Mastering the Art of Afternoon Tea at Kensington Townhouse

London’s galleries are just one of the joys of the capital, opening art up to all as so many offer free entry. From the Tate to the National Gallery, Saatchi to the Serpentine, we love to celebrate the rich offerings of artists from around the world. And now, after a hard days gazing, there’s an afternoon tea as rich in art as it is in taste at The Kensington.

The light and airy drawing room serves a treat that has elevated afternoon tea into a true artform. Inspired by some of the most renowned artists, the Art of Afternoon Tea indulges your inner aesthete with a collection of carefully curated cultural confections, and a healthy dose of champagne. 

A mix of the contemporary and the abstract, The Kensington’s culinary creatives have sculpted a gallery of sensational sweets atop the traditional three-tiered silver stand that pays homage to influential artists Jackson Pollock, Yayoi Kusama and Alicja Kwade.

A gallery of afternoon tea treats

Served on cute crockery reminiscent of a quaint seaside café, Pollock’s famed ‘drip technique’ is mimicked on a dark chocolate mousse tart with passion fruit parfait. Currently featured at an exhibition at the Tate Modern, Japanese artist Kusama’s playful polka-dot style is replicated with a pumpkin made up of mango mousse surrounding coconut yoghurt cream. And Kwade’s natural spheres are playfully constructed with a white chocolate vanilla mousse with pineapple compote centre. Pop one in your mouth and we guarantee a tangy taste explosion!

Located in a corner of the capital surrounded by a concentration of art galleries, The Kensington – also a townhouse hotel – is five minutes from South Kensington station, just around the corner from the Albert Hall, and a few minutes walk from the bustle of Kensington High Street.

The art of afternoon tea

We enjoyed three tiers of delicate finger sandwiches boasting fresh and flavoursome fillings including smoked salmon with lemon cream cheese, cucumber with mint cream, and pastrami with gherkin and horseradish. A vegetarian option goes in hard with the roasted vegetables and gherkins, and warm, fresh-baked plain and fruit scones come with homemade strawberry jam and Cornish clotted cream.

There’s a generous selection of teas to choose from, ranging from traditional English breakfast to white, green and jasmine flowering, and herbal decaffeinated options too.

The atmosphere in the drawing room is relaxed and inviting, and after a hearty welcome, our server Mesha offered an insight into the artistic inspirations of the sweet treats, then ensured we were topped up with tea and champagne.

Prepared and served fresh daily, The Art of Afternoon Tea is a treat for the eyes, the soul, and the stomach. Available everyday from 12pm-4.30pm for £58 per person or £70 per person including a glass of champagne. 

• The Kensington, 109-113 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London, SW7 5LP.