USHERING in the winter season with a new culinary dining experience, the infamous Sofitel London St James has just announced its partnership with leading Italian home appliance manufacturer Smeg.
The two affluent names have joined forces to craft Afternoon Tea Avec SMEG – a gastronomic venture designed to combine Sofitel’s French heritage with Smeg’s Italian expertise.
Established in 1948, Smeg has become internationally renowned for its durable, colourful and reliable household appliances. With the brand’s flagship store just a stone’s throw away from Sofitel London St James, the partnership is an inevitable delight.
Smeg x Sofitel London St James
Being fortunate enough to attend the launch event of the afternoon tea, we gathered as much information and insight as possible into the new collaboration. The afternoon tea will be set within the walls of Sofitel’s iconic Rose Lounge.
Although, The Rose Lounge already has beautiful décor, the space has been adapted and altered to coincide with the afternoon tea. In particular, the walls of the room have been adorned with signature Smeg products – an ode to the brand’s elegant and sophisticated design style.
Smeg x Sofitel London St James
Upon arrival, guests will be offered a glass of sparkling tea or champagne – straight from one of Smeg’s FAB28 fridges. The Rose Lounge’s rose tea, infused with rose, bergamot and hibiscus, will also be extended to guests within the lounge’s bespoke teapots.
Furthermore, the entire menu has been imagined by Pastry Chef Lerrick Coelho – whose name you may recognise from his previous Great British Bake Off appearance.
After enjoying the beverages, the menu’s savoury starters start to emerge. This includes a cheese chilli panini, Scottish smoked salmon with dill crème fraiche on a beetroot slice and a truffle egg mayonnaise sandwich. For an additional theatrical twist, the cheese chilli panini will be served from a Smeg TSF01 toaster’s sandwich rack.
The sweet treats are similarly delightful. A particular favourite of the menu is the maritozzo – a soft and fluffy brioche-style bun originating from Rome. Filled with mascarpone and fig, the maritozzo pairs beautifully with the menu’s Milanese rum panettone.
Additionally, the panettone is served with freshly whipped Chantilly cream from Smeg’s SMF03 stand mixer, creating the perfect light dessert. Coffee lovers can also breathe a sigh of relief as a delicate affogato – with coffee made from one of Smeg’s EGF espresso machines – is available to try.
Smeg x Sofitel London St James
To conclude, the afternoon tea ends with a chocolate course. In order to further reference Smeg homeware appliances, the chocolates have been painted in a kaleidoscope of captivating pastel colours. Moreover, two golden tickets have been hidden within the sweet delight. If lucky enough to find a golden ticket, one will win an overnight stay at Sofitel London St James and a Smeg stand mixer.
For those hoping to attend with younger guests, do not be worried. Afternoon Tea Avec SMEG has all ages covered. Kids can enjoy making smoothies using Smeg’s PBF01 blender, finger sandwiches and a biscuit canvas with edible paint.
Ensuring a luxurious, immersive dining experience for all, Afternoon Tea Avec SMEG is now available until the summer of 2024.
by Sophie Richardson
The menu will change seasonally and is available to experience from 12 pm-5 pm, Monday to Sunday. It costs £70 per person, £80 with a glass of Champagne, and £40 for children’s afternoon tea.