Newly appointed Executive Pastry Chef for The Langham London, Andrew Gravett, showcases classic recipes with seasonal ingredient, lighter textures and distinct flavours with his new Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood.
The tea launches today (3 May), but I got a sneaky taste of what’s on offer yesterday at an early evening preview and chat with Gravett. The new tea signals a departure from the former exec chef Cherish Finden’s delightfully quirky and elaborate stylings to Gravett’a back to the classics approach to patisserie.
Gravett joins the team at The Langham with experience working at the Capital (during Eric Chavot’s run when it held two Michelin stars) and Belle Epoque, and most recently as development chef for Valrhona. A taste of what he has to offer guests of the famed luxury hotel suggests an emphasis on delicious – but not so sugary – substance over style as well as focus on experiencing his treats on the palate as much as if not more so than to the eye.
Specialty sandwiches for the tea include Burford Brown egg with marinated artichoke on rosemary bread; pastrami with sauce Albert and watercress on caramelised onion bread; Scottish smoked salmon with Sarawak pepper and preserved lemon cream; “prawn cocktail” with iceberg lettuce and tomato powder on a potato bun; and of course the obligatory English cucumber with cream cheese and chives.
Pastry-wise, highlights are the Paris-Brest (a crunchy choux pastry with pecan cream and caramelised pecans) and the One in a Million (a caramelised puff pastry with ultra luscious vanilla infused mascarpone).
Scones with preserves and clotted cream and a choice range of quality teas served on bespoke Wedgwood teaware complement Gravett’s creations impeccably.
The Wedgwood Afternoon Tea costs £49 per person (£59 with a glass of NV Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne, or £64 with of a glass of NV Laurent-Perrier Rosé Champagne) and offered in the hotel’s Art Deco, ultra luxe Palm Court.
The Langham London is located at 1C Portland Place, Regent Street, W1B 1JA. Find out more at london.langhamhotels.co.uk.
