W London has collaborated with Brighton-based artist Lois O’Hara to transform the traditional afternoon tea into a wonderfully unique experience. Their partnership combines Lois’ artistic expertise with the culinary talents of W London’s Pastry Consultant, Leyre Pedrazuela and the result is sinfully good.
The menu, inspired by well-being and positive mental health, features five exquisite desserts. “Zen” blends passion fruit, mango, and matcha tea for an Asian-inspired serenity. “Nature” celebrates garden harvests with blueberry and lemon, while “Connect” brings people together with peanut and chocolate. “Clear Mind” pays homage to Leyre’s Spanish roots with the essence of orange and olive oil. Finally, there is “Creativity”, featuring raspberry and black sesame, an unexpectedly delicious parcel of joy.
Perfectly cut sandwiches, including crowd pleasers such as beetroot-cured smoked Scottish salmon and smoked chicken with tarragon mayonnaise, accompany the sweets. Of course, British tradition is upheld with freshly baked scones, clotted cream, and jams… inevitably leading to the debate about the correct order of preparing the perfect scone.
This wonderful spread is served in The Perception Bar, overlooking the festive hustle and bustle of Soho’s Wardour street. In keeping with iconic W brand’s detail-driven ethos, their afternoon tea certainly is no exception. O’Hara’s artistic influence even extends beyond the menu, with bespoke cake stands and limited-edition plates adding to the presentation. Her designs bring vibrancy to the W Lounge, aligning beautifully with the identity of the New York-born institution.
Pastry Consultant Leyre, known for her dedication to simple, natural, and sustainable patisserie, crafts desserts that reflect Lois’ artistry while prioritising natural ingredients with reduced sugar content, a welcome change during the overindulgent silly season. Each pastry offers a unique blend of flavours and textures and is a total delight. The talented pair is passionate about their collaboration, describing it as a “sensory journey that unites art, taste, and emotion, poised to captivate your senses.”
This gorgeous afternoon tea is served daily from 1pm to 5pm and prices start at £52.50 per person, with options to upgrade to Coolhurst English Sparkling Wine for £67.50 or Veuve Clicquot Champagne for £70.50. Why not? It’s Christmas after all.
marriott.com/en-us/hotels/lonhw-w-london
10 Wardour Street, W1D 6QF
