If in the run up to Christmas you find yourself indulging in a spot of retail therapy in the Knightsbridge area and in need of some refreshment, I urge you to head to The Berkeley and indulge in their AW12 Prêt-à-Portea, featuring some of the couture stars of this season's catwalks...
Served in the hotel's aptly named Caramel Room, this little slice of afternoon delight is served on the chicest Paul Smith china and features a host of designer delights for your delectation. One must first select one's choice of tea (s), no mean feat considering there are 22 to choose from including such intriguing concoctions as White Peony and Chocolate Mint Truffle. I plumped for the indulgent Pear Caramel while my companion plumped for the Gorgeous Ginger.
Following a selection of finger sandwiches, all on homemade breads (naturally) and savoury appetisers (all of which were delicious...but I was there for the cake...) the real treats were brought out...and my, what treats they were. Fendi's sell-out button ankle boot was recreated in a maple and ginger biscuit, Yves Saint Laurent's Cabas Chyc handbag became a miniature, icing-laden sponge cake, while the season's must-have Manolo Blahniks, the ladybird-print Neurotica pumps, became a polka-dot cake with giaduja cream.
A Giambattista Valli frilled dress was iconised in a macaroon with rose ganache and lavish chocolate truffles, while a pink double-breasted Marc Jacobs blazer became a sparkly iced chocolate biscuit. Finally, a selection of mousses saw Prada's geometric patterns painstakingly recreated in a nougatine and beriolette mousse (my favourite), and a Lanvin chocolate and orange mousse was topped with mouth-watering French meringue. Diane Von Furstenberg's pink lady apple mousse and kalamancy cremeux topped with playful interlocking sugar puzzles and the piece de resistance was the Burberry Prorsum layered praline, dulcey cream and chocolate mousse trench coat topped with stylish violet umbrella - divine.
I left my perch pleasantly stuffed from an afternoon of indulgence and people-watching, I wish I could do it every day. If you're a fan of fashion, get a date with Prêt-à-Portea in your diary. Prêt-à-Portea is served in The Caramel Room at The Berkeley from 1-6pm every day priced at £39 per person. (£49 including a glass of Laurent Perrier champagne, or alternatively for the fashion conscious, £55 per person including a glass of couture champagne). To make a reservation for Prêt-à-Portea call 020 7235 6000 or visit www.the-berkeley.co.uk
Love Laurel x
