More than a handful of London-bound fashionistas like to call The Berkeley home when they visit, and those that count themselves as frequent guests will be familiar with the Knightsbridge hotel’s annual Prêt-à-Portea collection of pastry treats.
Always a highlight on London’s gourmet dining calendar, the biscuits, cakes and other bijoux treats inspired by the world’s top fashion brands, make a refreshing alternative to the traditional afternoon tea ceremony.
The Spring/Summer 2018 Prêt-à-Portea collection features a hot pink Tom Ford stiletto biscuit and a bright Miu Miu swimsuit vanilla biscuit in sunshine yellow; a pale pink ruffle dress from Ralph & Russo has been transformed into a frozen ice cream cone; and new this year is a butterfly handbag cake inspired by London designer Aruna Seth.
A layered sponge cake featuring Dolce & Gabbana’s classic ‘Queen of Hearts’ design, and a Richard Quinn floral display poised delicately on top of an upside down Black Forest gateaux round off the fashion-forward offerings from pastry chef Mourad Khiat, who vows that all of his creations taste as good as they look.
Prêt-à-Portea afternoon tea is served daily from 13.30 until 17.30 on a set of bespoke Wedgewood fine-bone china created exclusively for The Berkeley, and starts from £52 (US $70.50) per person.