Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane Partners with Chelsea Physic Garden to Launch The Garden Tea

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane is partnering with Chelsea Physic Garden from Monday, April 9, 2018, to launch its seasonal afternoon tea: The Garden Tea.

The Garden Tea has been curated by the Hotel’s Executive Pastry Chef David Oliver, who has drawn inspiration from the different areas of Chelsea Physic Garden, as well as seasonal ingredients grown. A peaceful oasis in the heart of London, Chelsea Physic Garden was founded in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries in London, and the garden is renowned for its collection of rare medicinal plants.

The afternoon tea experience will begin with a tasting of the original hot chocolate recipe obtained by Sir Hans Sloane, Chelsea Physic Garden’s primary benefactor. Sir Hans, a famous physician, naturalist, collector and founder of the British Museum, was instrumental in bringing hot chocolate to the UK. He observed local women in Jamaica mixing cocoa with milk to treat stomach ailments, and brought back the original recipe with him - eventually to be bought by Cadbury’s.

The Garden Tea will be served on a traditional afternoon tea stand, with sandwiches, scones and jams made from the finest seasonal ingredients grown in Chelsea Physic Garden. The sweet section showcases David Oliver’s creativity through pastries inspired by different areas of Chelsea Physic Garden, including The Perfume Section, British Native Plants and the Beehives.

Highlights of The Garden Tea menu include David Oliver’s "beehive," and wild strawberry and poppy macaron. The beehive is inspired by the small collection of hives at Chelsea Physic Garden producing their own honey in late summer. The pastry combines oats, honey, blueberry and almonds. An almond cream hides a liquid honey centre surrounded by an oat biscuit and blueberry jelly. During summer, Britain produces delicious wild strawberries and the poppy, for many years an iconic flower in this country. Their flavours marry perfectly in the hand painted wild strawberry and poppy macaron, representing the best of British native plants.

To accompany The Garden Tea, guests can choose from a special selection of JING teas.

Available from April 9, 2018, The Garden Tea is served daily from 1:30 to 6:00 pm (last seating at 5:30 pm) in Amaranto Lounge and starts from GBP 42 per person or GBP 55 including a glass of Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne.

About Chelsea Physic Garden

Chelsea Physic Garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of London. Founded in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London, the botanical garden is renowned for its collection of rare medicinal plants. The Garden has evolved throughout its history but today it remains a place that cultivates both plants and ideas. When visiting, guests can choose to see Europe’s oldest rockery, the Cool Fernery, the Garden of Edible & Useful Plants, the Garden of Medicinal Plants and the World Woodland Garden. This spring, the botanical garden will be exploring the plants, history and people behind favourite infusions through a series of events and workshops titled Beverages, Brews and Bubbles.