{Tea diaries}

Source: The Berkeley
Was fascinated to hear from cxb the other night of the Fahsionista's Afternoon Tea served at The Berkeley in UK. Instead of the normal scones and finger sandwiches, it offers an interesting selection of cakes with names like Yves Sant Laurent pink bow vanilla fancy handbag, Marc Jacobs cassis and blackberry frilly macaroon, and Burberry Prorsum Red ginger boot biscuit. Go here for the full menu. A perfect afternoon tea spot after the shopping rounds at Harvey Nics et at in Knightsbridge.
Definitely one of my must visit destination next time I visit... btw this is also where Petrus is located - Marcus Wareing the head chef is one of Gordon Ramsay's protege, known for his sensational sauce. Gordon Ramsay also has a upscale cafe here, which I haven't had the chance to visit yet.
At The Caramel Room, The Berkeley, Knightsbridge London
London

I simply adore the ritual of an afternoon tea, from the mouthwatering selection of dainty pastry to the sunken sofa seating, from the excessive display of china to the towering silver stand. To me, it is the ultimate indulgent experience. In college, my fellow afternoon tea buff and I swept every single afternoon tea spot in London. We were the perfect partners in crime- she attacks the cakes and pastries, while I devour the scones and finger sandwiches. I miss those afternoons dearly, as so far, I have yet to discover the perfect afternoon tea spot in HK, and what's more, a number of the hotel coffee shops here prefer to serve tea buffet instead of the traditional English high tea.
On my recent hopover to London, we decided to relive this fond memory. We headed for The Park at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, which has a green and beige theme, complementing the serene greenery of Hyde Park, which is just steps away.

We wasted no time in selecting the traditional English tea, which is priced at GBP26.50 (plus service charge) per set. Cannot believe how much prices have crept up in London - the last time I had tea here, it was less than GBP18.00, including service charge. Those were the days...
The china used at The Park is a refreshing diversion from the traditional more elaborate style, although am not sure how the bonsai plants fit into the grand scheme of things.