Beautiful to behold and something special to savour – celebrated chef Shaun Rankin has been sprinkling some Michelin-starred magic onto a new afternoon tea offering at luxury boutique hotel Flemings Mayfair.
Served daily in the stunningly refurbished Drawing Room, the delectable new treats have been perfectly paired with either the finest tea leaves from specialists The East India Company or, for added luxury, a glass of NV ‘Cuvee D’, Devaux, Aube champagne especially selected by Flemings’ award-winning sommelier Andreas Rosendal.
Embracing the same understated luxury of the hotel’s new restaurant, Ormer Mayfair, Shaun’s afternoon tea imbues classic sophistication with simple flavours from his impeccably-sourced produce that speaks for itself.
Savour delicate finger sandwiches of classic coronation chicken on wholemeal; luxurious smoked salmon on black rye and egg mayonnaise in a fluffy brioche bun. Next, homemade raisin and plain scones are served simply with Jersey Chantilly cream and plenty of preserves.
The all-important top layer of prepossessing petit fours includes a dark, rich, layered opera cake finished with a mini coffee macaron; a soft, light pavlova with exotic cream and fresh fruit and moreish Paris-Brest with smooth hazelnut crèmeux.
Fine teas to choose from include Jasmine Pearls, Lis-Han Oolong, spiced Bombay Chai and Flemings’ Signature Breakfast Blend, all served in beautiful Bernardaud crockery against the refined backdrop of The Drawing Room. The buidling’s Georgian history is reflected in the room’s harmonious proportions with reinstated period detail including 3m ceiling height and sash windows as well as an original marble fireplace of 1851 providing the focal point of the room. The lavish theme continues with hand-painted De Gournay wall panels depicting evocative scenes of India, a library filled with cultural tomes by Assouline and beautiful artistry from Eileen Schaer.
