Acqua Di Parma Afternoon Tea at the Baglioni

There’s some aspects of British culture that do make me chuckle, such as taking euphemisms to the extreme, forcing barristers to wear wigs, having carpets within bathrooms and of course, our strange obsession with tea. 

Afternoon tea was another concept that for a while I couldn’t quite grasp; It almost seemed like a bit of a jumble. Tea, alongside minuscule sandwiches, scones with lashings of jam and cream, sweet treats and delicacies, all accompanied by a glass or five of champagne to wash it down? 

It’s safe to say I didn’t rush to try it for the first time. 

Consequently, when I actually indulged in the experience I realised the hype and decided that like many other wonderful traditions, it didn’t have to make sense to work.

I recently attended the Baglioni Hotel in Kensington to try their new afternoon tea concept in partnership with Acqua Di Parma (one of our favourite fragrance brands). The collaboration has inspired a unique experience influenced by the fresh and elegant, citrus-based Colonia – a scent that’s been seducing customers for over a century.

Wonderfully, the idea stemmed from the quintessential British Chelsea Flower Show (what’s more British than a celebration of pristine gardening). 

I’ll Play Mother…

The Italian twist put on this very British activity; from premium sparkling wine on arrival to Calabrian Bergamot and Mint or Rose and Dried Lime Tea (far from Early Grey), they offered a really fresh and contemporary feel to the occasion

A range of beautifully colourful cakes followed, which included the Colonia Lemon Cake, Lavender Meringue, Lime Zest Panna Cotta and Sicilian Cannoli with Candied Orange…Not only did they taste delicious but they were all inspired by elements of the Colonia fragrance –  a really clever touch, I thought.

To top it all off, the hotel’s head chef, Alberto Rossetti, is originally from Parma. It’s like they planned it!?

This brilliant offer is only available in the month of May, as it’s a celebration for the Chelsea Flower show – Basically, get booked in fast as it’s bloomin’ marvellous.