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Afternoon tea is steeped in tradition but Rosewood London, an American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property, has put a modern twist on the time-honored meal by creating art-inspired teas. While they’ve already used contemporary artists like Yayoi Kusama and British sculptor Antony Gormley as inspiration, the latest version takes on one of the most famous artists of all time: Pablo Picasso.
This month, the luxury property will launch an art afternoon tea in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Arts that are inspired by the world-renowned Spanish painter, sculptor, and printmaker. To do this, Executive Pastry Chef Mark Perkins used some of Picasso’s most notable works to create three signature pastries that capture Cubism and Surrealism.
The “Oh Those Guitars” sweet features light meringue sponge infused with colorful orange blossom and honey ganache, topped with Turron flavored whipped chocolate cream. The design alludes to the famous guitar motif seen throughout Picasso’s work. And “The Dream” is inspired by Picasso’s 22-year old mistress found in his 1932 work and is made of Valrhona Jivara chocolate mousse with orange genoise and mango jelly with passion fruit.
“For our Art Afternoon Tea, I draw upon my surroundings and the art I encounter as inspiration,” Perkins told Departures. “My team and I have all encountered Picasso’s works, and we are very excited about the new exhibit showcasing his beautiful creations. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to recreate his renowned artwork as pastries. We are proud to have taken acclaimed works of art and turned them into edible art structures, that can be appreciated in both a culinary and artistic manner.”
Diners can enjoy the unique tea in the hotel’s Mirror Room where freshly made finger sandwiches and scones will also be served. The launch of Picasso Art Afternoon Tea is tied to the new Picasso and Paper exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts. It is available through August 31, starting at $85 (£65) per person.
