Renowned for its sumptuous drawing room adorned with eclectic contemporary and classical art The Kensington is the perfect spot for a decadent afternoon treat. Currently offering a collection of confections Inspired by some of the world’s most renowned artists, the Art of Afternoon Tea satisfies the taste of the modern art lover and the tea enthusiast. The menu incorporates a selection of carefully crafted mini-masterpieces, paying homage to influential artists Jackson Pollock, Yayoi Kusama and Alicja Kwade.

The set menu is presented in a charming booklet, decorated with fine watercolours of the hotel and an impressive list of teas, cocktails, sparkling wines and champagne. Such attention to detail sets the tone for a luxurious experience.

On arrival, we were presented with crisp, delicious glasses of pink British sparkling wine, which we took on the sunny terrace. We sipped these surrounded by stunning green and white flowers and foliage, before retiring to our cosy table beside the marble fireplace in the drawing room, where our three-tier silver tray of delights awaited us upon a crisp white tablecloth.

Atop the tray came the artist’s collection of mini confections, followed by sumptuous homemade scones and accompanied by strawberry jam & Cornish clotted cream plus delicate finger sandwiches. The first to try and the most delightful to look at was the polka-dot pumpkin, inspired by Japanese artist Kusama. Made up of mango mousse and the surrounding coconut yoghurt cream was just incredible.

Next to bite into was a delicious replica of contemporary visual artist Kwade’s natural spheres constructed from white chocolate vanilla mousse with pineapple compote centre – magnificent, finishing off with the dark chocolate mousse tart and passion fruit parfait.

Our finger sandwiches came filled with silky smooth smoked salmon and lemon cream cheese, cucumber with mint cream, and pastrami with gherkin & horseradish, St Ewe egg and watercress, the perfect savoury accompaniment to the sweet treats and hearty scones.
Of course, no afternoon tea is complete without the tea. Served in heavy silver pots our attentive waiter poured tea into decadent bone china cups, which always makes tea taste so much more special. The tea list is impressive and boasts an extensive list of black, white and green teas from London-based provider, The Rare Tea Company. Opting for the fragrant Dragonwell green tea, which has a rich flavour and subtle note of hazelnuts, and the rich English Breakfast, we settled down into our deeply padded French chairs for some serious relaxing.

Prepared and served fresh daily, The Art of Afternoon Tea is available everyday from 12pm-4.30pm for £58 per person or £70 per person including a glass of champagne.  A Gluten Free option is also available.

Address: The Kensington,109-113 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London, SW7 5LP

To book visit www.doylecollection.com/hotels/the-kensington-hotel/dining/afternoon-tea-in-kensington

Written by Claire Bloom

Photos courtesy of The Kensington