One of the events that visitors to London want to experience is Afternoon Tea at Harrods, which has been a much-revered tradition known throughout the world for many years. But we are not talking traditional tea here, once again Harrods have created an exceptional event to celebrate Chinese New Year in conjunction with Chinese spirit brand, Fenjiu. Only Harrods could come up with something like this!

Based on ancient Chinese traditions and symbols, the ‘Lucky Set Afternoon Tea’ is available on the 4th-floor tearoom from 11th January through to 16th February 2020. With their usual quintessential flair, the menu has been created to incorporate the flavours of China with a delicious twist on sandwiches and patisserie like never before.

Let’s not forget one of the other quality additions to this afternoon tea – a cocktail or ‘digestif’, as opposed to the customary Champagne. Everything that Harrods do is determined by the quality and exquisite taste. Cheng International, distributors of Fenjiu, are proud of the alliance with Harrods and excited at the prospect of bringing the 6,000-year-old recipe for the spirit to this special event. Using natural ingredients, Fenjiu is distilled for a minimum of five years to achieve the quality and taste that respects this ancient method of production.

Fenjiu Bamboo 5-Year-Old, mixed to perfection with Longjing tea cordial, white wine, bergamot liqueur, pear liqueur and lemon juice, will be offered to all customers enjoying The Lucky Set Afternoon Tea menu. As a signature ‘cocktail’, Harrods have named this delicious drink “Wealth and Fortune”, classic symbols of ancient Chinese culture.

The game of Mahjong is another part of China’s rich cultural heritage which is celebrated here in the form of finger sandwiches used as tasty tiles, the basis of this intriguing game. Delicately arranged ‘tiles’ with intriguing flavours are presented Harrods-style – have you ever tried a Duck and Hoisin Sauce sandwich – you have now! More recognisable for traditional British taste buds are Faroe Islands smoked salmon and beetroot cream cheese, salt beef and Gruyère cheese.

The patisserie didn’t fail to delight either – cleverly constructed and exciting on the palate, all aptly named after good luck symbols of the Chinese colourful culture. Elegant mouthfuls packed with flavour made our taste buds dance, including Mandarin mousse with a mandarin compote centre, Strawberry and yuzu mousse on a sable base, Caramelised white chocolate and black sesame, Harrods black tea and milk chocolate and Gunpowder tea and lime ganache. As if that wasn’t enough to satisfy us, we were also presented with a selection of warm fruit and plain scones accompanied by clotted cream and Harrods apricot jam infused with Fenjiu, and the more traditional Harrods strawberry jam. Such a treat!

Our afternoon tea ended with a ‘digestif’ – Fenjiu Blue Flower, aromatic, a little herbal, but smooth with notes of citrus peel, vanilla, acacia and cinnamon. This 30-year old digestif was a wonderful way to finish our afternoon at such a celebrated venue and such a creative menu.

By way of sedate afternoon entertainment, make sure you book when the pianist is tinkling the ivories!
To book: +44 (0)20 7225 6800 / reservations

Written by Rafa Zurita for Luxuria Lifestyle London and International