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The Collins Room

The Collins Room at The Berkeley is light and bright even on a wet winter’s afternoon and is a glorious, elegant place in which to relax and enjoy a very special and unusual afternoon tea. Maybe you have had a hard day shopping or sightseeing; perhaps you want to catch up with some friends; or maybe you simply want to celebrate. Whatever your reason for visiting The Berkeley, the renowned Prêt-à-Portea tea is sure to please. This is a fashionista’s delight, and has been firmly fixed on the afternoon tea scene for more than ten years. Each delectable pastry that the hotel’s pastry chef produces is a miniature work of art, inspired by the themes and colours of the fashion world. The menu is completely redesigned every six months to follow the changing fashions and styles of the seasons.

The creations, served on delicate, fine bone china designed by Wedgwood, have included Jimmy Choo’s monochrome chic Cayla zebra print bag, Moschino’s quirky ‘Yellow M’ handbag of blood orange victoria sponge swathed in red quilted chocolate, and a Valentino sexy sixties mini dress chocolate tartelette filled with caramelia cremeux and whipped ganache, with red and pink chocolate polka dots. Guests have also enjoyed a brilliantly British chocolate and vanilla Battenberg cake inspired by Stella McCartney’s checkered summer pumps. Breaking with tradition, there are no scones, but your set tea includes a mouth-watering selection of seasonally changing little savouries, tea sandwiches, and stylish canapés. Accompany your Prêt-à-Portea with a glass of champagne or Couture champagne and add a loose-leaf tea chosen from a good selection of savoury and sweet. You’ll want to stay all afternoon, but when you finally leave, there is a little Prêt box that is perfect for taking home any unfinished treats. And for those of you who love to bake, you can buy the Prêt-à-Portea book, High Fashion Bake and Biscuits, and recreate some of the wonderful pastries at home.

ADDRESS: Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RL

TEL: +44 (0)20 7107 8866

EMAIL: dining@the-berkeley.co.uk

WEB: www.the-berkeley.co.uk

AFTERNOON TEA SERVED: daily 1.30pm–5.30pm

SET TEAS: Prêt-à-Portea, Champagne Prêt-à-Portea, Couture Champagne Prêt-à-Portea. Gluten and nut free can be catered for, but please give 24 hours’ notice.

DRESS CODE: elegant smart casual; no shorts, vests, sportswear, flip-flops, ripped jeans, or baseball caps

NEAREST UNDERGROUND STATIONS: Knightsbridge, Hyde Park Corner

PLACES OF INTEREST NEARBY: Harvey Nichols, Harrods, Hyde Park, Green Park, Sloane Street and Knightsbridge designer shopping, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Royal Albert Hall