A new limited edition Scents of Summer afternoon tea is available now and running until the end of September at the Wellington Lounge of the Intercontinental London Park Lane. The colourfully presented tea features a bouquet of delicacies created by the hotel’s Executive Chef Ashely Wells in collaboration with Edward Bodenham, 9th generation of the world’s oldest family-run perfumers Floris. For a taste (and whiff) of the joys of summer, this afternoon tea offers a luxurious opportunity to while away some and come out smelling like a rose!
Culinary talent and perfumery expertise come together for a “sensory journey” celebrating the glory of the British summer with notes from Floris fragrances, such as freshly cut grass, jasmine, bergamot, citrus, and rose.
I found the experience to be delightful fun. A couple of times during the tea, the server came out to spray Floris fragrances into the air. Nice touch! Still, the more edible aspects were the real highlight for me. I especially enjoyed the earl grey butter served with the fresh baked wholemeal scones (while a more flavourful than expected wild strawberry jam impressed as well). Other notable treats worth booking your own scent-uous session included bergamot macaroons and jasmine teacakes.
Of course, the actual teas were fantastic too. I remain a fan of the hotel’s very own nicely balanced Wellington Blend and am now an advocate for its Tippy Orthodox Assam Phulbari Estate, a strong, oaky and pungent black tea.
The Scents of Summer Afternoon Tea costs £45 per person (minimum two persons) and is available until 27 September.
The well-appointed and elegant Wellington Lounge is located in the lobby of the Intercontinental London Park Lane Hotel, One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, W1J 7QY. Reservations for the afternoon teas are recommended. Find out more at wellington-lounge.co.uk.
