Press Release Date: 12 Apr, 2011
Afternoon tea is a London institution – a famous pastime offering a welcome break from a long day’s shopping or sightseeing. Launching this month, Grand Imperial’s ‘Oriental Afternoon Tea’ is a unique take on this timeless classic.
Let your palate journey to the East and enjoy an opulent afternoon tea in the elegant surrounds of the Grand Imperial London. Recalling the glamour of the orient with a sleek modern twist, guests can unwind safe in the knowledge that even their ‘chi’ will get some much needed rejuvenation in an ambiance designed with a Feng Shui master.
Our Asian-inspired tea arrives impeccably presented on a beautiful stand laden with Cantonese sweets, treats and savouries. The first course includes ‘Fresh black cod rolls, wrapped in Kataifi pastry’ and ‘Char Sui Bao’. Both exquisite, and made with the freshest ingredients, the Bao are the famous Cantonese pork buns. Light, fluffy and filled with sticky pork they won’t fail to tingle the taste buds.
The second course is Grand Imperial’s teatime-take on poultry – savour a ‘Concubine Chicken Wrap’ (shredded salted chicken wrapped in a crunchy lettuce leaf) or ‘Shredded Duck Wrap’ (a twist on the perennially popular duck pancakes – shredded duck in prawn crackers). Delicate, crispy and with just a slight kick these are the perfect conclusion to the tea’s savoury selection.
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Finally, those with a sweet disposition are certainly not forgotten. ‘Chocolate Dim Sum’ – the final course – is an experience totally unique to Grand Imperial. Blending the art of crispy, delicate dim sum parcels with a warm, silky sauce made with 70% cacao, Head Chef Leung and dim sum Chef Sai Feng Zeng have created something truly spectacular. The dish is pure indulgence and comes with four individual parcels; the crispy ‘Canton Cracker’ pastry, the ‘Pumpkin Bundle’, a miniature pumpkin made with pumpkin essence and lemon zest, the ‘Cashew Crescent’, a half moon pastry topped with cashew nuts and icing sugar and the ‘Coconut Doughnut’ rolled in coconut shavings and tangerine zest.
To accompany these delicacies guests can pick their favourite soothing Oriental tea from Grand Imperial’s extensive selection. Brewed freshly, in a perfect loose-leaf blend, we recommend the Jasmine King Tea for its subtle, sweet flavour which perfectly complements the delicacies to come. Those looking to add a little fizz to the occasion could also opt for Balfour Brut English Rosé, a 2006 sparkling vintage certain to add that special something.
The Oriental Afternoon Tea will be served every day between 3-5pm from Monday 18 April and is priced at £20 per person, or £28 per person with the sparkling rosé.