London’s afternoon teas come in all manner of guises. There are the more casual options and the ultra-fancy affairs. There are afternoon teas served on gorgeous terraces, and literary-inspired afternoon teas in stunning surroundings. And there are even afternoon tea buses! And a brand new offering is coming to London next month, in the form of a stunning new Parisian afternoon tea at the Royal Albert Hall.
The Fête de Versailles Afternoon Tea will launch on June 1, allowing afternoon tea-ers to “step into a world of French elegance”. But be sure you don’t wait too long to try out the chic new experience, because it’s only around for a few months!
It’s the first in a new series of “archive-inspired afternoon teas” from the Royal Albert Hall. Subsequent offerings will speak to the venue’s storied history with indulgent sweet treats and savoury delights.
Fête de Versailles Afternoon Tea
For their new afternoon tea, the team at the Royal Albert Hall has drawn inspiration from lavish celebrations that once took over the building in the early 1900s. It also nods to “the romance of the Gardens of Versailles” and “the elegance of… French pâtisserie”.
It all kicks off with ‘mandarins from the tree’, a refreshing treat inspired by the Orangery and the fragrant groves of Versailles. Other dishes include the likes of:
- smoked salmon with lemon crème fraiche and dill brioche
- lattice duck sausage roll with orange gel and roasted thyme
- asparagus ratatouille tart with goat’s cheese and basil
- wild strawberry and pistachio délice
- Bergeron apricot, almond and lemon thyme beehive
- and more.
And then, the ultimate twist, they’re replacing the scones with freshly baked lemon and poppy seed Madeleines. These come served with vanilla and elderflower Chantilly and raspberry preserve. It’s a delightful French twist on tradition that will have you wondering what else could replace the afternoon tea stalwart.
And of course, there is plenty of tea to choose from to complement the affair. Or you can even opt for a glass of bubbly or the signature ‘Petit Désordre Royal’ cocktail created exclusively for the afternoon tea.
The Fête de Versailles Afternoon Tea is available from 12:30-5pm, between June 1 and November 2. The afternoon tea starts at £68 per adult, with unlimited tea.
Find out more and book your table for the special Parisian afternoon tea here.
📍 Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP.
🚇 The nearest station is South Kensington.