Le Méridien Piccadilly is known for its creative family offerings so it was no surprise to see the Peter Rabbit™ Afternoon Tea launch earlier this spring at the hotel’s bright and airy Terrace On Piccadilly. The restaurant boasts a Victorian glass atrium with floor to ceiling windows and balcony overlooking Piccadilly, which has been decked out with an array of foliage to create a setting that perfectly echoes The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
The themed afternoon tea lets children and grown-ups alike enjoy one of the all-time favourite children’s stories with creative pastries and savouries inspired by the original Beatrix Potter tales. Savoury options include a very tasty Caught In A Twist smoked salmon and sun-dried tomato pinwheel although we were not impressed with Mr. McGregor’s Garden – a disappointingly stale mini baguette filled with vegetables referenced during Peter’s garden scramble such as carrots, radishes and pea shoots. If you’re feeling particularly peckish, please note that a second round of sandwiches is chargeable which is unusual for London afternoon teas.
Pastries are the highlight of the show with the beautiful Flower-Pot Hideout created from a delicious chamomile mousse inside an edible chocolate pot with flavours harking back to Peter’s warming bedtime tea after his adventurous day. Another favourite was the eye-catching Magnificent Mushroom of strawberry ganache with a crunchy meringue stem and carrot cake fans will not be disappointed with Every Bunny’s Favourite – a delicious carrot cake generously topped with creamy frosting.
Of course, it wouldn’t be an English afternoon tea without the obligatory selection of fresh scones, jams and clotted cream which come served alongside the tea. Although service at Terrace on Piccadilly could have been more attentive on our visit, with a mini version presented inside a wooden vegetable patch box for children, and adults’ delights served on a tiered slate planter, the tea is something fun and wholesome to be enjoyed by the whole family during a day out in the capital.
The official Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea concept is launched in partnership with Penguin Ventures on behalf of Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd, Beatrix Potter’s original publisher. The licensed deal was brokered by Silvergate Media, the global licensing agent for Peter Rabbit.
Speaking at the launch of the Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea, Le Méridien Piccadilly’s General Manager James Olivier said: “Creating a dedicated Afternoon Tea in celebration of the iconic British classic Tale of Peter Rabbit seemed like a perfect fit for our family guests. As the story is so rich in adventure and colour, our expert pastry team could really have fun with creating a nostalgic experience for the whole family to enjoy”.
Izzy Richardson, Head of Brand, Penguin Ventures said: “It has been a pleasure to work in partnership with Le Méridien Piccadilly, and the team there have created an absolutely beautiful and delicious offering. The Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea is so clearly inspired by Beatrix Potter’s best-loved Tale – guests are in for a real treat!”
Located in the heart of the West End and well-known for its unique family-friendly programmes aimed to inspire young explorers, the hotel’s new family package is perfect for discovering London with little ones. Children will be given an array of Peter Rabbit goodies including a purse, drawstring bag, and a bespoke Le Méridien Piccadilly Peter Rabbit book for bedtime reading, as well as the chance to take part in a dedicated Peter Rabbit trail across the hotel.
The Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea is £35 for adults and £25 for children. It is available from now until October 2019 every day of the week from 12.30pm to 5pm.
Le Meridien Piccadilly
21 Piccadilly, London W1J 0BH
+44 (0) 20 7734 8000
www.terraceonpiccadilly.com
@LeMeridienPCDLY
#PeterRabbitAtLeMeridien