| If you are a true blue Bridgerton fan and have been dreaming of a royal rendezvous with the quirky Queen Charlotte and the gang over fancy gold-rimmed tea cups and tea cakes, this is your chance to make it come true. |
The Lanesborough, London, has recently launched its innovative series of seasonal afternoon teas, inspired by Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, created in partnership with Netflix and Shondaland. The limited-edition tea pays homage to the Regency era; a time of great revelling and high style, of elegant parties, balls, and grand dinners, with a contemporary twist.
Setting the scene, the Queen Charlotte Afternoon Tea can be enjoyed at the hotel’s richly decorated dining room, which is naturally illuminated during the day by a domed glass roof. A Regency icon in the capital, beneath the original sky dome there is bas-relief artwork meticulously cast from 250 different mouldings, and Wedgwood china mounted on the walls, evoking a sense of Regency neo-classical grandeur.
Crafted by The Lanesborough’s Head Pastry Chef, Salvatore Mungiovino, the menu pays tribute to the key characters in Queen Charlotte, in addition to ‘Lanesborough House’ remodelled in 1825 in the fashionable classical style by William Wilkins at the highpoint of Regency era.
The Menu: Finger sandwiches comprises of Tea cured salmon, lemon and caper cream, Coronation chicken, golden raisin, fresh coriander, devilled egg mayonnaise, mustard cress, Organic cucumber, cream cheese, basil and chive, Montgomery cheddar scone, with cheese custard. To accompany the savoury flavours The Lanesborough’s delectable scones, cream and jam, are served.
Mungiovino’s curated cake and sweet treat concept includes four signature highlights, including:
- Your Majesty – dedicated to the star of the show Queen Charlotte, sitting regally atop the cake stand – Your Majesty is an exquisite hand-crafted sharing cake, with hues of gold and red this elegant and delicate strawberry scented cream bavaroise, infused orange gel, almond crunchy base, sprayed with red chocolate. The crown is edible and made from Royal Icing fitting for a Queen.
- King George Dreams of Venus – Crafted in honour of King George III and his love of astronomy, The King George is a cake of distinction and his pet nickname for his Queen, to the planet Venus. A planet sphere made of 54% chocolate mousse, jasmin infused dark chocolate ganache, coca sable, glazed on blue and white and universal stars.
- The Lady Violet- Inspired by Lady Violet’s elegant fashion this elegant chocolate bavaroise, mango compote, lime chantilly, seated on shortbread finished with tempered chocolate, and sugar flowers.
- Danbury Delight – Inspired by Lady Danbury’s love of hats and jewels, showcasing the Danbury signature purple, made from Berryiolette pistachio gateaux, combined with a vanilla whipped ganache, sitting on a vanilla sable base finished with purple tempered chocolate.
- The Queen Charlotte Cocktail – Inspired by the original Regency Gin Punch, the essential cocktail that formed part of quotidian social life during the Regency period, The Lanesborough’s Head of Bars, Mickael Perron has created The Queen Charlotte cocktail; a refreshing recipe combining Fords Gin, Chambord liqueur, cranberry, exotic lychee, home vanilla sweetness and lime sunshine, topped with Champagne for the Royal seal of approval.
(The Lanesborough’s Queen Charlotte Afternoon Tea is priced from £75 per person; from £85 per person with The Queen Charlotte cocktail; or from £90 per person with a glass of House Champagne. Children’s afternoon tea menu from £35pp for children under 12. Available as Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten free. Prior reservation is absolutely essential )