IN TIME for the spring season to finally begin in London, Shangri-La The Shard launches Bees in Bloom Afternoon Tea, in collaboration with luxury handmade jewellery brand Alex Monroe and support of sustainable beekeeping charity Bees for Development.
From the entrance to the 35th floor, guests are welcomed to TĪNG Lounge by ethereal forest decor, wildflowers, hexagonal honeycomb installations and iconic golden bees inspired by Alex Monroe’s signature Beehive collection.
Bees in Bloom Afternoon Tea at Shangri-La The Shard
Live music welcomes us into the warm atmosphere and as we take our seats, we marvel at the infamous London skyline from our table, with panoramic views from St. Pauls Cathedral to Canary Wharf.
To start off the afternoon, I treat myself to a glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne, and as we explore the new menu, we are presented with a delicious welcome tea of peach tea infused with mint and peach purée.
We are spoilt for choice with TĪNG offering a wide variety of teas and we took this opportunity to indulge in new flavours that we may not experience every day. After helpful recommendations, we opted to try the Himalayan and Shangri-La Blend signature teas, both having us ‘mmm-ing’ with every sip.
Bees in Bloom Afternoon Tea at Shangri-La The Shard
The afternoon tea is served on a stand decorated with dried florals, and everything looks too gorgeous to eat. The stand includes delicious savouries and classic finger sandwiches, followed by plain and raisin scones with the traditional strawberry jam and clotted cream. Next are the delectable pastries of The Bee, The Ladybug and The Marguerite Daisy, complementing each other and crafted to perfection both inside and out.
Completing our experience, we are presented with the hotel’s signature miniature chocolate Shard pastry, decorated with a honeycomb pattern, filled with berry mousse and served over clouds of dry ice – definitely one for the cameras.
With an indulgent menu, beautiful landscapes of the capital, and delightfully decorated interiors, Shangri-La’s Bees in Bloom afternoon tea is a picture-perfect experience to begin the spring season we’ve been longing for.
by Vivian Hui
The Shard, St Thomas Street, London SE1 9QU
The Bees in Bloom Afternoon Tea is available until 12th May 2024, and is priced at £75, or £85 with a glass of Champagne.
To book, visit: ting-shangri-la.com.