Cuisson’s Afternoon Tea at Burlington Arcade

Tucked away inside one of London’s most luxurious shopping arcades, a wonderful new afternoon tea experience is taking place. Cuisson, in collaboration with prestigious brands such as Laurent Perrier, Jing Tea and Wedgewood, are taking this treasured tea tradition and giving it a rosé-pink, whimsical new twist. From the beautiful flower arrangements dripping in pearls to the soft hue of Laurent Perrier Rosé that accents the walls, and even the macaroons, everything has a delightfully delicate feel to it.

Our experience included the full champagne afternoon tea, which included two glasses of Laurent Perrier rosé, a variety of savoury delectables and a towering array of beautifully handcrafted treats, all made by the amazingly talented Hideko Kawa, founder of Sweet Art. Hideko became a master of her craft studying at Le Cordon Bleu, before honing her skills under the likes of Gordon Ramsey, Helene Darozze and Heston Blumenthal. Her passion for the things she creates just radiates as she talks about her past and current ventures. She says the most important things are first “the taste and texture” and then creating “the enjoyment”. She doesn’t want the shock and awe of a Blumenthal dish but for people to have a “little smile” of pure satisfaction. 

After being brought our champagne we were offered a choice from their fine selection of teas, provided by the exquisite Jing Tea. In all, there were six to choose from – three black teas, which included a very fragrant Earl Grey, a strong and uplifting Assam and soft and smokey Bohea Lapsang, a delicate and fresh White Peony, a refreshing Chinese Green and an intense and lively Blackcurrant and Hibiscus. One can’t dispute a good Earl Grey, so we made our selection. It was a truly wonderful choice sprinkled with blue cornflowers for an extra twist of flavour.

Then came the treats themselves. On the savoury selection, a smoked salmon mousse cone, a melon and mint compressed cucumber sandwich, coronation chicken terrine and a Cuisson egg and cress sandwich were served. On the sweet side, we were given a Lauren Perrier Cuvée Rosé and strawberry trifle, Wedgewood blueberry macaroons, Cuisson praline éclairs, decadent handmade scones with strawberry and elderflower jam and a pineapple, vanilla and lime jam. Other desserts served included a sweet burger made of chocolate, a Victoria sponge sandwich with blood orange and grapefruit jelly, and finally a pineapple cheesecake plant pot. 

This truly is a beyond-decadent and enjoyable experience, and as it is only a pop-up and therefore has a short time limit, it really is something not to be missed.

Amaliah Sara Marmon-Halm
Photos: Ned Malik

★★★★★

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Cuisson’s Afternoon Tea is available until 26^th June 2015. To book a table at The White Horse, 66-67 Burlington Arcade 51 Piccadilly, London, W1J 0QJ visit here.