Luxury Travel Exclusive Weekend / Shangri-La Launches The Royal Botanical Afternoon Tea / By Staff Writer / luxurytravelmag

As more and more people catch the royal wedding fever, Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard, London has announced a Royal Botanical Afternoon Tea will now be on the menu.

Taking its inspiration from the traditions of the British royal family and its soon-to-be princess, Meghan Markle, the afternoon tea will be held in TĪNG restaurant and lounge, with stunning views of London’s most iconic landmarks.

Marking Prince Harry’s intimate proposal over a home-cooked roast chicken and the tradition of adding a sprig of myrtle to every royal bouquet to symbolise hope and love, a roast chicken and myrtle sandwich will star in the new menu.

The myrtle tradition began in 1840 when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert and continued with the Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding to Prince William six years ago.

Executive Pastry Chef Heather Kaniuk and her team have delicately crafted a selection of sweets, taking inspiration from flowers grown in the royal gardens. Stemming from Queen Victoria’s love of violets (a symbol of modesty and fidelity), a cassis violet macaron features blackcurrant confiture and violet crème.

The raspberry, rose and lychee mousse is inspired by a silver-pink rose dating back to the 1950’s called the ‘Queen Elizabeth Rose’, named after Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest reigning monarch.

The new caramelised apple and elderflower tart, the cherry blossom with chocolate and vanilla roulade and milk chocolate religieuse with Earl Grey tea and grapefruit compote, also raise a toast to the impending nuptials.

The Royal Botanical Afternoon Tea is decorated with wonderfully pink peonies, Meghan Markle’s favourite flower.

To celebrate the occasion, guests can also relax and indulge in an overnight experience at the Shangri-La Hotel.

shangri-la.com