Prêt-à-Portea, The Berkeley

Prêt-à-Portea at the Berkeley serves biscuits and cakes shaped like the season’s couture, changed twice a year with the collections: the wittiest afternoon tea in the world, and a good one.

The tea is served in the Collins Room with a silver-topped trolley: sandwiches, scones, and a collection of biscuits and cakes modelled on the catwalk, a handbag in shortbread, a shoe in chocolate, a dress in mousse, each with a card naming the designer. The collection changes in spring and autumn.

Since 2023 the hotel also houses Cédric Grolet’s counter and a Grolet tea; the two make the Berkeley the most interesting sweet address in London.