There are afternoon teas designed for grown-ups, and there are children’s experiences that parents politely endure. Then, occasionally, there is something that manages to charm both generations. The Disney Moana-inspired Afternoon Tea at Park Corner Brasserie, London Hilton on Park Lane, falls happily into the latter camp.
I visited with my fine-hotel loving toddler Xavier, my good friend Saya and her daughter Evie, and from the moment we arrived, it was clear that this was going to be far more than just tea and cake.
Set within the iconic Hilton Park Lane overlooking Hyde Park, Park Corner Brasserie brings a touch of Polynesian-inspired escapism to one of London’s most prestigious addresses. Drawing on Moana’s adventures as a Wayfinder and her journey beyond the reef, the experience combines the ceremony of a traditional afternoon tea with playful Disney storytelling.
For the children, the excitement began with the setting. Large character figurines provided plenty to marvel at and made the whole experience feel immersive, while the staff were exceptionally warm and engaging with Xavier and Evie throughout our visit. It is a small detail, perhaps, but one that matters enormously when dining somewhere luxurious with little ones. Rather than simply accommodating children, the team made them feel genuinely welcome and part of the occasion, allowing the adults to relax and enjoy it just as much.
The undisputed star, however, was the spectacular treasure chest of cakes and treats. Its arrival brought instant excitement to the table, and all four of us loved discovering the colourful creations hidden within.
The sweets are imaginative without losing the refinement expected of a Park Lane afternoon tea. Heart of Te Fiti combines matcha biscuit, cream cheese filling and white chocolate, while Taste of the Sea is an appropriately tropical combination of passion fruit curd, pineapple compote and lime zest. Island Flowers pairs vanilla mousse with strawberry and hibiscus compote on delicate shortbread, while Drop in the Ocean brings together coconut mousse and a chocolate crunchy centre.
There are comforting flavours too. The wonderfully named Not So Grumpy Apple Pies arrive warm with apple and cinnamon, accompanied by chocolate truffles and classic plain and fruit Wayfinder Scones, giving the theatrical presentation the familiar indulgence of a quintessential afternoon tea.
The savoury selection continues the Disney storytelling with creations including The Carriage Awaits, made with plant-based chicken, pumpkin and sage mousse; From The Bayou, featuring Beyond Meat with horseradish and dill mousse; and the colourful Ma Cherie Sandwich with watermelon, grilled pepper, dill and lemon-zest cream. Freshly made, Tiana-inspired beignets add another playful touch to the experience.
Adults, meanwhile, can explore an interesting speciality tea menu, ranging from a rare hand-plucked black tea grown in Jersey to Chocolate Velvet, a Taiwanese Oolong blend layered with cocoa, raspberry and crème caramel notes.
What makes the experience linger in the memory, though, is not one particular pastry or sandwich. It is the wonderful sense of theatre and occasion. Seeing Xavier and Evie’s faces as each new element arrived reminded us that luxury does not always have to mean formality. It can also be joyful, whimsical and wonderfully child-friendly.
For families looking for something more memorable than the conventional London afternoon tea, this is a beautifully executed escape into Moana’s world, complete with ocean-inspired treats, warm hospitality and just enough Disney magic to make the grown-ups feel like children again.
And the Disney magic continues….
As Moana’s voyage gives way to something altogether darker, Park Corner Brasserie has unveiled Disney Princess Inspired Afternoon Tea: Once Upon a Villain, a striking new experience inspired by some of Disney’s most infamous villains. From Maleficent and Dr Facilier to infamous apples, midnight carriages, deep-sea spells and shadowy schemes, the new afternoon tea takes the hotel’s playful Disney storytelling in a deliciously wicked direction.
Having recently arrived at London Hilton on Park Lane this October, it sounds like a suitably enchanting excuse for a return visit, and after seeing just how much Xavier and Evie enjoyed our Moana adventure, we may well be tempted back to discover the darker side of the fairytale…
