Globally acclaimed pastry chef Cédric Grolet has been wowing Londoners with a sweet tooth since opening his first international venture at The Berkeley hotel in Belgravia earlier this year. One of the world’s best pâtissiers is renowned for his marvellous trompe-l'œil creations, desserts that look like the ingredients they’re made from and that made our list of the best treats in London. Now he’s turned his skills to that great British tradition, afternoon tea.
The so-called Goûtea menu at The Berkeley fuses goûter, the French tradition of sweet snacking, with afternoon tea in a wealth of sweet and savoury delicacies. These will change with the seasons, but the inaugural autumn one features Grolet’s iconic vanilla flower, a Paris Brest, a pistachio cookie, a shiny green apple – or is it? – and, of course, a scone with cream and jam. On the savoury side of things you’ll find an intricate avocado toast and what appears to be burrata ... As is characteristic of the playful chef, surprising delights abound in this indulgent treat.
Goûtea is accompanied with your choice of coffee or tea, but if you’re feeling extra boisterous, you can also splurge on champagne or rosé to go with it. It’s served three times per day, at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm, and you can book it here.