An afternoon of delicious fun
We had such fun in leafy Belgravia at The Berkeley, sampling their special Prêt-à-Portea afternoon tea in a masterclass to celebrate the royal wedding. And with biscuits and cakes inspired by the most fashionable trends, their new summer menu is something a bit special.
Biscuits, cakes and a few special new styles are all set for the annual couture makeover inspired by some of the world’s top fashion designers, such as Dolce & Gabbana, Miu Miu, and Tom Ford, as The Berkeley in Knightsbridge launches its new Spring/Summer 2018 Prêt-à-Portea collection. A favourite for fashionistas, Prêt-à-Portea adds an innovative twist to the traditional English afternoon tea and celebrates the latest catwalk trends each season.
With a myriad of vibrant colours combined with graphic designs and florescent florals taking this season by storm, this Prêt-à-Portea collection takes inspiration from an array of distinguished fashion designers and their creative genius. First to step onto the cakewalk to kick start this season’s shade of summer is Tom Ford’s celebrated hot pink chocolate stiletto biscuit. Making a stylish splash is Miu Miu’s sunny swimsuit of dazzling yellow upon a vanilla biscuit base. Following this is red carpet ready Ralph & Russo’s pale pink ruffle dress transformed into a delicate ice cream cone – a frozen first for Prêt-à-Portea.
Making a debut on the stand is the beautiful butterfly handbag cake inspired by London’s very own Aruna Seth. Playing our cards right, other Prêt-à-Portea delectables include Dolce & Gabbana’s ‘Queen of Hearts’ celebrated design set upon layered almond sponge cake and fashion flavour of the month Richard Quinn’s iridescent floral display is placed on an upside down black forest gateaux – fit for a Queen.
Pastry Chef, Mourad Khiat says: “We are very excited to be launching our new SS18 Prêt-à-Portea collection. Bright colours, patterns and stylish swimsuits are always a hit but as chic as our creations look, they must taste delicious and we would never compromise taste for design.”
For Prêt-à-Portea aficionados, The Berkeley’s exclusive recipe book – Prêt-à-Portea, High-Fashion Bakes & Biscuits – is available at the Collins Room where Head Pastry Chef Mourad Khiat reveals some of his top secret recipes for his most beloved fashion inspired designs from over the past decade. And for those who really want to learn the tricks of the trade, Prêt-à-Portea Masterclasses are available for two hours of tuition in the pastry kitchen, learning how to recreate a few fashion favourites from past collections. Each masterclass is for up to four guests, with each receiving a ‘Shoe Chef’ embroidered apron followed by experiencing the SS18 Prêt-à-Portea in the Collins Room and a copy of the recipe book to take home. We loved our masterclass – it would be a perfect hen party for an afternoon of fun!
Prêt-à-Portea is served at The Berkeley from 1:30-5:30pm every day priced at £52 per person (£62 including a glass of Laurent Perrier champagne or £70 per person including a glass of couture champagne). Masterclasses are priced at £225 per person and are available every Wednesday and first Sunday of the month from 2-4pm. To make a reservation for Prêt-à-Portea call 020 7107 8866 or visit the hotel website. A bespoke collection of fine-bone china by Wedgewood has been created for The Berkeley especially for Prêt-à-Portea. The china is available to purchase and for more information please call The Berkeley 0207 235 6000.
