UPON arrival for this next chapter of taste explosions, we are immersed in the familiar setting of the regal and elegant Kensington Hotel dining room, filled to the brim with a lining of fresh and floral decor.
Much like our first trip around the world later last year, we talked about the journey we will embark on as we sit upon these plush, green velour armchairs that pull you into a realm of comfort. The lovely waiter for our visit is inspiringly enthusiastic about this next course of culture-enthused tea and explains to us that the jasmine teapot is not one to pass up on as we scour the menu.
The Kensington 80 Days Around The World Afternoon Tea
For this second adventure, we are transported through the Middle East across Asia, Yemen to India, onward through Hong Kong and then finally landing in Singapore, all still fused by the protagonist Phileas Fogg in Jules Verne’s 1872 novel ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’.
Once we’ve sipped through a cup of our delicious tea, the platter arrives on the table and what a treat for the eyes it is. Sat on the top plate is an array of appetisers that includes a toasted pitta bread served with zhoug and hummus, a classic onion bhaji and a miso and sweet potato tapioca ball – something I’ve never tried before but would definitely now recommend! The texture is sort of similar to a mochi’s consistency, very chewy but not at all sticky.
The Kensington 80 Days Around The World Afternoon Tea
The next plate is the sandwiches – my guest’s favourite part – which consists of an Indian green chutney and cucumber (which although features a dose of spice, it still tastes refreshingly crisp); a Singaporean chicken satay; a Middle Eastern three-cheese, tomato and cumin-baked flatbread; and a potato and egg mini brioche from Hong Kong.
The Kensington 80 Days Around The World Afternoon Tea
Finally, we are ready for the best part of the day, the dessert tray, which displayed a Yemeni Basbousa, a semolina yoghurt cake soaked in orange and rose water with almonds; kheer pudding, cardamon and clove syrup; black sesame choux with mandarin and a layered Pandan cake with a mango confit.
The Kensington 80 Days Around The World Afternoon Tea
Although by now it’s becoming very hard to fit anything else in, the scones are not one to miss – they’re delivered warm and wrapped up in a cloth blanket to ensure they’re as fresh as they were when first baked. Served with a huge jar of jam and clotted cream, they go down a treat as we end our time here at The Kensington.
If you’re looking for the perfect gift or fancy treating a loved one to an afternoon of luxury, then I would 100% recommend taking a trip to The Kensington’s 80 Days Around The World Afternoon Tea.
We can’t wait to see what the next instalment holds!
by Alicia Tomkinson
Book an experience at The Kensington’s 80 Days Around The World Afternoon Tea here.