From Monday 1 June, the Royal Albert Hall unveils an opulent new afternoon tea experience inspired by the elegance and extravagance of Versailles.
The newly launched Fête de Versailles Afternoon Tea is the first in a forthcoming archive-led collection celebrating landmark moments from the Hall’s history.
Taking inspiration from the grand 1913 festivities dedicated to French culture and artistry once staged within the venue, the experience transforms the Hall into a refined Parisian-inspired escape. Blending theatrical presentation, historic influence and intricate pâtisserie, the launch also complements the arrival of Les Misérables: The Arena Concert Spectacular, running from Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 June.
The experience opens with a refreshing citrus amuse-bouche titled ‘mandarins from the tree’, inspired by the famed Versailles Orangery and crafted to capture the scent and atmosphere of its historic gardens.
Guests can then enjoy a selection of savoury creations including cucumber and cream cheese finger sandwiches, smoked salmon brioche with dill and lemon crème fraîche, duck sausage rolls finished with orange gel and roasted thyme, alongside asparagus ratatouille tartlets with goat’s cheese and basil.
Desserts continue the garden-inspired theme with delicately crafted pastries such as wild strawberry and pistachio délice, fleur-de-lys-shaped hazelnut and Manjari dark chocolate creations, and a beehive-inspired Bergeron apricot and almond gâteau scented with lemon thyme.
In a playful nod to French baking traditions, classic scones are replaced with warm lemon and poppy seed Madeleines, accompanied by raspberry preserve and vanilla elderflower Chantilly cream. Guests also receive melon pastilles to take away as a final flourish to the experience.
Alongside 14 premium tea varieties, visitors can elevate the afternoon with a glass of Ruinart Champagne or signature cocktails including the Petit Désordre Royal, a blend of Bombay Sapphire gin, peach syrup, absinthe, lemon juice and Champagne. A non-alcoholic Peach Blossom Royale, combining Everleaf Forest with peach, lemon and soda, is also available.
Launching a new era of themed afternoon teas at the Royal Albert Hall, the Fête de Versailles Afternoon Tea will be served daily from 12:30pm to 5pm between Monday 1 June and Monday 2 November, with prices starting from £68 per person including unlimited tea.
Further details and reservations are available via the Royal Albert Hall website.
For more information and to book, please visit: https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/tours-and-exhibitions/afternoon-tea
Royal Albert Hall
Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AP
F: @RoyalAlbertHall | I: @RoyalAlbertHall