World's Most Expensive Afternoon Tea, The Platinum Afternoon Tea Experience Cliveden House

There are afternoon tea experiences and then there is this...In a bid to create the world's best afternoon tea, Cliveden House, in Berkshire, has designed a spread costing an astonishing £550 per couple.

Executive Head Chef Carlos Martinez uses some of the most expensive produce in the world. The indulgent menu starts off with a quintessentially English cream tea, but is soon spiced up by Cognac preserve and the rare Da Hong Pao Tea. Harvested from 1000-year-old plants, the exquisite leaves used to create the tea cost more than £2,000 per kilogram. Even more expensive is the Beluga Caviar, which graces the second course, and sells for £4,000 per kilogram.

James Parkinson, Executive Chef at von Essen hotels group said: "We wanted to create the best afternoon tea experience in the world and I think with this selection, we have achieved our goal." Though there's no official record for the world's most expensive tea, the hotel has applied to the Guinness Book of Records for formal recognition.

The Platinum Club Sandwich previously marked von Essen's 'world's most expensive…' menu item, and now holds pride of place in the tea's third course. The delicacy appears as a mini canapé version, and is made from 30-month air-cured Iberico ham, which the Spanish describe as the 'fourth gastronomic wonder of the world'. The canapés are fittingly washed down by two glasses of vintage Dom Perignon, dubbed the 'King of Champagnes'.

If, after four courses of rich extravagance, guests are still hungry, the Cliveden House Chocolate Opera Cake awaits at the finish line. Made from the most expensive Amedi Porcelana chocolate in the world, it is garnished with gold leaf.

And what better way to finish five stunningly crafted and painstakingly sourced courses than with the most expensive coffee in the world- Kopi Luwak? The South East Asian delicacy, which costs £50 per cup, is made from beans of coffee berries which have been digested by civets, washed, and then roasted. The result is an aromatic flavour, without the usual bitterness found in ordinary coffee.

And for those with smaller pockets can opt for a Champagne Afternoon Tea priced at £39.00 per person

www.clivedenhouse.co.uk

The Biscuiteers Biscuit Boutique and Icing Cafe is officially open!

Biscuiteers, the celebrated hand-iced biscuit company, is thrilled to announce that the very first Biscuit Boutique and Icing Cafe in Notting Hill, London is now open!

Showcasing the much-loved Biscuiteers biscuit, chocolate and cake collections, the Boutique also has a drop-in icing cafe, hosts themed icing lessons, children’s icing parties and is the home of the Biscuiteers School of Icing where you can be taught by expert icers to ice like a Biscuiteer.

Private icing parties are also available as well as an array of delicious daily Biscuiteers treats including iced biscuits, biscuit classics, cupcakes, macaroons and good old-fashioned tea and coffee.

The Boutique is set in the heart of London’s Notting Hill Gate at 194 Kensington Park Rd, London, W11 2ES.

BISCUIT BOUTIQUE – THE LOWDOWN......

The Biscuit Boutique: Prepare for a world of hand-iced biscuits, chocolates and cakes like never before.  

Biscuiteers will be baking unique collections of biscuits and cakes every day as well as reinventing biscuit classics and adding a Biscuiteers twist to old favourites like cupcakes and macaroons to take out or enjoy with a coffee. You’ll also find all the Biscuiteers famous tins of biscuits and chocolates - choose your favourite and Biscuiteers will deliver it on your behalf. 

The Biscuiteers Icing Cafe

If you’re a pottery café fan, the Biscuiteers Icing Café will be right up your street. Just pop in and choose from the daily selection of biscuit designs, icing colours and decorations. Sit down, have a cup of tea and a breather and get creative! Biscuiteers will pack your biscuit in a hand-illustrated biscuit card box to take home or pop it in the biscuit-post for you to send to a loved one.

Biscuit cards will be £10 each to ice in the icing café plus £3.50 if you’d like Biscuiteers to post your hand-iced creation.

Fancy yourself as a Biscuiteer? Then come and learn the tricks of the trade at the Biscuiteers seasonal master classes and icing workshops.

Working closely with expert icers in small and intimate classes no bigger than 10, icing students will leave with a beautiful tin of biscuits and plenty of Biscuiteers icing techniques and secrets to boot.

Workshops are priced at £60 plus VAT per person and class themes in the run up to Christmas will include Iced Christmas, Nutcracker and Baubles.

www.biscuiteers.com

Luxury Suites At The Berkeley Hotel, Knightsbridge

The luxury suites at the Berkeley in Knightsbridge combine a contemporary elegance while emphasising the chic, contemporary style of The Berkeley.

Whether you’re settling in for a long stay, or just want a little more space to relax, you’ll find your London pied à terre in a Berkeley suite.

Each suite is the work of a top designer and offers its own individual atmosphere. Find true relaxation in the understated elegance of Helen Green’s Berkeley Suites, or book the Pavilion Conservatory suite for modern elegance with your own spacious roof terrace.

As a guest in one of our feature suites, you’ll enjoy complimentary champagne, fresh flowers and fruit and personal use of an iPad during your stay – and a host of other extras.

www.the-berkeley.co.uk

WINNER of the Alphabet Teacup by Welovekaoru

CONGRATULATIONS CHLOE FRASIER 

www.welovekaoru.com

New Prêt-à-Portea Autumn/Winter 2012 collection Afternoon Tea, The Berkeley London

The Berkeley London designer afternoon tea, Prêt-à-Portea, is inspired by the themes and colours of the fashion world. The menu is transformed every six months to follow the changing seasons in fashion. The new Autumn / Winter 2012 collection sees designers such as Manolo Blahnik, Yves Saint Laurent and Marc Jacobs grace the Berkeley's tea stand as Prêt-à-Portea adds a creative twist to the classic elements of the traditional English afternoon tea with cakes and pastries resembling the latest catwalk designs for the style conscious. 

Menu

Manolo Blahnik "Neurotica" pink polk a dot cake pumps with gianduja cream.

Yves Saint Laurent fashionista's favourite"Cabas Chyc" green Victoria sponge cake handbag.

Fendi sell-out maple and ginger ankle boot biscuit with yellow and black icing

Marc Jacobs double breasted chocolate biscuit blazer with show stopping sparkly pink icing

Lanvin chocolate and orange mousse topped with mouth-watering French meringue

Diane Von Furstenberg pink lady apple mousse and kalamancy cremeux topped with playful interlocking sugar puzzles.

Giambattista Valli red macaroon with rose ganache and lavish chocolate ruffles

Prada red-carpet favourite nougatine and beriolette mousse with geometric pattern

Burberry Prorsum layered praline, dulcey cream and chocolate mousse trench coat topped with stylish violet umbrella

And a mouth-watering selection of miniature savoury skewers, taster spoons, elegant canapés and tea sandwiches.

Fashionista's Prêt-à-Portea

£39.00 per person

A glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne - £49.00 per person

Additional glass of Laurent-Perrier NV - £14.00 per glass

www.the-berkeley.co.uk

The Collection' Fashion Afternoon Tea, Raffles Dubai

Raffles Dubai is a stunning 19-storey hotel that is built in the shape of a pyramid. The Egyptian themed pyramid shape is a striking addition to Dubai's skyline. Inspiration for the design was taken from traditional Egyptian architecture. The hotel is topped with a glass capstone that constitutes three stories of its structure. The top of the structure is of gold colour that sparkles during the day and is backlit during the night.

As you walk into the opulent Egyptian-themed entrance of Raffles hotel, you will be escorted to the plush Raffles Salon situated in the main lobby. This grand area, with impressive floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious seating is the perfect place to relax. A piano takes centre stage and is often played during the day creating soft and tranquil background music.

Afternoon tea at the hotel is not a traditional affair, aptly named 'The Collection', the afternoon tea is a 21st century fashionistas dream, with designer sandwiches and Couture cakes all inspired by fashion designers latest collections straight from the runway, and all topped off with some scrumptious homemade scones. As with fashion the delights change every season making it a perfect afternoon tea for return visits. Raffles Dubai has won top spot for best afternoon tea from the guide Time Out Dubai, which is no surprise as it's fun, unique, and delicious.

Once seated and comfortable the extremely attentive staff, that is synonymous with Dubai's high standards of service, bring out a podium style cake stand that proudly displays each of the impeccably designed cake options, which is a feast for the eyes not just the stomach. A plate of beautifully displayed savoury options is then displayed on separate plates either side of the cake stand, creating a wonderful photo opportunity. But first if you feel like adding a little sparkle, afternoon tea begins with an optional glass of champaign.

The tea menu is extensive and includes a selection of speciality teas, some of which I had not heard of before. I urge you to try the 'Pay Mu Tan' white tea, one of there rarest tea's on offer. It is plucked in early spring from a special varietal tea bush called Chichi and blended with fragrant Madagascar vanilla and the tropical tease of island coconut. It is refreshing, delicate and utterly divine. The staff are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to the teas on offer, and are happy to help you with your selection. The hotel encourages its guests to try as many tea options as you would like, to help find your perfect match. You can also choose from a list of other beverages such as coffee and ice teas. I highly recommend trying the ice tea it truly is an experience. The ice tea is brought out in a Forte's Tea-Over-Ice, which is a stunning sculpturally designed pitcher made from hand-blown heat-resistant glass, that are stacked on top of each other and make a captivating table-side presentation. I tried the peach ice tea, it was fantastic, honestly the best ice-tea I have had to date. Other flavours on offer are lemon, mango and cranberry. I should point out that the hotel does have a special relationship with Forte teas and offer only their brand.

Although the spread is mainly sweet, the savoury options are equally as pretty as the cakes. With six pieces per guest this selection alone is enough to keep you truly satisfied. The selection includes classic sandwiches, but with an unusual and beautiful twist on the presentation, Some of the options on offer for the Winter collection menu are: mushroom, caramelised onion puff pastry purse with salt crystals, brie with poached figs and raspberry bamboo lipstick skewer a great alternative to a tradition sandwich, chicken sandwich with apricot and rocket jewellery box. This is just a short list of the sandwiches that are a fusion of interesting flavours, that I can assure you will tantalise your taste buds and are a tasty appetiser leading up to the main event.

If you do go to Raffles Dubai be sure to save room to indulge in dessert. Masterfully crafted, the delicate sweets reflect the colours and trends of the season that are sure to please. Winter honey praline stiletto encrusted with pearls is one accessory that stands out from the impressive collection. Other options include Tahiti vanilla creme brûlée cloche hat and an almond fig clafoutis earring box to name just a some of the grand selection. The presentation of the array of cakes is wonderful, delicately crafted they really are something not to be missed. My favourites are the Tahiti vanilla creme brûlée cloche hat and the pistachio red fruit square corsage.

To finish our afternoon tea, orange current plain and raisin scones which where presented with a retro tube of Cornish clotted cream. If you don't manage to finish it all that is laid before you, there is an option to take away any of the grand array home with you in a take away box.

Raffles Afternoon Tea is an enchanting experience. It’s the only place in Dubai that you can enjoy a fashion inspired tea. But its not just about the decadent design of the cakes or the impeccable presentation, the taste is incredible, the surroundings are chic and civilised and are the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy the delicious procession of food that is placed before you. With the prices based on two people sharing it's great value for money and if you ever find yourself in Dubai, you MUST go!

The Collection winter Menu:

Savouries 

Mushroom, caramelised onion puff pastry purse with salt crystals 

Brie with poached figs and raspberry bamboo lipstick skewer 

Chicken sandwich with apricot and rocket jewellery box 

Cream & asparagus sandwich with truffle roll, quail eggs 

Beetroot & goats cheese sandwich roll ring hold with poached pear

 Beetroot cured salmon, rain hat on rye bread with horseradish

Sweet 

Winter honey praline stiletto encrusted with pearls 

Tahiti vanilla creme brûlée cloche hat 

Almond fig clafoutis earring box 

Black current shortbread brooch 

Amarena cherry lollipop blusher 

Walnut pistachio caramel boat bucket bag embellished with pistachio 

Pistachio red fruit square corsage 

Truffle log hat box 

Raspberry vanilla club make-up sponge sandwich

The Collection - Afternoon Tea by Raffles Dubai | Daily from 2:00pm to 7:00pm

AED199 for two | AED 399 for two with bubbly

Dress Code:Smart Casual

www.raffles.com/dubai

Remember, remember, the 5th of November The Gunpowder Treason and plot; I see of no reason why Gunpowder Treason Should ever be forgot

Also known as 'Fireworks Night' and 'Bonfire Night', The 5th of November is celebrated in London and across the United Kingdom. With Events including a series of spectaular firework displays, Bonfires and apple bobbing. If you want to know more about the 5th November click here

Hummingbird Bakery's is celebrating with BANG! POP! BOOM! Dazzling limited edition Fireworks Cupcakes available at all five branches until 5th November.

www.hummingbirdbakery.com