Prêt-à-Portea: The Berkeley’s fashion-inspired afternoon tea returns

The Berkeley Hotel has announced the return of its much-loved afternoon tea concept Prêt-à-Portea.

The five-star hotel, whose menus have long been inspired by the world of fashion, unveiled its bold Autumn Winter collection of couture cakes inspired by designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry and Simone Rocha, after pausing the afternoon tea back in March.

A firm favourite of fashionistas, Prêt-à-Porte provides a contemporary twist to afternoon tea with a collection of catwalk cakes. In previous years, the cakewalk has drawn inspiration from the Royal Family, British style icons and Christian dior. 

Menu highlights from the cakewalk includes Marc Jacobs’ fizzy ‘60s coat and hat ensemble, appearing as a joconde sponge and lemon confit topped with citrus fromage blanc and soft meringue whip and Prada dressed up as a chocolate biscuit intricately piped with royal icing, to portray the sporty heels and ribbed socks that sashay down the runway.

Meanwhile, Simone Rocha’s covetable pearl evening bag, is crafted with Ivoire Valrhona chocolate, which once cracked reveals a Madagascan vanilla ganache and passion fruit jelly. 

Finally, the season’s most epic piece is Moschino’s Marie Antoinette inspired mini gown. This showstopper appears as a cake designed to share – a pink lady apple bavarois and Bramley apple compote sit on a cinnamon financier forming the vast pannier skirt, whilst the spiced biscuit torso is complete with royal icing evening gloves and an oversized wig.

Commenting on his latest collection, the hotel’s Head Pastry Chef, Mourad Khiat says: “After almost 15 years of Prêt-à-Portea, nine months of not being able to serve it meant we had to return with colour and panache.”

“At a time like this we want to provide a little escapism for our guests – the comfort of cake and the sheer fantasy of catwalk fashion seems the perfect combination to do just this.”

The Autumn Winter season of Prêt-à-Portea runs until Spring 2021 and is served from 1pm – 5.30pm every day.