In
London, where afternoon tea is taken as seriously
as rugby, it’s a risk to play around with
the tried and true. Sometimes, though, risk pays
off. Case in point: the oh so playful Prêt-à-Portea
at The
Berkeley. This fashionable event offers a
catwalk twist on a beloved tradition. Envision
Oscar de la Renta yellow dress cookies, Fendi
chocolate baguettes and stylish accessories such
as a Prada jeweled broad choux bun or an Anya
Hindmarch vanilla Pandora handbag.
The
hotel has its own patisserie creative director
who attends London Fashion Week for inspiration,
gleaning colors and textures for each new “collection”
of pastries and miniature savories. As well, there
is a Prêt-à-Portea committee from
fashion publications such as Vogue and
Harpers & Queen. As a result, the
inaugural Spring/Summer 2004 "show"
was a hit, and the event is now here to stay.
Prêt-à-Portea
is served from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. in The Caramel Room,
which was designed by New Yorker Alexandra Champalimaud.
For an added treat, you can choose a tea menu
that comes with a glass of Moët & Chandon
Champagne, served in a colored Bacarrat flute.
Prêt-à-Portea
The Caramel Room
The Berkeley
Wilton Place
London, SW1X 7RL
800-63-SAVOY, 020-7235 6000
www.the-berkeley.co.uk
