Afternoon Tea at The Berkeley: Fashion, Flavour, and Flair
Afternoon Tea at The Berkeley is not your traditional affair. Here, patisserie meets runway in an experience known as Prêt-à-Portea, a playful, high-fashion take on the British tea tradition. This is a destination for those who appreciate fine detail, bold creativity, and a little glamour with their cake stand.
The Prêt-à-Portea Concept
Served in the light-filled Collins Room, The Berkeley’s Afternoon Tea reinterprets the latest season’s fashion collections as edible couture. The menu changes every six months in line with the fashion calendar, meaning guests can enjoy treats inspired by the latest designs from houses such as Prada, Fendi, and Balenciaga.
The inspiration behind each pastry is carefully chosen, not just for visual appeal but also for its translation into flavour and texture. Expect to see biscuits shaped like handbags, cakes glazed to match fabric patterns, and confections that mirror silhouettes from the catwalk.
A Runway of Sweets and Savouries
The experience begins with a selection of savoury navettes, delicate finger sandwiches made with precision and care. Fillings vary with the season but often include classics like smoked salmon and cream cheese, coronation chicken, and egg with truffle mayonnaise.
This is followed by the centrepiece: the cake stand of fashion-forward sweets. Highlights have included the Red Apple and Passion Fruit Entremet, a glossy, mirror-finished dome packed with tropical sharpness, and the Grapefruit Pavlova, which balances crisp meringue with soft citrus mousse. Guests may also enjoy items like the Peanut Cookie or a miniature handbag-shaped choux bun, all themed around designer looks of the season.
The Tea and Champagne Selection
Complementing the food is a carefully curated tea list, featuring both traditional and rare blends. Options range from Earl Grey and Darjeeling to more contemporary choices such as green teas with yuzu or white teas with floral notes. Those wishing to upgrade their experience can enjoy a glass of Laurent-Perrier champagne, or even explore a tea and cocktail pairing.
Who It’s For
Prêt-à-Portea is designed for those who appreciate both fashion and flavour. It’s particularly popular with stylish friends enjoying a day out, couples marking a special occasion, or visitors to London seeking an Afternoon Tea with personality. Its playful nature also makes it suitable for birthday celebrations or luxury gifting experiences.
The chic interiors of the Collins Room, complete with marble tables and soft-toned upholstery, enhance the sense of occasion while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and contemporary.
Availability and Booking
Afternoon Tea is served daily, with sittings throughout the afternoon. Menus update biannually in spring/summer and autumn/winter, reflecting changes in the global fashion scene. Advance booking is essential due to high demand, especially during London Fashion Week and festive seasons.
Address :
Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RL, United Kingdom
Opening Hours :
Daily
12:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Reviews
The Prêt-à-Portea afternoon tea at The Berkeley is a delightful fusion of fashion and flavor. Each pastry is inspired by the latest designer collections, making it a visual and culinary treat.
An unforgettable experience! The attention to detail in the presentation and the quality of the teas and treats were exceptional. The staff were attentive and made our visit special.
The Collins Room provides a serene setting for afternoon tea. The sandwiches were fresh, and the pastries were both creative and delicious. Highly recommended for a luxurious tea experience.
A unique twist on traditional afternoon tea. The fashion-themed pastries are not only beautiful but also delectable. A must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in a stylish tea experience.
The Berkeley's afternoon tea is a perfect blend of elegance and creativity. The seasonal themes keep the experience fresh, and the quality of the food and service is consistently high.
Ladurée Covent Garden
Experience a Parisian-inspired afternoon tea at Ladurée Covent Garden, blending French elegance with British tradition. Set in Covent Garden Piazza, enjoy savoury delights like smoked salmon brioche and Brie & truffle on sourdough, followed by buttery scones with Ladurée preserves. Indulge in signature pastries, including the Mini Ispahan and chocolate éclair, alongside world-famous macarons.
Pair with premium teas or upgrade to a Champagne Afternoon Tea. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menus available. A chic, luxurious treat in London’s most vibrant setting.
The Ampersand Hotel
Inspired by The Science Museum, The Science Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel offers a fun, interactive twist on tradition. The menu features planet-shaped cakes, petri dish desserts, and “volcanic” scones, making it perfect for families and science lovers.
Guests enjoy savoury bites, chocolate dinosaur eggs with raspberry mousse, and a smoky dry ice cocktail. A selection of specialty loose-leaf teas is available. Vegetarian and gluten-free options can be requested. Served daily from 12:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Advance reservations recommended.
The Berkeley, London
Afternoon Tea at The Berkeley blends style and flavour in the Collins Room with fashion-inspired pastries like the Red Apple and Passion Fruit Entremet, Peanut Cookie, and Grapefruit Pavlova. Served alongside delicate savoury navettes and an extensive tea menu or champagne, it’s a refined treat with a modern edge. Ideal for fashion lovers and those after something different, this experience offers creativity and elegance in equal measure. Advance booking is strongly recommended.
The Bloomsbury Hotel
Inspired by the literary Bloomsbury Set, The Bloomsbury Hotel’s Afternoon Tea blends classic British tradition with creativity. Served in the floral-filled Dalloway Terrace or the elegant Coral Room, guests enjoy Coronation chicken brioche, smoked salmon on rye, warm buttermilk scones, and literary-inspired pastries, including The Virginia Woolf Lemon Tart and The Dalloway Chocolate Éclair.
A curated tea selection complements the menu, with Champagne upgrades available. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are offered. A refined yet imaginative afternoon tea experience in the heart of London. Advance booking recommended.
The Rubens At The Palace
Located opposite Buckingham Palace, The Rubens at the Palace offers a quintessentially British Afternoon Tea in a regal setting. Guests enjoy a curated tea selection, including exclusive blends, alongside finely crafted finger sandwiches with classic fillings like Scottish smoked salmon and roast chicken with tarragon mayonnaise.
The experience continues with handmade pastries inspired by Royal traditions and warm scones with clotted cream and homemade preserves. For added indulgence, guests can opt for Champagne Afternoon Tea. Advance reservations are highly recommended.
The Egerton House Hotel
For an intimate and refined Afternoon Tea, The Egerton House Hotel in Knightsbridge offers a luxurious yet cosy experience. Served in The Drawing Room, guests enjoy smoked salmon sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream, and handcrafted pastries, including chocolate raspberry tarts and Victoria sponge.
A premium tea selection complements the menu, with the option to upgrade to Champagne Afternoon Tea. Dog lovers can indulge in the unique Doggy Afternoon Tea. A perfect retreat for couples, small groups, and tea enthusiasts. Advance booking recommended.
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