Prêt-à-Portea! A unique fusion of fashion and food

Couture and cake are two of life's greatest pleasures, so you can imagine my delight at receiving a gift voucher for Prêt-à-Portea at The Caramel Room – an ingenious afternoon tea that changes to reflect the fashion seasons. And what better place to host such an event than the 5* Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge, just a stone's throw from Harrods and Harvey Nichols.

© The Berkeley Hotel, London

Remember back in February 2013 when I posted a picture from the A/W Burberry collection? Well last week I got to eat that gorgeous heart print mac, and it tasted as good as it looked! These adorable little ginger biscuits (above) were covered with caramel icing and hand decorated. So beautiful.

Other catwalk highlights turned sartorial sweets included a Westwood Anglomania inspired checked mint green macaroon, a tiny victoria sponge dressed as a Saint Laurent handbag, and a stunning Emporio Armani mousse in a shot glass topped with a chocolate swirl.

 

Despite this incredible selection, I'm actually more of a savoury girl, and I was equally content tucking into some delicious mini sandwiches, a surprisingly yummy watercress soup in a shot glass, and several other savoury bites – all of which were as beautifully presented as the cakes and pastries. And the best bit? Everything was repeatedly replenished until you literally couldn't eat another thing!

There were several blends of tea and fruit infusions to choose from, all served in beautiful exclusive Wedgwood China. I started with the Amazing Apple (below) before moving on to a classic peppermint.

As you can probably tell, I love afternoon tea. I think it's one of our country's greatest culinary traditions, and this really is a fabulous twist on a classic. The food was incredible and the service second to none. We took two hours to consume everything and were still given a doggy bag with some cakes to take away. Although I don't think 'doggy bag' is an appropriate term for something that resembled a cute pink handbag!

The menu changes each fashion season so no doubt I will be returning to see what Spring/Summer has to offer. I bet that Temperley London dress I fell in love with would taste great! A wonderful experience where food and fashion come together to produce something indulgent, fun and utterly delicious.

www.the-berkeley.co.uk

Huge thank you to Matt and Catherine for the wonderful gift!