For a taste of Britain’s rich cultural heritage, there are few better locations than South Kensington. From the V&A to the Royal Albert Hall, the streets are overflowing with imposing artistic institutions.
Nicknamed Albertopolis – after its royal patron, Prince – the area is also home to The Ampersand. This privately owned boutique hotel, just off the main road, offers Victoriana with a modern twist. Interiors are inspired by botany, music, geometry, ornithology and astronomy.
The Albertopolis afternoon tea is served in the Drawing Room. It’s a riot of bird prints; on the chairs, cushions, walls and light-fittings. While the menu – created by pastry chef Ji Sun Shin – is a gastronomic stroll down Exhibition Road.
Sweet, floral Jasmine Silver Tip tea is accompanied by an Opera cake topped with edible sheet music (never has Beethoven's Fifth been so tempting). A piece of gingerbread, cleverly shaped like an artist's palette, with colourful blobs of 'paint,' is deep, peppery and delicious.
The Feuilletine tart – a praline shell, filled with mango mousse – features painted tuiles. There’s the Royal Albert Hall (on a square of delicious dark chocolate) and the Albert Memorial (on tasteless, too-thin white).
Albertopolis Afternoon Tea: £27.50 per person or £39.50 per person with a glass of Champagne
www.ampersandhotel.com
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