Something a little different today. When I was given the option of staying in, watching the grey rain patter on the window and munching down on a pack of dry ol’ cereal, or testing out the AW12 Prêt-À-Portea selection at the Berkley (see what they did there, eh?) with the lovely Laurel it wasn’t a difficult choice to make. Lunch for me usually includes last nights leftovers or a quick drop-in at Pret (their Christmas Lunch sandwich – oh wow!), so a parade of fashionable fancies based on the AW12 runways was a very welcome alternative…
The Berkley, just a stones-throw from Hyde Park and conveniently round the corner from Harvey Nichols (you thinking what I’m thinking – combined trip to BeautyMart?), has put their own fashionista twist on afternoon tea. No scones and cucumber sandwiches here, just plates by the plentiful filled with sweets based on the latest seasons themes and trends; the menu of which is given a whirl every six months to keep up to date with the newest goings-on in the fashion world. Nice idea, right? I had to control my snapping overload when the delicacies arrived, but how cute are the creations based on YSL, Burberry and Marc Jacobs to name just a few. It would have been rude not to test everything, so I did, dutifully, and my personal favourites were the Fendi Ginger Ankle Boot Biscuit and the Giambattista Valli Red Macaroon with Rose Ganache. As if that isn’t enough there’s also a savoury selection of skewers, taster spoons and canapés, sandwiches and a load of teas to choose from – I went for the spicy cherry infusion and it was delicious. Let’s just say you won’t leave hungry, and may need to undo a button or two (guilty).
Prêt-À-Portea’s at the Berkley start at £39 per person for as many teas and sweet treats you can divulge. And at that price I certainly won’t be swapping my daily Pret-A-Manger habit for it, but it would make a nice fashion aficionado filling station after doing a spot of Christmas shopping with the girls. Ladies and fashionable fellas – tea for two?
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