They don’t do things by halves at Jumeirah Carlton Tower. In fact, they don’t do things by quarters, for that matter, with not one, but four scone offerings in their new afternoon tea. A first of its kind, this scone ‘experience’ features miniature bakes of different flavours, with appropriate condiments, and which are influenced by a rather special source of inspiration.
The new afternoon tea is ‘inspired’ by Highgrove House and Gardens, beloved home of King Charles, at which over four decades the King has devoted much energy to developing the property into the innovative space it is today, with each of the interlinked series of gardens reflecting his own personal interests and enthusiasms.
Unlike many ‘themed’ teas, it’s no token concept either; Jumeirah Carlton Tower has chosen Highgrove due to an admiration of His Majesty’s passion for the earth and consistent sustainability efforts – values which the hotel deeply values and respects – and in developing the idea, the team visited the property and worked with the Highgrove team to learn what ingredients they favoured, capture stories and understand some of the principles behind how they manage the estate. The result is a seasonal, botanically-inspired experience that champions sustainability and seasonality, in a celebration of the very best of British produce.
The first thing you notice is the mini garden topping the cake stand; dressed with herbs and flora from Highgrove’s gardens, there’s a mini amphora modelled on that which Prince Harry used to hide in as a child. On the tiers below, a selection of pastries created from garden ingredients include a rosemary lavender strawberry tart adorned with decoration made from strawberry wastage – in a nod to the sustainability championed at the estate – and the cakes, too, are royal favourites; a Queen Victoria sponge favoured by Queen Camilla, His Majesty’s own favourite fruit cake, and a chocolate biscuit cake inspired by the late Queen Elizabeth II’s preferred sweet treat, which was also served at the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
When it comes to the sandwiches, there is a nod to tradition. Where many teas are almost over-reaching themselves in an attempt to be inventive, it’s comforting to know that these sandwiches are reassuringly familiar; coronation chicken (naturally), egg and chives, and tobiko salmon and creme fraiche feature, drawn from the King’s belief of respecting the past, while looking to the future.
And speaking of traditions given a contemporary spin, what about that scone flight? That, perhaps, is saving the best for last. Where scones, typically, prove overwhelming in many afternoon teas, these bite-sized morsels are a perfect conclusion, with a different flavour in every bite. As well as plain and sultana varieties – served with the most exquisite orange blossom-infused strawberry compote and clotted cream – there’s one topped with honey crumble and a thyme sour cream, in a nod to Highgrove’s apiaries, and another with a chocolate ganache. Surely, that’s everyone’s favourite.
Many culinary offerings claim to be fit for a king, but how many can be said to be inspired by one?
Jumeriah Carlton Tower’s new afternoon tea is available from 14th June and is priced at £75 per person. For more information and booking, please visit www.jumeirah.com.
