London’s The Lanesborough Hotel, an American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property, recently unveiled its limited-edition Peggy Porschen Afternoon Tea, complete with pink-hued cakes. And now they wanted to share their signature sweet creations with those working the hardest to combat the spread of COVID-19.
To mark St. George's Day on April 23, the hotel brought the Instagram-worthy tea to the NHS staff of St. George's Hospital to thank them for all their incredible service during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 9,000 staff members are caring for patients 24 hours a day, and The Lanesborough hopes that the selection of classic savory finger sandwiches and pink sweets will brighten up their days.
"In these unprecedented times where every gesture, no matter how big or small, helps to contribute to the wellbeing of our brave hospital workers," said The Lanesborough's Managing Director, Marco Novella, in a statement. "All the team at The Lanesborough join the heartfelt applause of all the country to the NHS and to everyone who is fighting against this invisible enemy, now and in the future."
All of the food was cooked and prepared in hotels' kitchens, taking every necessary hygiene and safety precaution. It was then individually packaged in takeaway boxes for safe delivery.
The Porschen tea has been a particularly exciting offering for the Oetker Collection property as it's where Peggy Porschen held her first prestigious pastry chef position in 1999. "Just over 20 years later, to be reconnected again in this way, makes so much sense as a creative partnership," Porschen told Departures. "To combine the classic afternoon tea offering, in such beautiful surroundings, with the pastel-hued and highly detailed aesthetics of my brand, is a match made in heaven."
The tea just launched in the majestic Céleste dining room in March and was expected to run until June, complete with complementary floral arrangements in pastel hues. For now, the hotel remains closed, and those working the hardest on the frontlines can enjoy the treats.
