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.
Vicinity, the Tower Hotel
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at Vicinity, The Tower Hotel, with riverside views of Tower Bridge. Served daily from 1pm to 4pm, it includes classic sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and handcrafted desserts like Pimm’s sponge and rhubarb slice. Choose from teas or upgrade with Champagne or cocktails. Priced at £35 per person, it’s ideal for relaxed meetups or special occasions.
The Chesterfield Mayfair
Indulge in the Sweet Shop Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield Mayfair, a playful twist on the British tradition inspired by childhood treats. Served in a light-filled conservatory, this award-winning afternoon tea is perfect for families, friends, and nostalgic sweet lovers.
Enjoy classic savoury sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream, and themed patisserie delights like Drumstick macarons and liquorice allsorts cheesecake. Pair your experience with signature teas or Champagne. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. A fun and indulgent tea experience in Mayfair.
Shangri-La The Shard, London
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a sky-high Afternoon Tea at Shangri-La The Shard, blending Eastern tradition with Western indulgence. The menu features handmade dumplings, Peking duck pancakes, savoury baos, finger sandwiches, and scones with an oriental twist.
Enjoy matcha cakes, yuzu tarts, sesame praline choux, and gold-leaf chocolate truffles, paired with premium Chinese and British teas. Guests can enhance the experience with Champagne or a Lunar New Year cocktail. Advance booking recommended for this limited-time celebration.
The Milestone Hotel
Overlooking Kensington Palace, The Milestone Hotel offers a luxurious afternoon tea in an elegant setting with live piano music. Guests enjoy classic finger sandwiches, including smoked Scottish salmon on beetroot bread, alongside warm scones with clotted cream and homemade preserves. The patisserie selection features chocolate ganache tarts, Victoria sponge, and Earl Grey mousse, paired with a curated tea menu or Champagne upgrade.
Vegan, gluten-free, and children’s afternoon tea options are available. A refined and traditional experience in the heart of London.
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.
Hotel Café Royal
Indulge in pure luxury with Afternoon Tea at The Grill Room, a historic and opulent space adorned with gilded ceilings, velvet seating, and live music. Enjoy a sophisticated menu featuring elegant savouries, buttery scones, and exquisite pâtisserie, all served with rare teas or Champagne.
This iconic experience is perfect for special occasions, couples, and afternoon tea connoisseurs. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. Step into London’s golden era and book your table today.
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