Vienna's Hotel Sacher is famous the iconic Sacher Torte, the Austrian chocolate cake first created in 1832 by Franz Sacher for Prince Metternich in Vienna. With a dense, slightly dry chocolate sponge and a thin layer of apricot jam, coated in dark chocolate icing, it's a deeply indulgent staple of Viennese coffee houses.
Thanks to a new pop up at The Lanesborough, you no longer need a plane ticket to enjoy it, for the elegant Withdrawing Room is celebrating the Sacher Torte in all its glory, along with another of Austria's iconic desserts - the classic Apple Strüdel - for a taste of Vienna in London.
We popped in to the Hyde Park hotel one chilly Sunday afternoon to put them to the test. Shown to a table in the Withdrawing Room, with its crystal chandeliers and fluffy sat watching the world go by in the window, we ordered a slice of each accompanied with a pot of tea, taking the recommendation of a smokey lapsang souchong to compliment the rich chocolate flavour. The cake is not for the fainthearted, rich and decadent, tooth-achingly sweet and dangerously moreish. For me however it was the Apple Strüdel that really stood out; a veritable doorstop of a slice, layers of delicate, flaky pastry filled with lightly spiced apples and served with beautifully creamy vanilla custard and whipped cream. Utter perfection.
This exclusive collaboration offers a rare opportunity to savour the authentic flavours and cultural heritage of Vienna without leaving London — an essential experience for connoisseurs of fine patisserie. Available now until the end of May.
www.oetkerhotels.com/hotels/the-lanesborough
