Charlie and the Chocolate Factory comes to life in West London
Having read the Roald Dahl classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and revelled in the on-screen adaptations, which of us hasn’t dreamt of feasting on the fictional sweets created by the story’s confectionery genius, Willy Wonka? Now that dream can (almost) be realised at a boutique hotel in London.
The Chesterfield Mayfair with its plush, luxurious surroundings, will enable guests to indulge in afternoon tea with a unique Charlie and the Chocolate Factory twist.
Delicate finger sandwiches are filled with honey roast ham, cheddar cheese and tomato chutney, or Scottish smoked salmon with cream cheese; freshly baked chocolate chip scones come with Cornish clotted cream and homemade jam; and indulgent sweet treats, like blueberry macarons and Oompa Loompa cupcakes, have been made with the unique theme in mind.
Children are in for a treat too, with Nutella and peanut butter and jam sandwiches, ‘Wonkatastic’ pastries, and hot chocolate with floating marshmallows. (Just remember to ask for the Little Oompa Loompa Afternoon Tea.)
Naturally, the tea leaves are taken as seriously as the sandwiches and cakes. In fact, as a member of The Tea Guild, The Chesterfield Mayfair was presented with the Guild’s Award of Excellence in recognition of their dedication to the quality of tea, the way in which it is brewed, and its exemplary service.
Choose from the 1830s British Prime Minister’s namesake tea Earl Grey, pinewood smoked Lapsang Souchong sourced from the Fujian Province, or organic first flush Darjeeling from the foothills of the Himalayas. Then there’s the specially blended Willy Wonka Chocolate Tea, which fuses two smooth Chinese black teas with high grade cacao nibs. Alternatively, opt for The Chesterfield Mayfair Champagne Tea served with Blanc de Blancs Champagne.
What really makes afternoon tea at this hotel so truly special is undoubtedly the sumptuous setting. Within West London’s prestigious Mayfair quarter, the Regency-style Chesterfield Mayfair combines architectural grandeur with opulent interiors and the kind of service you would usually only expect from a private members’ club.
While The Chesterfield Mayfair sets the standard for fine British tradition, this afternoon tea shows the hotel’s more frivolous side, injecting the tradition with a large helping of fun.
