Have you celebrated the start of Sprint yet? Despite the gusting winds and side rain with only occasional glimpses of the sun it is actually Spring already. In fact the the first day of Spring was on the 20th March.
Not convinced? Perhaps a new Spring inspired afternoon tea at Kona restaurant located in Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences can set the mood.
The Secret Garden Afternoon Tea transports diners to a stunning Yorkshire garden with every bite. The beautifully designed pastries and delectable savoury treats are inspired by the timeless children’s classic tale of The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
The selection of sweet treats on offer tell the magical tale of the springtime flowers that bloom within the walls of The Secret Garden…
Perhaps it is the key to the garden: the experience begins with a chocolate key that can be found nestled within a layer of biscuit soil and edible flowers
And the roses, the roses raising out of the grass: presented in the style of a beautiful rose with glistening dew drops on the delicate petals, this floral delight has complementing flavours of tangy raspberry and refreshing lychee
Leaves and trees, flowers and birds: with edible butterflies perched atop this tangy treat, tastebuds will experience a burst of mango and lime
And buds and buds: a light chocolate delight has its own flowers rising out of an edible pot
-Fair fresh leaves: this zesty citrus cream cheese tart is perfectly balanced with basil to deliver a fresh flavour
In addition, the tea serves mixed berry scones with clotted cream and mixed jam for the quintessentially British experience, alongside a selection of savoury bites to enjoy:
– Fresh garden herb roast chicken on brown bread complemented with lemon mayo
– A white bread filled sandwich with free range egg and vibrant garden peas
– Oak smoked salmon paired with avocado and dill cream cheese on scrumptious spinach bread
– Cucumber, beetroot and basil combined on tomato bread
The Secret Garden Afternoon Tea is complemented with a selection of teas from Bird & Blend Tea Co. From leaf to cup, each tea has been carefully selected to pair beautifully with the sweet and savoury offering.
For those looking to upgrade their experience, the magic is in the gin. The Secret Garden Gin Distillery has partnered with Kona to deliver the wonder of nature and unique flavours with three different Gins available – Lemon Verbena, Apothecary Rose and Lavender & Echinacea.
Kona restaurant itself is transformed into a magical wonderland with decorative floral flourishes throughout the restaurant including wildflowers on the tables and intrinsically designed bespoke crockery.
When guests are ready to begin they will be able to communicate this by opening a bespoke box on the table that once opened will release a flutter of nature to signify it is time for tea.
The Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences is well renowned for serving afternoon tea that takes inspiration from British Classics, and The Secret Garden Afternoon Tea will be enjoyed in a setting where the words from the story are brought to life.
All guests will receive a complementary keepsake of wildflower seeds so they can plant their very own secret garden at home.
The Secret Garden Afternoon Tea is available from 20th March Thursday to Sunday in Kona with seatings at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. The Afternoon Tea is £75 per person with a 50% discount applied to children aged 4 – 11 years.
Vegetarian and vegan versions of the tea are available upon request 48 hours in advance. Kona also accepts group bookings of up to 10 people.
Taj Suites and Residencies, 51 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF