Dearest gentle reader,
Make haste, for the Bridgerton Afternoon Tea has returned to the Lanesborough and it is not be missed. This season, the hotel transforms into a realm of mystery and intrigue with a theme inspired by the Masquerade Ball. But do not dally, as like a fleeting summer romance, there is only a matter of time before it concludes.
To begin the festivities, the Lanesborough has unveiled a duo of exclusive tipples. ‘The Forbidden Love’is a gin-based concoction that balances sweet basil water and Peach & Jasmine soda with a delicate mist of rose water. For those preferring a virtuous option, ‘Behind the Mask’ offers a vibrant blend of passionfruit, lychee, and vanilla. The true genius, however, lies in the presentation: each drink arrives wrapped in an onyx or snow-lace mask, serving as both a stunning photo op and a keepsake.
The spread is splendid, featuring finger sandwiches, pastries, and homemade scones alongside a vast selection of teas. The collection includes the exclusive ‘Bridgerton Blend’— a rich, floral black tea with sweet notes of fruit and rose petals, alongside the signature ‘Lanesborough Breakfast Tea’, a malty staple with a bright character and wonderful depth of flavour. Additionally, ’Teas With A Twist’, offer options like the light, subtly sweet ‘Rhubarb & Vanilla’ Chinese green tea.
The savouries follow suit with clever “twists,” such as the classic cucumber sandwich reimagined with smashed avocado for a creamy finish. The ‘Scottish smoked salmon with caraway crème fraîche’ is splendid, as expected, but the ‘Truffled Potato Bun’ is the undisputed diamond of the table, and luckily, you may order as many as your heart desires. Of course, no tea would be complete without the ritual of warm, golden-baked scones, both plain and fruit, served with fruit preserves & clotted Devonshire cream.
As for the grand finale, the pastries are a poetic tribute to the romance between Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie: ‘Let Love Take Flight’ features a silken blackberry mousse cameo, while the ‘Cottage Bloom’ captures the romance of an English garden with ginger and green apple. For chocolate lovers, ‘Benedict’s Masquerade’ offers a decadent layers of tonka mousse and hazelnut praline. Finally, crowning the tea stand is ‘The Lady in Silver’, a radiant sharing cake of zesty lemon and yuzu gel, finished with shimmering silver leaf and edible pearls, a radiant tribute to the season’s leading lady.
Whether you are a devoted fan of the series or simply seeking a delightful afternoon tea, this masquerade experience is the place to be. It is elegant, mysterious, and unmistakably Bridgerton.
@the_lanesborough | oetkerhotels.com/hotels/the-lanesborough
Park Corner, Hyde, London SW1X 7TA
