THIS WINTER, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London joins forces with De Beers London to bring a new sparkle to Knightsbridge. Ushering in a fresh chapter for the two heritage houses, Mandarin Oriental and De Beers have united to transform the hotel into a wonderfully festive landscape.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
From the lobby’s festive redesign as The Enchanted Lotus Bar to exclusive private appointments at De Beers’ Bond Street flagship boutique, the partnership exudes effortless sophistication. Yet, the standout of the collaboration may be the De Beers London Festive Afternoon Tea at The Rosebery.
The afternoon tea offering taps into the heritage and history of the two houses, blending British tradition with subtle Southern African influences. Additionally, De Beers has partnered with Fortnum & Mason on the 1888 Blend, a signature tea crafted to enhance the warmth and indulgence of the experience.
De Beers London Festive Afternoon Tea
The experience begins with an assortment of finely crafted finger sandwiches, where exciting flavour pairings take centre stage. Smoked salmon with rooibos-mackerel pate, goat’s cheese with preserved fig, and sauteed prawns with South African cucumber sambal offer a playful take on tradition, balancing familiar profiles with thoughtful twists.
Later, freshly baked raisin & plain scones arrive, which are accompanied by Cornish clotted cream, strawberry, crystallised ginger, and apple jams. As they’re served, the soft tones of a live harpist playing Christmas classics fill the room, adding festive flair to the dining experience.
Pastry Selection
The sweet treats continue with the arrival of a pre-dessert – warm Christmas malva pudding – followed by a selection of hand-crafted pastries. These include a traditional South African milk tart, a whipped white chocolate ganache golden fan, a delicate 1888 Tea blend Christmas bauble, and a peppermint crisp and Madagascan dark chocolate mousse.
South African Milk Tart
In conclusion, the partnership adds a welcome touch of sparkle to the season, with the two houses sharing a strong commitment to craft and heritage. For those seeking a calm, sophisticated way to indulge this winter, The Rosebery’s festive afternoon tea is well worth a visit.
by Sophie Richardson
Afternoon tea prices start from £98 per person. For more information or to book, please visit here.