It's been 18 months since top baker Dominique Ansel opened his first UK bakery in London. And only now is he ready to launch his first afternoon tea. I mean, even if you are a top US patisserie chef, you've got to be a little bit worried about how your tea will go down in the country that invented the whole thing.
So, as you might expect, Ansel has gone full tilt at his. The whole thing follows the path of a seed growing and blossoming into a full-bloomed flower beginning with savoury bites and ending with a selection of sweets.
Guests will be presented with dishes served on a handmade ceramic-tiered stand with a “seed” at the base that gradually sprouts and blossoms as you work your way up through the “menu.” The Flower consists of vanilla mousse, lemon marmalade, cookie crumb, whipped basil ganache and Full Bloom is a brown butter financier with strawberry jam, rose ganache & rose petals.
Once the scones are eaten, the meal progresses to the five savouries which include Fallen Leaf - steak tartare with creme faiche on brioche toast with red radish and Seed - Wild Mushroom with confit garlic, pumpkin seed in a squid ink choux.
“I’ve always loved the classic tradition of British afternoon tea," says Ansel who says he's presenting tea in "a fresh and modern way."
More about Afternoon Tea at Dominique Ansel Bakery
Where is it? 17-21 Elizabeth St, London SW1W 9RP
How much? Afternoon tea served with scones and tea is £43. It's £55 with a speciality drink or you can go all out for their Splendid Tea which includes a butter-poached Canadian lobster roll and Sevruga caviar with buckwheat blini and crème fraîche.
How to book : Book online. Afternoon tea launches on 4 May 2018
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Twitter @dablondon
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