Georgie Clarke relives a Tale as Old As Time over a Beauty & The Beast inspired afternoon tea at the Town House
The Venue
The Kensington Town House’s fairytale-inspired afternoon tea will take you back to a time of childhood enchantment.
Hosted and looked after by the most charming of staff, my friend and I had a magical time. The whole experience perfectly echoing Lumière’s words to Belle at her first meal in the Beast’s palace, “Come, be our guest”.
Based on the songs and scenes from the Oscar-nominated Disney film Beauty & The Beast, Town House nods to the nostalgic storyline with detailed props and ornaments, complete with bookshelves, petals and pastel-coloured china, and the most iconic prop of all – the enchanted glass-veiled rose.
From teapots to storytelling, Town House haven’t missed a beat, taking you through a creative fairy tale tasting journey like no other.
The Food
First we’re offered a selection of unique teas. Poured and filtered into a beautiful blue china mug by our waiter, all sorts of aromas fill the air. Sweet buttery smells waft up from the mug, and once tasted, expose a rich, syrupy flavour on the palette. The perfect accompaniment to the variety of sweet treats to come.
The first course: savoury snacks arrive on plates dotted with red rose petals, including a hearty Bite-Sized Venison Pie, perfectly pastried Cheese Soufflé with Roscoff Onion Pissaladière, and a rich and delicious Beef Ragu & Saffron Arancini served with Lemon Crème Fraiche. All delectable in their own way and pastry baked to perfection.
After a swift pause between courses, our waiter brings out the show-stopping second course – an afternoon tea stand full to the brim with sweet treats, preserves and condiments, all designed and decorated to bring you back to a Tale as Old as Time with none other than Lumière the lamp, Cogsworth the Clock, Mrs. Potts the Teapot and her son, Chip, the broken mug.
We indulged in a Chocolate Clock Tart made of Chocolate Ganache, featuring an image of the lovable Cogsworth’s face, and Vanilla & Gold Jelly presented in shot glasses with the ever-symbolic rose petal immersed inside, served with cream poured from the spout of Mrs. Potts.
And if that isn’t enough to satisfy your sweet tooth, try the Spiced Snow Ball Macaroon made of Coconut & Chocolate, referencing Belle and Beast’s playful snowball fight at the palace or the ‘Try the Grey Stuff’ White Chocolate Mousse, sung by Lumière as a recommendation for dinner.
Town House go one step further, offering a selection of succulent Sweet Brioche Baguettes with apricot preserve & chocolate pot, referencing Marie, the local baker from Belle’s hometown in the film.
The Verdict
The accuracy of the storyline and intricacy of the food made for a magical afternoon. Intriguing, creative, and without doubt delicious, Town House’s Tale as Old as Time afternoon tea is a charming experience taking to back to childhood enchantment.
Make It Happen
Where: The Kensington, Town House, 109-113 Queen’s Gate, Kensington, London SW7 5LP
Price: £42 per person or £54.50 with a glass of Perrier-Jouët, Grand Brut NV Champagne. Click here to make a booking.
