The 'Edible Garden' Afternoon Tea at InterContinental Westminster, London

To celebrate the 101 years of floral festival "The Chelsea Flower Show" which was held in May, InterContinental Westminster have created an exquisite "Edible Garden" themed afternoon tea in partnership with Laurent-Perrier champagne. So 3 weeks ago, I had the most amazing afternoon tea experience that left me and Mr T who accompanied me so buzzing. And since this is all to celebrate the Chelsea Flower show, you will also be treated to free flowing champagne. You haven't read it wrong, yes, free flowing champagne. Not more can you complain.

Afternoon tea was served in the lounge with floral displays reflecting the Chelsea Flower show. Alongside the regular tea choices, there was also speciality selection of hand-crafted flower teas. But for two tea lovers, floral teas wouldn't do us justice. I opted for the vintage raw puerh and Mr T opted for pre-rain dragon well supreme. Check out that amazing sliver plated teapot.

Not a single moment were our glasses empty with champagne, the waiters replenished regularly. Laurent-Perrier Brut champagne isn't the best but don't be silly to fill up on it. What looks good also tasted as good or even better. 

Firstly we were treated to a selection of savoury treats, created using the best of British seasonal ingredients. The first plate consisted of avocado & baby vegetable shot, garden pea &basil tart, miniature eggs benedict and smoked chicken & tarragon teardrop. I didn't get to try the mini eggs benedict as Mr T took it but with it had a little quails egg perched on top looking ever so fine.

The second plate consisted of smoked salmon roulade on rye bread, delicate goat cheese & tomato with cheddar shortbread and roast beef & horseradish on beetroot bread. All the nibbles was enjoyable, original and fresh - both in concept and taste.

A tradition dictates we moved on to the scones. It was served alongside with the savoury treats and I'm fussy about scones. It needs to light, fluffy and warm; which ticks all the boxes. Lavender infused scones complemented by rose infused strawberry cream and clotted cream. A little less tradition were the mini Chelsea buns reflecting the theme accompanied by lemon curd. 

Finally came the show piece, the glasshouse! It imitated a green house with the beautiful edible garden sitting inside it. The desserts were works of art. Every moments before the glass cloche is lifted will have you gasping 'Whoa'!

The garden featured edible soil which tasted mostly of chocolate but also had dried olives. It houses a lemon box hedge, raspberry meringue pie, Laurent-Perrier strawberry champagne bubble, crushed violet macaroon and chocolate pebbles. All the cakes were gorgeous, light and not overly sweet. My favourite was the macaroon, it was just stunning.

Overall, this has to be one of the best afternoon tea me and Mr T have ever had. The concept was unique and there wasn't an element that we can fault or not liking it. The service was flawless, entertainment was great with live harp music playing and the food is outstanding. Cannot highly recommend it enough.

Score Rating: 4.5/5
Price: £44 with free flowing Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne and is available until 30th June