REVIEW: The Frida Kahlo Inspired Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough

Every time I write about afternoon tea, I almost always start by telling its story – especially for those who may not know it. Back in 1840, a lady named Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford noticed she felt that ‘sinking feeling’ around mid-afternoon. Once she served with a pot of no doubt delicious Darjeeling tea, bread, butter and a few biscuits – Anna realised she felt much better. It was from here onwards (as far as we know) that the traditional afternoon tea we all know and love was born. The history of afternoon tea still continues today and while it has changed a lot over the years – the quintessentially British tradition remains very much intact and incredibly popular.

Continuing and keeping that tradition alive, we recently found ourselves back at one of my favourite London hotels – The Lanesborough. The reason for our return was to sample the hotels newest afternoon tea which is inspired by Frida Kahlo. Born in 1907 and died in 1954, Frida was a Mexican portrait artist who whose works were inspired by the nature and artefacts of Mexico. Through her art, Frida has made one of the biggest impacts on Mexican art and has influenced so many other to explore their creativity across the globe. We started by toasting this fabulous lady with a glass of Champagne and in true Mexican style – a delicious Margarita cocktail.

Created by head pastry chef Gabriel Le Quang, this afternoon tea is priced at £39pp with your choice of tea or £49pp with a glass of Champagne of Margarita cocktail. We tried one of each, for research purposes – of course. For the full merienda experience, guests can also opt for hot chocolate or Mexican spiced hot chocolate instead of tea or coffee with their afternoon tea. We started our experience with the most gorgeous selection of finger sandwiches. Egg & watercress, cucumber with mint, smoked salmon & cream cheese, traditional guacamole and my favourite – chicken tinga.

Of course no afternoon tea is complete without scones and they arrived warm, fluffy and perhaps even better than the last time we dined – with a choice of both plain and fruit. Crumbling to the touch they were easily formed back together with a good thick helping of clotted cream and delicious strawberry jam.

The main spectacle of our afternoon was the fabulous selection of patisserie and I absolutely loved the Mexican twists they put on each creation. My favourite of them all was the Margarita Baba. A classic baba, but instead of being laced with rum – it was given a Margarita twist using agave and tequila.

Just as lovely was the carrot cake, decorated in Frida-esque style and corn sablé with dulce de leche. The latter combining the Mexican tastes of corn and sweetness from the traditional dulce de leche caramel. I also loved the crunchy texture.

My favourite creations for their presentation and intricacy were the two pictured above. The rich and decadent Mexican chocolate tartelettes were made with Mexican chocolate and garnished with delicate sugar flowers. While the showstopper was a passionfruit and raspberry eclair. The eclair was as you can see inspired by the work of Frida and it’s flavours plucked straight out of central America. Both delicious and beautiful to look at.

Before leaving we enjoyed our usual routine and took ourselves downstairs to the secret cigar terrace – because who really wants to leave The Lanesborough? I know I never do.

We had such a lovely time here once again and with each new visit we make – the imagination and creativity seems to always be improving and have no end. Exquisite food, decadent surroundings and fabulous service – just some of the many reasons why you all need to book and experience a Lanesborough Afternoon Tea.

NB: Our afternoon tea was complimentary. All views are as always, my own. My views are not influenced by anyone other than my own palate and slightly poor eyesight.