in fashion. With its 10th anniversary this year, pastry chef Mourad Khiat has chosen some of his favourite creations over the past 10 years, paying homage to some of my favourite designers in the process!Set in the uber chic yet modern Collins Room, with comfy sofas and beautifully designed crockery, this is a perfect treat for any fashion obsessed women (or men!) out there! The savoury sandwiches included salmon, aubergine, egg and chicken. There was also a delicious beef slider as well as a feta savoury pastry which I think was my favourite. For any halal food eaters, you’re in luck – all the meet is halal! Now, on to the dessert. The pastries were all beautifully crafted – it was a challenge not to keep admiring them and actually get tucked in! My favourite was the Simone Rocha inspired eclaire which was amazing.

In terms of service, the staff were very helpful and friendly – they kept our tea cups topped up with a variety of teas as well as provided more sandwiches on request. What’s not to love?! So, if you’re looking for a new, modern take on the traditional afternoon tea, be sure to add The Berkeley’s Prêt-à-Portea afternoon tea  to your list!(Above) Simone Rocha’s ethereal embroidered tulle dress vanilla éclair filled with salted caramel crème patissière (at the back).

Nicholas Kirkwood’s pearl pump sachertorte layered with raspberry, chocolate ganache and Valrhona crémeux topped with delicate silver pearls (at the front).(from left to right) Charlotte Olympia’s dramatic cinnamon biscuit boot with black and red icing.

Jason Wu’s romantic cherry bavarois and coconut cream topped with playful pink skirt and biscuit heel.

Lanvin’s almond sponge, honeycomb and chocolate mousse draped with a light meringue ruffle.(from left to right) Moschino’s blood orange Victoria sponge ‘yellow M’ handbag encased in red chocolate.

Dolce and Gabbana’s duo of blackcurrant bavarois and star anise pannacotta, topped with chocolate owl dress design.

Jimmy Choo’s glittery gala pointed-toe shoe velvet praline cream cake with hazelnut croquant and sweetheart bow.(from left to right) Charlotte Olympia’s dramatic cinnamon biscuit boot with black and red icing.

Burberry’s classic trench coat chocolate biscuit with creamy royal icing.

Manolo Blahnik’s Hangisi quintessential pointy toe stiletto ginger biscuit.