Launching on Monday 1 June, a Parisian garden comes to the Royal Albert Hall with the debut of its Fête de Versailles Afternoon Tea, the first in a new archive-inspired series celebrating the venue’s rich history. Inspired by the lavish 1913 celebrations of French artistry and courtly splendour once held at the Hall, the experience draws on the romance of the Gardens of Versailles, bringing together heritage, theatre and pâtisserie in an elegant new afternoon tea that aligns perfectly with the forthcoming Les Misérables: The Arena Concert Spectacular (Thursday 18 – Sunday 21 June).
Guests begin with ‘mandarins from the tree’, a citrus-led palate cleanser inspired by the Orangery and designed to evoke the fragrant groves of Versailles. Savoury elements lead the experience with delicate cucumber and cream cheese finger sandwiches; smoked salmon with lemon crème fraiche and dill brioche; a lattice duck sausage roll with orange gel and roasted thyme; and a seasonal asparagus ratatouille tart with goat’s cheese and basil.
Pâtisserie brings the gardens to life with a wild strawberry and pistachio délice, hazelnut and Manjari bitter chocolate fleur-de-lys; and a Bergeron apricot, almond and lemon thyme beehive. In a French twist on tradition, freshly baked lemon and poppy seed Madeleines replace traditional scones served with vanilla and elderflower Chantilly and raspberry preserve. To finish, guests leave with delicate melon pastilles, a final sweet note designed to extend the experience beyond the table.
Alongside a choice of 14 tea blends, guests can add a glass of Ruinart champagne or opt for a cocktail such as the Petit Désordre Royal – combining Bombay Sapphire, peach syrup, absinthe, lemon juice and Champagne. A non-alcoholic Peach Blossom Royale blends Everleaf Forest with peach, lemon and soda.
As the first chapter in a new archive-inspired afternoon tea series, The Fête de Versailles Afternoon Tea marks the beginning of a fresh afternoon tea tradition at the Royal Albert Hall.
The Fête de Versailles Afternoon Tea is priced from £68 per adult with unlimited tea. Available daily from 12:30pm–5pm from Monday 1 June to Monday 2 November.
For more information and to book, please visit: https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/tours-and-exhibitions/afternoon-tea