Quant’ing for Nothing at The Pelham

From mini-dresses to vibrant prints and makeup, Dame Mary Quant has inspired generations of fashionistas since bursting into the UK conscious in the Swinging Sixties.

Paying tribute to one of Britain’s brightest Dames is an exhibition at Kensington’s V&A Museum this summer, and to complement the experience local hotel The Pelham is hosting a Quant homage in the form of a decadent afternoon tea.

Conceptualised, planned and designed by bespoke party planners La Fete, this teatime masterpiece is a treat for the eyes and the appetite in equal measure.

‘Swinging London’ finger sandwiches of chives, butter & salmon or cooked ham and light mustard on spinach bread sit beside ‘Quant’s Crayons’ – vibrant multi-coloured mini buns filled with cherry tomato and mild cheddar; and cucumber and aromatic cheese.

We took our tea in a drawing room overlooking busy South Kensington central shop parade, enjoying peace and tranquility as we watched the world rush by.

Vegetarian options are plentiful with a courgette bun and sweet pepper sandwich available, and gluten-free is catered for too.

Scones were light and served with a choice of three delicious conserves.
Punchy sweets included ‘Bazaar’: an open macaron topped with whipped cream, a variety of raspberries and dulcey raspberry coulis creatively encased in a Quant-inspired nail varnish bottle, ‘The Dame’: a quintessentially British Victoria Sponge Cake, complete with icing sugar and an almond marzipan flower, and several other creative masterpieces including a ‘edible lipstick’ of dark chocolate.

Each and every morsel tasted divine, although, dare we say it, the serving seemed a little sweet-heavy and could have done with one or two more savoury selections to start.

Delighting in our decadent dishes, we decided to order a ‘Forever Mini’ cocktail, named in celebration of Quant pioneering the mini skirt and innovating modernity. Priced at £14 and described as a mix of rum, gin, blue Curacao, vodka, tequila, lemonade and orange garnish, we were slightly disappointed to receive a tall glass filled with what tasted very much like bacardi and lemonade, just blue as a result of the Curacao.

The choice of teas however is much more exotic, from traditional Breakfast and Earl Grey to a fantastic choice of detox and green teas, and several that offer to cleanse the skin or give wellbeing a boost. All were delicious.

The Mary Quant afternoon tea is just a five-minute walk from the Victoria & Albert museum and the fifth in a series of foodie-pairings inspired by the V&A museum.

• To enquire on bookings, visit starhotelscollezione.com or call 02075898288. Nearest Tube South Kensington.