Hockney-inspired afternoon tea

Rosewood London, set in the heart of the city’s cultural district, is renowned for its luxurious accommodations, exceptional dining, and impressive art collection. Its newest offering, the Hockney-Inspired Afternoon Tea, reaffirms the hotel’s dedication to creativity and innovation. Executive Pastry Chef Mark Perkins once again elevates the traditional afternoon tea experience, drawing inspiration this time from acclaimed British artist David Hockney and his immersive exhibition, Lightroom: Bigger & Closer.

The story behind the afternoon tea

This afternoon tea is a tribute to the legendary English painter David Hockney. Conceived by Rosewood London’s Executive Pastry Chef Mark Perkins, the three-course menu reflects both the immersive scale of Hockney’s recent exhibition and the vibrancy of his broader artistic legacy. From traditional sandwiches to vivid, sculptural pastries, each element is crafted with a nod to his distinctive style.

With his signature eye for detail, Chef Perkins elevates the concept of afternoon tea by creating pastries that are not only a pleasure to eat but also visually evocative, echoing the bold colours and forms found in Hockney’s work.

The Mirror Room

Mirror Room is known for its stylish and contemporary design, featuring a stunning array of mirrors that adorn the walls and create a sense of opulence. The mirrors not only added to the aesthetic appeal but also contributed to an atmosphere of spaciousness and glamour. The room’s design was often complemented by luxurious furnishings and subtle lighting, creating a refined and inviting ambience.

Afternoon tea menu

Selection of sandwiches

• Lobster & Crayfish Roll

• Cucumber, Asparagus & Cream Cheese on Granary Bread

• Smoked Salmon Rillette on Rye Bread

• Chicken, Avocado & Spiced Tomato Relish on Sourdough Bread

Scones

Plain and raisin scones, baked fresh daily in the Rosewood pastry kitchen, served warm with Cornish clotted cream, homemade lemon curd, and traditional English strawberry jam.

Hockney-inspired pastries

• Bigger and Closer

• Spring Cannot Be Cancelled

• The Arrival of Spring

• The Splash

• A Bigger Picture

Lobster & Crayfish Roll

This roll offers a touch of indulgence. Tender lobster and crayfish are wrapped in soft, pillowy bread, with a delicate seasoning that enhances the richness of the seafood. The subtle spices bring balance, resulting in a refined, well-rounded flavour.

Cucumber, Asparagus & Cream Cheese on Granary Bread

A light and refreshing choice, this sandwich highlights clean textures and fresh, verdant notes. Crisp cucumber and tender asparagus sit alongside smooth cream cheese, all on nutty granary bread, a combination that evokes long summer lunches and leisurely garden gatherings.

Smoked Salmon Rillette on Rye Bread

A satisfying nod to classic smoked fish, this rillette blends smoked salmon into a smooth, savoury spread, served on robust rye bread. The smokiness is well-balanced by the bread’s earthy flavour, making this a standout among the savoury offerings.

Chicken, Avocado & Spiced Tomato Relish on Sourdough Bread

Hearty and flavourful, this sandwich layers juicy chicken with creamy avocado and a vibrant, spiced tomato relish. The sourdough adds tang and texture, tying everything together in a combination that’s both comforting and full of character.

Who doesn’t enjoy a warm scone?

There’s something deeply comforting about the first bite of a freshly baked scone, still warm from the oven. These golden treats strike the perfect balance between a delicate, crumbly texture and a gentle sweetness. Served with generous dollops of Cornish clotted cream, silky homemade lemon curd, and traditional English strawberry jam, they were a simple yet essential pleasure of the afternoon tea.

The star cakes of the show

“The Arrival of Spring”

Originally painted in 2011, this piece captures the gentle unfolding of Woldgate’s spring landscapes. Chef Mark Perkins translates the artwork into a pistachio and almond sponge layered with griottine cherry insert and a light cherry mousse, all resting on a crisp sable biscuit. Finished with elegant chocolate décor, the pastry beautifully reflects the quiet transformation from winter’s greys to spring’s bloom.

“The Splash”

Drawing inspiration from Hockney’s iconic Californian pool series of the 1960s, The Splash is playful and striking. The dessert features an Earl Grey chocolate bavarois atop a rich chocolate sponge, with a vibrant passionfruit centre. A vanilla sable adds texture, while the glossy passionfruit chocolate decoration and icy-blue glaze evoke the motion and shimmer of water. It’s a vivid, joyful tribute to Hockney’s fascination with surface and light.

“A Bigger Picture”

Named for Hockney’s landmark 2012 exhibition at the Guggenheim, A Bigger Picture is glazed in a bold purple and adorned with chocolate vines and edible yuzu leaves. Inside lies a delicate composition of strawberry insert, lemon sponge, vanilla cheesecake, and vanilla-almond sable. It’s an intricate homage to Hockney’s richly layered landscape works.

“Bigger and Closer”

This piece may allude to Hockney’s exploration of scale and perspective, central themes in his immersive “Lightroom” exhibition. His work often plays with the viewer’s sense of proximity and dimension, this dessert seems to mirror that fascination, inviting you to look more closely at both form and flavour.

“Spring Cannot Be Cancelled”

Likely referencing Hockney’s belief in the enduring optimism of the seasons, this pastry speaks to renewal and joy. While the exact inspiration behind the recipe is less direct, it captures the spirit of Hockney’s work, vibrant, hopeful, and unflinching in the face of circumstance.

More than just a menu, the entire experience is enhanced by the transformation of the Mirror Room itself. Rosewood has collaborated with stylist and set designer Camille Wordie to create a fully immersive setting. With bright, playful details, from bold hues to subtle nods like Hockney’s signature yellow crocs and flat cap, the room becomes a tribute to the artist’s whimsical aesthetic. It’s a fitting backdrop for an afternoon tea that feels as much an exhibition as a culinary indulgence.