As a couple who appreciates the finer things in life, my wife and I recently had the pleasure of enjoying the exquisite new Afternoon Tea menu at The Landmark London. What made this experience even more special was the fact that the menu had been designed by none other than Mauro Di Lieto, the Head Pastry Chef, and his talented Pastry Sous Chef, Daniel Schevenels, who had clinched the top spot on Channel 4’s Bake Off: The Professionals 2023. It was a delightful afternoon that truly indulged our taste buds and left us with lasting memories of their show-inspired creations.
Stepping into the Winter Garden Restaurant, we were immediately struck by the grandeur of the space, with its iconic eight-storey-high glass atrium that bathed the room in natural light. The palm-lined area exuded an air of elegance, and the soothing piano music in the background added to the ambiance. We were seated in a prime spot with a perfect view of the glass atrium, which allowed us to bask in the beauty of the surroundings as we eagerly awaited our culinary journey.
The Landmark’s new Afternoon Tea menu, inspired by Mauro and Daniel’s TV success, offered a tantalizing array of sweet treats. The menu had us eagerly awaiting each course, and the pair’s expert precision and masterful techniques were evident in every bite. Priced at £70.00 per person, it was a gourmet experience that was well worth the price.
Our taste adventure began with the classic sandwiches, which were a perfect accompaniment to the sweet treats. The Lapsang Souchong smoked Scottish salmon and lightly-spiced coronation chicken served on walnut bread were a true delight and we loved how the attentive staff would replenish our sandwiches as we finished them. One of my favourite desserts was the chocolate and salted caramel Swiss roll with banana cremaux and peanut butter. The combination of flavors in this dessert was a masterstroke – the moist, delectable sponge paired seamlessly with the salted caramel, banana cremaux, and peanut butter, creating a symphony of taste that danced on our palates.
The Raspberry and lemon pavlova with crème fraiche was a reimagining of the traditional pavlova and a true showstopper. Its innovative design, accompanied by the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, made this dessert an absolute delight. Chocolate lovers, like myself, would relish the White chocolate and ginger cheesecake with pears and yuzu. The unexpected touch of yuzu glaze brought an exotic twist to this classic, while the ginger added a punch of freshness.
For those who prefer more classical flavors, the Vanilla custard, almond choux, with passion fruit and coriander was a homage to the iconic Elvis Presley. The vanilla custard, almond praline, and passion fruit with a hint of coriander created a delightful harmony of flavors and aromas, a true delight for the senses.
Scones served with jams and clotted cream were a comforting addition, and the special candied apricot and marzipan scone paired beautifully with the chocolate cream.
However, the star of the show was the Valrhona dark chocolate and black truffle mousse with a pecan sponge and pear sorbet. This elegant and technical dessert combined 70% dark chocolate with luxurious black truffle. The surprising and colorful tuille and sliced black truffle in the center were a true revelation, showcasing Mauro and Daniel’s expertise and creativity.
Our experience at The Landmark London was not only a culinary delight but also a journey into the timeless charm of the hotel’s grandeur. With its 120-year history, the hotel continues to combine opulence, grandeur, and impeccable service with contemporary flair. Mauro and Daniel’s passion and experience have added a new layer of excellence to The Landmark London’s traditional Afternoon Tea, which has garnered two significant awards at the Afternoon Tea Awards.
As we left The Landmark London that afternoon, my wife and I were filled with a sense of contentment and appreciation for the extraordinary culinary journey we had just experienced. The Afternoon Tea designed by Bake Off: The Professionals 2023 winners Mauro Di Lieto and Daniel Schevenels perfectly demonstrated their talent and creativity, and a memory we will cherish for years to come. We look forward to returning to savour more of their delectable creations in the future.
