On Thursday, I was invited to sample the Ruinart Afternoon Tea at perfume boutique, Miller Harris’ Mayfair flagship store. The afternoon tea has been running since October in the petite tea room at the back of the store and has proved to be so popular that it has been extended for the whole of December.
Perfumier and founder Lyn Harris seems to be a bit of a perfectionist and has toiled away, searching for just the right champagne and cakes to compliment her range of exquisite teas. She discovered that Ruinart was a perfect match when visiting their cellars in Reims, finding parallels between their traditional methods of winemaking and her own meticulous perfumery. She then searched for the right cakes to bring out the white peach and citrus notes in the champagne and Primrose Bakery was clearly the winner.
The tea room is small but perfectly formed, with four tables and seating, beautifully finished with Miller Harris’ signature print. We were brought a glass of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs champagne to sip while we selected our own pots of tea from the tailored menu, which consisted of Bergamot, Pétales, Fumé, Bigarade, Violette and Sauvage. I tried the Thé Bergamot, which had a similar taste to Earl Grey, but with a more aromatic flavour and seemingly less tannin.
The champagne was crisp, citrusy and not too dry, making it very refreshing and easy to drink. A small plate of cakes accompanied the tea and included a peach friand, which tasted moist, fruity and home-made and two mini lemon meringue cupcakes with a tangy citrus filling.
The cake portions are relatively small compared to the mini banquets served at The Ritz and The Berkeley, but I guess the point of the Ruinart Afternoon Tea is that it is more of a luxurious pick-me-up, rather than hours of endless indulgence. I liked it that I didn’t feel too full to carry on shopping and have dinner and it is significantly more affordable too.
The service is relaxed and friendly but attentive, with the elegantly-dressed staff from the store also on cake duty. The best things is that afterwards, you can have a gander around the store and find Christmas gifts in peace, away from the madding crowds of Oxford Street – they really have me vexed this weekend!
There is a seemingly endless range of candles, perfumes, lotions, soaps and teas, all presented in black and brightly coloured boxes emblazoned with the Miller Harris print. I was particularly impressed with L’Air de Rien, the oriental fragrance range that Lyn Harris created for French singer and icon, Jane Birkin. The collection is simple, light and effortlessly chic, and includes notes of amber, vanilla, oak moss and musks to give it that airy, ethereal feel. Plus, the perfume is much more attainable than an Hermès Birkin!
The Ruinart Afternoon Tea at Miller Harris is perfect for a decadent mid-shopping treat with your mum or a girly catch-up with friends. It is priced at £19 per person and includes a glass of Ruinart champagne, a pot of tea and a plate of three Primrose Bakery cakes.
It is available throughout December from Wednesday to Saturday, 3-6pm at the Bruton Street store. Call 020 7629 7750 to make your reservation.