Even for the art culture averse, it’s getting harder and harder not to know the brilliant work of Yayoi Kusama, the inventive Japanese artist whose work is best summarized as eccentric dots with wonderful colors.
From exhibitions in New York’s Botanical Gardens to works on display in high brow museums all over the world, it’s increasingly easy to witness the brilliance and whimsy, but a new experience in London is the first, allowing you to taste it.
Rosewood London has launched an incredible new afternoon tea inspired by Yayoi Kusama and Veuve Clicquot, and it’s worth celebrating.
Rosewood London Afternoon Tea
There’s no shortage of afternoon tea in London. Even “meh” hotels will offer one, but the food typically matches the hotel description and isn’t worth the indulgence. The top stuff though, the genuine article, can be absolutely magical.
Rosewood London has been elevating afternoon tea for years, and prior to the pandemic offered GSTP’s favorite curation, where each couple months a new tea service would be launched, inspired by an artist. There was a Banksy afternoon tea, a Van Gogh – you get the idea.
The formidable pastry team at Rosewood, helmed by Mark Perkins, would craft flavors, colors and concepts to reflect famous works of art in a series of sweet and savory courses, highlighting the best of the long standing British tradition.
Yayoi Kusama Afternoon Tea
Now, it’s Yayoi Kusama time. The Rosewood team in collaboration with Veuve’s Le Grand Dame, have created arguably their best art inspired afternoon tea yet. Just read the menu, before you argue.
The unique pastry creations are instantly visually recognizable in the vein of Yayoi Kusama, but the flavors sound like something even the iconic Japanese artist might flash a smile for. Throw in a glass of Veuve Clicquot Le Grand Dame 2012 and there’s definitely a smile to be had.
The afternoon tea is £75 per person including a glass of champagne, or £125 per person if you go the way of La Grand Dame from Veuve Clicquot. It may sound like a lot, but this experience is like a collaboration of art, culinary mastery and theatre, set in one of the world’s best hotels. Plus, you’ll be stuffed for days, so you’ll save later.
You can book the afternoon tea at Rosewood London here.
