The quintessential British tradition of afternoon tea has found a new home at The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, and it's an experience like no other. Nestled in the heart of London, this iconic hotel recently underwent a magnificent refurbishment, including the transformation of its Afternoon Tea Room, now curated by the renowned pastry chef, Jessica Prealpato. With 34 exquisite teas to choose from, it's a sensory adventure that transcends the ordinary.
The Culinary Maestro: Jessica Prealpato
Jessica Prealpato, the World's Best Pastry Chef of 2019 and Pastry Chef of the Year according to Gault et Millau in 2020, is the brilliant mind behind The Carlton Tower's Afternoon Tea. Her culinary prowess and commitment to the art of pastry are nothing short of extraordinary.
True to her signature style, Jessica works with seasonal, locally sourced produce, celebrating the finest ingredients available in England. But what sets her apart is her knack for unexpected pairings that disrupt the classic British tradition of Afternoon Tea and create a truly sensorial experience.
The Flora-Inspired Afternoon Tea
The Afternoon Tea at The Carlton Tower draws inspiration from the rich flora of British gardens. It's not just a meal; it's a journey through the bountiful gardens of England. Available every day from 12 pm to 6 pm, this exquisite experience is priced at £75.00 per person, plus service charge and additional drinks.
The Afternoon Tea is served at The Chinoiserie Tea Room, located on the Ground Floor of the hotel, immediately to your right as you enter the lobby. With its earthy tones of dark wood, antique finish mirrored walls, frosted glass partitions, forest green soft furnishings, and mustard orange accents, the ambiance is both inviting and elegant.
Jessica's Culinary Philosophy
Jessica Prealpato's culinary philosophy is a testament to her dedication to the art of pastry. She firmly believes in respecting the Earth and the people who nurture its products, from farmers to artisans to chefs. She values the relationship between the product, the producer, and the dish.
Jessica's creations focus on enhancing the complexity of flavors while maintaining a clean and simple aesthetic. She extracts the most original tastes from every product, using every part, from the skin to the seeds, to minimize waste. Her commitment to nature's rhythms and the seasons allows her to explore taste in perfect harmony.
The Afternoon Tea Experience
The Afternoon Tea experience unfolds in three delightful parts. It begins with an array of sandwiches, with the Savoury Truffle Croissant filled with Duck Egg & Black Truffle stealing the show. Following that, you're treated to mini scones in four exquisite flavors: plain, Ceylon Cinnamon with banana and lime, Colombian coffee, and Lemon Verbena with plum. The scones are a symphony of flavors, with the Ceylon Cinnamon and Colombian Coffee varieties standing out.
The grand finale of this culinary journey consists of a selection of pastries, some made from cereals and others from unique combinations like Raspberry and Black Olives. It's a testament to Jessica's innovation and her ability to push the boundaries of flavor.
Tea Time: An Exploration of Flavors
Tea plays a central role in this experience, with 34 teas to choose from, all from the renowned brand 'Mariage Frères.' These teas are not just delicious; they offer a plethora of health benefits, making the Afternoon Tea at The Carlton Tower an indulgence that's also good for you.
Whether you're a tea aficionado or new to the world of tea, there's something for everyone. The tea list encompasses well-known classics and flavored teas, making it approachable for all palates. 'Mariage Frères' takes pride in its organic teas, ensuring that your tea experience is both ethical and delightful.
Among the teas offered, Marco Polo, infused with fruits and flowers from Tibet, and Black Leopard Tea from Malawi, smoked over Guava tree wood, are exceptional choices. The Tea Room staff might also recommend Queen Victoria and Margaret's Hope, both hailing from India.
A Journey Worth Taking
The Afternoon Tea at The Carlton Tower Jumeirah is more than just a meal; it's a sensory journey through the gardens, farms, and tea plantations of the world. Jessica Prealpato's commitment to flavour, innovation, and sustainability shines through in every bite and sip.
So, if you're looking for an extraordinary Afternoon Tea experience that marries tradition with innovation, head to The Carlton Tower Jumeirah. It's a sensorial adventure that will linger on your taste buds and in your memories. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the rich, flavorful world that Jessica Prealpato has crafted for you.
Getting There
The nearest train station to The Carlton Tower is Knightsbridge, making it easily accessible from across London.
In the words of Jessica Prealpato, "Being in tune with nature allows us to explore taste in the right place at the right time." Your Afternoon Tea at The Carlton Tower is a journey through the seasons, a celebration of flavors, and an ode to the Earth's bounty.
*This post is not sponsored so please feel free to experience it and decide for yourself.