Afternoon tea is all the rage, with small coffee shops to large restaurants now offering it as a proposition. Elysium Magazine sought out a discerning experience that we could recommend as the best in London, with news last month that Eric Lanlard had created an afternoon tea experience called The Montezuma we rushed for an opportunity to get booked in.
The tea was designed by master patissier and star of Channel 4’s Baking Mad series Eric Lanlard. Working closely with the hotel’s Executive Chef Simon Young, he has created an experience worthy of being named after the Aztec emperor who was responsible for introducing cocoa to the world.
In regards to the venue, Chinoiserie at the luxurious Jumeirah Carlton Tower provides the perfect backdrop for afternoon tea with its sophisticated décor and soothing music played by the resident harpist. Following a recent extension, there is now a more intimate area within Chinoiserie, which is an ideal venue for those wishing to host a business meeting, hold a family event or have an informal get-together with friends, whilst providing additional seating options for all guests in Chinoiserie. When we arrived we could see it was a popular choice for friends and family meeting to catch up over a sophisticated lunch. We were certainly impressed and intrigued about what we could expect from Eric. The experience started with a brilliant glass of champagne.
This innovative chocolate inspired menu starts with a selection of savoury delights including a Cocoa crusted roast beef taster and a White chocolate, sweet carrot & blue cheese tart topped with turnip angel hair. We were then treated to some elegant desserts including a Cassis imperial chocolate cupcake with balsamic blackcurrants, a Conquistador shot of passion fruit and white chocolate cream with basil seeds, topped with coconut jelly, and a Dark mini chocolate loaf with a liquid salted butter caramel filling. A luxurious platter of fine chocolates left us wanting more.
The experience itself was a luxurious as our surroundings; despite it being popular with residents and visitors there were a number of birthdays being celebrated. The tea was certainly a hit amongst everyone at Jumeriah Carlton Tower and we certainly know why. If the discerning gent is in search of a truly unique and sophisticated afternoon tea experience, he should look no further than The Montezuma afternoon tea but be warned it is only running for a limited amount of time.
The Montezuma afternoon tea by Eric Lanlard is available at Chinoiserie throughout Autumn and costs £40 per person; £50 per person with a glass of champagne or £55 with a glass of rosé champagne. To book, visit www.jumeirah.com/jct or call +44 (0)20 7858 7181