The great British summer afternoon tea | Review

Kensington Mums reviews

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea is in full bloom as The Kensington Hotel transforms for the great British summer season with a breath-taking floral installation, exclusive Afternoon Tea inspired by the seasons most significant events and a delectable bespoke cocktail menu

Kensington Mums had the pleasure of reviewing an afternoon tea at The Kensington hotel as it unveils ‘The Great British Summer’ campaign, celebrating the very best of the British summertide season.  The new look for the hotel’s beautiful townhouse façade and al fresco dining porticos has been created by floral designers Wild at Heart, inspired by the traditional English country garden. Wisteria delicately cascades down the elegant entrance and garlands of silk roses and lilac hydrangea grace the hotel’s front. Seasonal flowers and pink roses climb the private porticos, transforming them into a pretty pergola – perfect for outdoor dining and sipping as the summer arrives.

The floral installation will be accompanied by a new limited-edition Afternoon Tea, created in celebration of iconic British seasonal events and paired with the finest bubbles by cult English wine estate Rathfinny. The Kensington’s culinary team have playfully recreated a quintessentially British Afternoon Tea, with a seasonal summertime twist. The delectable feast starts with classic savouries including Colston Bassett Stilton & broccoli quiche; steak & London ale pie and mini crab and saffron arancini with lemon aioli. Traditional sandwiches follow including Coronation chicken and Campbells & Company smoked salmon with lemon & chive cream cheese. The sumptuous savouries are paired with Rathfinny Classic Cuvée, for a light summery sensation with every sip, and followed by warm scones lathered in clotted cream and Heather Hills strawberry jam – a quintessentially British favourite.

Head Pastry Chef Amun Chawla has created sweet treats to celebrate the iconic events in the British summertime calendar. These include an elderflower and raspberry rose mousse, inspired by the nearby RHS Chelsea Flower Show; a Lavender crème mousseline filled macaroon reminiscent of the lavender bushes bordering the Queen’s former residences, Osborne House; a classic Victoria sponge to mark the upcoming Royal Jubilee celebrations and a strawberry tart, hinting to the traditional treat of Wimbledon Championships, held just a stone’s throw from the hotel. The sweet flavours are paired with Rathfinny Rosé Brut, complimenting the floral and fruity tasting notes.

The Kensington’s Great British Summertime culminates in a spectacular selection of signature cocktails. The expert mixologists at the hotel’s intimate cocktail lounge, The K Bar, have created a bespoke cocktail menu, featuring drinks that carefully balance the best of Britain’s seasonal flavours and summery aromas, and ensure to please the palates. The new menu includes Kensington Sparkling Cocktail, a Rathfinny Classic Cuvée Brut based delight embellished with Calvados, sugar cube & rhubarb bitters; a traditional Bellini but with Rathfinny’s delicate bubbles and the Va Vo Voom, an English sparkling wine cocktail with Stolichnaya vanilla, pineapple juice & strawberry purée.

Located in the elegant heart of South Kensington, The Kensington hotel offers the perfect base to celebrate the Great British summertime and experience the capital in full bloom.

For more information and bookings, check their website for more information.