THE WALDORF HILTON invited Glass to indulge in the new ‘Be Our Guest’ Afternoon Tea, with its Spring theme titled The Enchanted Rose, an experience straight out of a Disney fantasy.
The initial launch of The Waldorf Hilton’s ‘Be Our Guest’ Afternoon Tea dates back to November 2023, which quickly gained great success, earning itself the title of Afternoon Tea Awards 2024 Winner.Â
The Enchanted Rose takes inspiration from the 1740 fairytale La Belle et La Bête written by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, which later was re-adapted into the Disney film Beauty and the Beast.
Be Our Guest: The Enchanted Rose Afternoon Tea at The Waldorf Hilton
Carefully thought-out by Executive Chef Luke Rayment-Blakey, the afternoon tea marries daring flavours with fine techniques enjoyed alongside exquisite interiors and ornamentals such as crockery illustrative of the fairytale personalities Mrs Potts and Chip alongside delectable sweets featuring characters such as Cogsworth.
A perfect Spring celebration, the afternoon tea invites guests to enjoy the otherworldly experience amongst a range of savoury snacks and sweet treats paired with an assortment of teas ranging from peppermint to rooibos. While one indulges in the ambience of the hotel’s lavish interiors, exceptional melodies echo from The Waldorf’s resident harpist.
The occasion sees a menu of seasonal offerings, which include highlights of a first course titled Spring Surprise, consisting of a roast red pepper soup, fennel seeds and lemon cream paired with a wild garlic, asparagus and pea tart.
Be Our Guest: The Enchanted Rose Afternoon Tea at The Waldorf Hilton
The following course, Savoury Path, consists of whipped ricotta, grilled courgette, lovage and balsamic on Nordic bread alongside a smoked chicken, basil mayo and bitter leaf croissant — a total crowd-pleaser. For those who eat plant-based, a meat-free menu is available with moreish options such as a Spring salad of peas, kale and radish, and lavender butter on sourdough.Â
As for the final course of sweet treats, two sorts of scones are provided, including classic and raisin-filled — while Lost in the Pastry Kitchen displays a three-tier selection of desserts offering strawberry, elderflower and rose Eton Mess, a lemon and mint cheesecake with the headliner being the dark chocolate and raspberry Cogsworth tart.
Be Our Guest: The Enchanted Rose Afternoon Tea at The Waldorf Hilton
A memorable experience, The Waldorf Hilton’s new theme for ‘Be Our Guest’ will take its guests on an adventure of all things fantastical. Whether in celebration with loved ones or a reason to seek an ethereal escapade, the ‘Be Our Guest’ The Enchanted Rose Afternoon Tea is a must for all London locals and those who come to visit.Â
“We are thrilled to launch the ‘Be Our Guest’: The Enchanted Rose afternoon tea and bring the magic of spring to The Waldorf Hilton, London. Following the success of ‘A Winter’s Tale’, I’m grateful for the team’s hard work and dedication in creating our latest indulgent guest experience. I am looking forward to seeing our new spring theme thrive and continue to create memorable experiences for our guests.” — Karl Richardson, food and beverage director at The Waldorf Hilton
by Nicole Pereira
The ‘Be Our Guest’ The Enchanted Rose Afternoon Tea is offered at £59 per adult and £35 per child and is bookable on the Taste of Waldorf website.