Afternoon Tea : Blakes Hotel, South Kensington
Blakes hotel has a much quoted USP: that it is 'The World's First Luxury Boutique Hotel',
Created in 1978 by the renowned designer Anouska Hempel and occupying a group of Victorian house, Blakes is hidden behind an imposing, painted black facade, on the corner of Roland Gardens in London's South Kensington.
The lobby throws light on the design principles of the hotel : a seductive journey through distant lands, with inspiration taken from India, China, Indonesia, Egypt and London.
Afternoon tea is served in the Chinese Room or in the calm, outdoor Japanese Garden.
Finger sandwiches, homemade scones with strawberries & cream and indulgent cakes are served alongside a selection of teas and a glass of champagne.
A very modern and stylish cocktail list is shown in the Chinese Room's bar. A dark, opulent base for a modern take on a classic cocktail: 'Chinese Mojito', 'Shiso Cosmopolitan' and 'Gimlet Royale' to name a few...
(Sadly, as the cocktail list was newly prepared, the cocktails weren't up to scratch to photograph. However, this has given me a new task of recreating these cocktails on this blog - coming soon)
Blakes Hotel
33 Roland Gardens, London, SW7 3PF
Web: Blakes Hotel
