The Bite Magazine - Spring 2016 - Issue 15

T his summer, there will be more reason to visit The Roof Gardens in Kensing- ton at Virgin’s delectable Sky High Afternoon Tea on Sat- urday 28th May and Saturday 23rd July 2016. These auspicious occasions will see guests served tea from 1pm – 5pm in the Tudor Garden and Spanish Hide- away. The afternoon tea will consist of a traditional assortment of sandwiches, including pressed ham hock with pic- calilli and mustard cress on sourdough; smoked salmon pinwheel with cream cheese on granary bread; and Atlantic prawns on brioche bun as well as the usual classic cucumber and cream cheese with mustard cress. The sweeter side of this delightful pastime will see a warm selection of plain and golden raisin scones which will be served with Devonshire clotted cream, strawberry preserve and lemon curd. While other scrumptious goodies will include éclairs, lemon maca- roons, praline and raspberry tartlets, and cherry and pistachio sponge cake. Those who plan to partake in the after- noon tea sessions will be enchanted by theTudor Garden with its red brick walls and four Tudor-style arches that promise to take you back to another age. With plants reminiscent of those found inTudor England, the area was once planted with only black and white flowers by the then occupant Barbara Hulanicki, founder of the iconic fashion brand Biba during the 1970s and is the inspiration for today’s dramatic look. The Spanish Garden is based on the Alhambra in Granada, Spain and has a distinct Moorish flavour. Here you’ll be transported to a Spanish haven that is miles away from the hustle and bustle of the streets below.The garden is made up of colourful English plants and flowers as well as Mediterranean trees to give it that Spanish feel. Teas and coffee will be specially selected for the afternoon tea, but for those looking for a bit more punch there will be Gin tea pot cocktails sponsored by Tanqueray served from the bars in the Spanish and Tudor Garden. The Roof Gardens Afternoon tea is priced at £29.50 per person, and the Laurent-Per- rier Champagne Afternoon Tea is priced at £39.50 per person. To reserve your space, visit www.designmynight.com/london/ bars/kensington/the-roof-gardens/ afternoon-tea-on-the-roof The Roof Gardens, 6th Floor, 99 Kensington High Street,W8 5SA www.virginlimitededition.com bitetravel Virgin Limited Edition reveals their plan to offer Afternoon Tea at The Roof Gardens in the summer. Jada Brookes finds out what to expect.