TEA FOR TWO EXPERIENCE WITH LADURÉE & BURLINGTON ARCADE
The events of the global pandemic had placed a vice like lockdown grip on our beloved boutiques, bars and restaurants. This has left us to witness a wave of heart wrenchingly glorious sun soaked days minus an icy, chilled, rooftop frosé cocktail or stunning summer afternoon tea. Our ideal afternoon tea? Generously filled fresh gourmet sandwiches and delectably light artisan pastries, washed down with a cup or three of lightly brewed Earl Grey.
4th July brought in a fresh definition of freedom and independence to the UK with the celebrated reopening of the hospitality world. The public immersed themselves in the luxe chic restaurant ambience of marble interiors and low lit lighting, sipping ruby red martinis brought on silver platters by a catwalk-worthy maitre d.
Basking in the glow of the glossy lockdown freedom celebrations are Ladurée, the exquisite mid-19th century Parisian tea room renowned for their iconic rainbow array of sumptuous classic and exotic flavoured ganache filled macaroons. These continues to capture the hearts of the elite black book society in Paris and beyond. A sublime family history began in 1862, when at the tender age of 16, Louis Ernest Ladurée created and opened a bakery in Rue Royale, Paris.
An ultra luxury facelift of the district, followed by the rise of the high society Parisian café, played inspiration to Louis Ernest Ladurée’s wife, Jeanne Souchard. Jeanne’s elegant vision of the “salon de thé” was a harmonious union of a café and pastry shop, created for ladies intimate social gatherings over a velvety whipped cream and praline cake slice. A moreish selection of vanilla, orange blossom and rose petal macaroons would also feature, painstakingly made from the very same mid-19th century recipe that brought this world renowned brand to life.
Ladurée is one of many sweet, perfumed, golden cave-like Maison boutiques nestled within the 1819 “Jewel of Mayfair”, Burlington Arcade. This illustrious shopping haven woos over four million visitors a year to the dazzling assemble of prestigious luxury brands, including Manolo Blahnik, Roja Parfums and Lalique.
In a fitting celebration of the refreshed reopening of the glossy arcade gates, Burlington Arcade partnered with Ladurée in true British tradition, with the launch of the Summer Tea for Two. This mouthwatering picnic basket invites shoppers to indulge in a selection of Ladurée’s signature favourites, starting with soft scones, freshly baked for that light fluffy texture, complemented beautifully with flavourful strawberry jam and clotted cream. Also tucked within the basket sits a selection of four deliciously chewy macaroons of your choice, loaded with a rich, melt in the mouth ganache centre. Rounding off the sweet treats are Ladurée’s signature blend tea and a crisp, 37.5cl bottle of Moët Chandon Champagne.
Until the 31st July, all shoppers with a booked appointment at any of the Burlington Arcade retailers are treated to the Tea for Two experience complimentary, ideal for a pick me up mid-shopping break or post shopping spree. Post the 31st July, the Summer tea treat for two experience is available to be savoured at £60 or £35 for one, including a no champagne option at £20 for two or £12 for one.
‘Afternoon tea’ has been synonymous with exquisite British decadence and continues to reap the rewards of the nation’s much loved tea and cake culture. As the lockdown steadily releases us from our confinements to bask in the last of the summer days, this exclusive partnership serves as the perfect experience for the well-groomed crowds of Mayfair.
