BOOK THIS

Alfresco Delights

This summer, afternoon tea at the InterContinental London Park Lane can be enjoyed at the hotel or packed up and taken away for a picnic under the canopies in Hyde Park, bringing together two of our favourite thoroughly British treats. Inspired by the surrounding Royal Parks, and the royal heritage of the hotel, as the site of Queen Elizabeth II’s childhood home, the new afternoon tea features household picnic inspired favourites – think open tuna and soused cucumber sandwiches and venison sausage rolls. A cheese course of Red Leicester, Cheddar, and chive scones, comes accompanied by nettle-wrapped Cornish Yarg and quince, while the sweet options include a plum and frangipane tart inspired by Tudor recipes, summer pudding, and a chocolate biscuit cake encased in an edible wicker basket.

A selection of teas, developed with the East India Company, includes the Elizabeth II, a combination of Rooibos, vanilla and rose petals. Or, for the ultimate luxury, you can add a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, which comes complete with bottle chiller and glasses for outdoor diners.

Steven Gilbert, director of food and beverage, tells us: “The Royal Afternoon Tea brings together two timeless pleasures: the quintessential afternoon tea and the very British ritual of a summer picnic in the park. Whether enjoyed beneath the trees of Hyde Park or within The Wellington Lounge, our culinary team has reimagined the classic afternoon tea, with each item inspired by our royal heritage and presented in a wicker hamper.”
 The tea is available daily and priced at £70 per person or £96 with unlimited Champagne in the Wellington Lounge (£39 per person when taken away into Hyde Park). InterContinental London Park Lane, 1 Park Lane, W1J  (parklane.intercontinental.com)

NEW OPENING

Arabian Nights

Inspired by the traditions of the Arabian Peninsula and the Levant, Noreen has just opened in Marylebone. Championing a fresh, refined approach to ingredient-led cooking, the new St. Christopher’s Place restaurant draws on the culinary traditions and traditional flavours of the region, reinterpreting them for the modern day.

Heading the kitchen team is Mehdi Hani, formerly head chef at Harrods, who has called on his Lebanese and Syrian heritage to design a vibrant Middle Eastern menu that takes its flavours and provenance seriously. Think mezzes to share, freshly baked flatbreads from the Tannour oven served with delicious dips, fire-kissed meats from the Minqala grill, and slow-cooked dishes that are packed with authentic flavours.

A considered wine list is complemented by a cocktail menu that has been curated with help from the renowned Mr Lyan Studio and offers playful takes on classic flavours combined with Noreen’s signature ingredients. The traditional distilled spirit, Arak, is honoured throughout the menu, as well as modern twists on Middle Eastern staple ingredients, like hibiscus, tahini and black lime. Creating an oasis in the centre of the Capital, interiors, too, are equally rooted in the region – a soothing palette of neutral, earthy tones is combined with signature tadelakt curved walls and handcrafted bone inlay tables, reflecting the detailed artistry of Syrian and Lebanese craftsmen. With a capacity of 60 across the dining room and bar, and an extra 20 covers on the sun-soaked terrace, it’s the perfect spot for long lunches with family, sunset terrace drinks with friends and romantic date nights with loved ones.
28-32 St. Christopher’s Place, W1U (020 3006 0010; noreen-london.com)

WINE

A Delectable New Pairing

Hampshire winery Hattingley Valley and luxury chauffeur service Blacklane are offering the perfect pairing when it comes to summer sipping. As part of Blacklane’s growing City-to-Vineyard collection, the new collaboration will allow wine lovers to book a bespoke tour and tasting at Hattingley Valley, with their return Blacklane journey included in the package – you can expect a journey that is as smooth as the pour.

Located in Hampshire, a two-hour drive from central London, Hattingley Valley has won international accolades for its world-class wines, sustainability, and innovative approach to wine making. A bespoke tour allows the vineyard team to curate packages designed around each guest’s individual areas of interest, featuring tastings of favourites such as Blanc de Blancs, Kings Cuvée and the English Gent. Luxury travel is provided in the highest specification vehicles, by professional chauffeurs, meaning guests can really make the most of the tastings, without worrying about driving home afterwards. And with plenty of space in the boot for bottles, magnums and cases of wine, there are no limitations when it comes to stocking up on your favourite drops.
Prices for a bespoke Hattingley Valley wine tasting and tour, including a return Blacklane journey by private chauffeur between central London and the winery, from £630 for two. To book, see hattingleyvalley.com/ pages/hattingley-valley-x-blacklane