Afternoon tea in London has quickly become one of my favourite rituals. A little indulgence I’ve happily grown addicted to!
This time, I went for something truly special: an afternoon tea that blends exquisite flavours with artistic flair. Rosewood London’s Art Afternoon Tea, inspired by a current exhibition and served in one of the city’s prettiest hotels, is a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON is taking you inside the most artistic afternoon tea in town, and trust me, you’ll want to savour every detail!
The Rosewood Hotel, an icon of London elegance
Located near Holborn Tube Station, the Rosewood Hotel welcomes you into a beautifully serene courtyard, a peaceful oasis in the heart of London, with attentive and welcoming staff.
Housed in a beautiful historic building, Rosewood London perfectly blends classic elegance with modern style. From the grand marble staircase to the art-filled interiors, it’s a luxurious spot that still feels welcoming and full of London character.
I had booked a table for five in the Mirror Room, where the afternoon tea is served. We were all impressed by the stylish décor: mirrored walls, high ceilings with a contemporary chandelier, and, I must add, the incredibly comfy sofas!
Our coats were taken, and as we were shown to our table, we couldn’t help but soak in the unique and inviting atmosphere of the room.
It’s just perfect for anyone who loves elegant, stylish, and thoughtfully designed interiors.
I hadn’t had the pleasure of visiting the Rosewood Hotel before this afternoon tea, and now I understand why it’s so celebrated for its hospitality, food, cocktails (and spa, actually).
Time for the highlight of our visit: Rosewood London’s stunning Art Afternoon Tea!
Rosewood London: art-inspired Afternoon Tea
This afternoon tea is inspired by the current Tate Modern exhibition, Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirror Rooms, which I recently had the pleasure of reviewing on this blog.
As soon as our champagne glasses were poured and our teas served (each course featuring a different Mariage Frères blend, with helpful tips from the staff) we felt the excitement building.
We couldn’t help but eye the selection of sandwiches with anticipation, hanging on every word as the waiter described each tempting creation.
As a tribute to Yayoi Kusama, Executive Pastry Chef Mark Perkins masterfully blends unique Japanese flavours with traditional French pastries and patisserie.
Hence the shichimi in the cucumber sandwich and the wasabi cream in the salmon sandwich.
While the flavours blended nicely, I felt these Japanese ingredients could have been more pronounced to give the sandwiches a bolder, more original twist, though my friends enjoyed them as they were, and anyone who loves classic sandwiches would likely be just as thrilled.
In contrast, the Crispy Rice Cracker with Yuzu, Avocado, and Keta Caviar, and the Chicken Teriyaki with Spring Onion were simply outstanding. The crisp texture of the former and the buttery brioche of the latter, combined with rich flavours and top-quality ingredients, made both truly exceptional!
Next came the freshly baked scones, still warm from the oven. We couldn’t wait to break them open, generously spread clotted cream and jam, and savour every buttery, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
They were served with Cornish clotted cream, zesty lemon curd, and homemade strawberry & elderflower jam.
Perfectly baked, soft to the touch, and delightfully tender in every bite, they were simply irresistible.
Then came the Kusama-inspired pastries, the moment we’d all been eagerly waiting for! Bursting with colour and beautifully sculpted, each creation was as visually stunning as it was tempting to taste.
We began with the three mini pastries: a Peach & Jasmine Macaron, which I loved for its fresh, delicate balance of fruit and floral notes; a Cherry Blossom Cheesecake Tartlet, layered with different textures and soft, subtle flavours; and the incredible Caramel & Tonka Chocolate Coupe, rich, intense, and utterly irresistible.
That last one brought a smile to everyone’s face!
This is that moment when you feel like you simply can’t make room for dessert.
But given how special these pastries were (and our high expectations) we sank into the comfy sofa, unbuckled our belts, sipped our tea, and bravely sampled each of these outstanding creations!
This (above) was perhaps the most iconic tribute to Kusama’s work: a pumpkin-shaped pastry adorned with her signature dots, aptly named Dots Obsession: Soul of Pumpkin.
A stunning creation that must have been challenging to translate into a dessert, yet I can’t help but admire the result in this photo!
All My Love For Tulips is the second of these three exquisite pastries: delicate in flavour and absolutely stunning in presentation.
Last, but absolutely not least: Flowers That Bloom at Midnight. With its stunning design and delicate, layered flavours, this pastry is a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
A stunning trio of refined pastries! We left full, happy, and utterly impressed by this unique and unforgettable afternoon tea. What a lovely tradition to cherish!
Feeling inspired? If you are about to book an Art afternoon tea at Rosewood London soon, please share your experience and opinion on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON’s blog!
Discover more of my favourite Afternoon Tea spots right here!
To go further:
Rosewood London: 252 High Holborn, WC1V 7EN, London.
Website
Art afternoon tea menu
