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| A dreamlike culinary homage to Georgian gardens and the pioneering creativity of Constance Spry |
| 29 October 2025: Montcalm Mayfair is delighted to unveil its new culinary experience: the Into the Garden Afternoon Tea, a refined yet imaginative offering rooted in tradition, curiosity, and bringing the playfulness of the Georgian garden into the heart of Mayfair.An ode to the Georgian botanicals and forest heritage, the afternoon tea offering draws inspiration from Constance Spry, the pioneering florist, author and culinary innovator. She forever changed British entertainment with her bold floral arrangements mixed with unusual household objects and hedgerow cuttings, as opposed to the stiff Victorian arrangements of the era, and is credited with creating the afternoon tea classic – Coronation Chicken – a recipe curated for the coronation luncheon of Queen Elizabeth II. Honouring Spry’s creative philosophy, where food and flowers intertwine, the experience brings together classic recipes and seasonal storytelling. Set within the elegant surroundings of Lilli by Akira Back, the hotel’s newly launched dining destination, guests are invited to step into a garden of imagination and indulge in this botanical celebration of the much loved English ritual. Honouring the Art of Gathering Afternoon Tea at Montcalm Mayfair is more than a culinary tradition; each sip and bite becomes a celebration of conversation, culture, and curiosity – an homage to Elizabeth Montagu’s enlightened spirit and legacy of refined gatherings as the pioneer of the Blue Stockings Society, an 18th century literary group for women who gathered over tea for intellectual discussions, or salons, on everything from literature, history, art, politics, architecture and music. These meetings offered a rare space for women to engage in meaningful conversation. Guests can expect an imaginative and considered Afternoon Tea experience that draws on natural influences and textures, all with a nod to tradition. Highlights include a Matcha Opera cake, Dressed Crab Brioche Rolls, and a sophisticated reimagining of Constance Spry’s classic Coronation Chicken Sandwich – a revival fit for royalty crafted by Lilli by Akira Back’s Head Chef Roger Hutchinson. A playful children’s menu of sandwiches, sweet treats and fun drinks has also been created to charm and delight younger guests.To complement the experience, Montcalm Mayfair partners with Camellia’s Tea House, artisans of hand-harvested loose-leaf teas, who bring their botanical expertise to a bespoke tea offering curated for this experience. |
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| A Botanical Backdrop Nestled on land once part of the ancient Great Forest of Middlesex, Montcalm Mayfair evokes the city’s natural heritage through its lush interiors, hand-painted murals, and an impressive art collection of over 800 pieces curated by Culture A, many of which were commissioned especially for the hotel. The result – a cocoon of calm and culture within the heart of the city. This backdrop provides the perfect setting of an Afternoon Tea rooted in nature, and layered with cultural and historical reference – from Elizabeth Montagu and the Blue Stockings Society, to refined modern-day gatherings over rousing conversation and food to delight the senses. The Afternoon Tea is available now, with sittings from 12:00 noon until 4pm. |
Bookings for the Afternoon Tea can be made here.