FOLLOWING the opening of the V&A‘s first-ever major exhibition on the life of Coco Chanel, The Kensington has carefully designed a new afternoon tea menu to celebrate the French couturière.
The menu pays homage to the designer and her impact on the fashion industry through various subtle references. Having previously reviewed The Kensington’s 80 Days Around The World afternoon tea, Glass revisits the iconic venue to get the latest information.
High Fashion High Tea at The Kensington
To start, guests are welcomed into an intimate dining setting, which emanates the sophistication and elegance we all so often associate with Chanel.
Additionally, for those visiting during the festive season, The Kensington has adorned the space with a variety of impressive Christmas decorations. With a choice between a variety of black teas, green teas, white teas and herbal infusions, visitors are immediately spoilt for choice.
Each tea has been thoughtfully selected and supplied by The Rare Tea Company, which was founded by Henrietta Lovell in 2004. Lovell works directly with farmers from around the world to source the most unique flavours and combinations. And it definitely shows. Opting for a Jasmine silver tip tea – from China’s Fujian province – I was instantly enticed by its delicate, warm flavours.
Interior of The Kensington
For the new High Fashion High Tea, The Kensington’s K-Bar has teamed up with Maison Perrier-Jouët to create a range of exclusive cocktails. I decided to try the Element No.5 – a gin-based drink infused with chamomile, Drambuie and soda.
We also tried the Mademoiselle which contains Lillet rose, Italicus, Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut NV, Elderflower and sugar ‘caviar’ pearls. The Cocotte is the final special cocktail on the menu and consists of Absolute Elyx, Chambord, black lemon sherbert, and Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut NV.
Cocktails of The Kensington
Alongside the tea and cocktails, we enjoyed a glass of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut NV, which was the perfect light accompaniment to the rest of the delectable cuisine. In fact, the new menu exemplifies The Kensington’s renowned culinary reputation.
Guests can choose from sandwiches packed with coronation chicken, apple and cumin, egg and mayo or cream cheese, chapel and smoked salmon. Furthermore, classic warm, fluffy scones – served with clotted Cornish cream and homemade jam – are on offer to carefully offset the savoury bites.
As for the sweet delights, the desserts beautifully allude to poignant moments from Chanel’s life. With handbag-shaped orange & almond cakes, dark chocolate and vanilla macarons, Bramley apple bites and classically French opera cake, the menu is full of exquisite treats.
Interior of The Kensington
Made with the fashion enthusiast in mind, the new afternoon tea is an unmissable dining experience for anyone who has visited the V&A exhibition or those who love haute couture.
by Sophie Richardson
The High Fashion High Tea is priced at £58 per person or £70 if one chooses to include a glass of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut NV. Afternoon tea is served daily from 12 pm – 4:30 pm and reservations can be made here.