Royal Albert Hall unveils Versailles-inspired afternoon tea based on 1913 archives

The Royal Albert Hall in Kensington will soon introduce a new afternoon tea experience, the Fête de Versailles Afternoon Tea, from Monday 1^st June, marking the first instalment of an archive-inspired series that draws on the venue’s 155-year history. The launch coincides with the Hall’s staging of Les Misérables: The Arena Concert Spectacular, which runs from Thursday 18^th to Sunday 21^st June.

The new menu takes its inspiration from a lavish 1913 event held at the Hall that celebrated French artistry and courtly splendour. Designed around the theme of the Gardens of Versailles, the tea combines elements of French pâtisserie with references to the venue’s archival history. It has been developed by Rhubarb Hospitality Collection (RHC), the hospitality group that operates catering at the Royal Albert Hall.

Guests will begin the experience with a citrus palate cleanser titled Mandarins from the Tree, a reference to the Orangery at Versailles. The savoury course includes cucumber and cream cheese finger sandwiches, smoked salmon with lemon crème fraîche and dill brioche, a lattice duck sausage roll served with orange gel and roasted thyme, and a seasonal asparagus ratatouille tart with goat’s cheese and basil.

The pâtisserie selection features a Wild Strawberry and Pistachio Délice, a Hazelnut and Manjari Bitter Chocolate Fleur-de-lys, and a Bergeron Apricot, Almond and Lemon Thyme Beehive. In a departure from the traditional British format, freshly baked lemon and poppy seed Madeleines are served in place of scones, accompanied by vanilla and elderflower Chantilly and raspberry preserve. Guests will receive melon pastilles to take away at the end of the sitting.

The experience includes a choice of 14 tea blends, with optional additions of Ruinart champagne or cocktails such as the Petit Désordre Royal, made with Bombay Sapphire, peach syrup, absinthe, lemon juice and Champagne. A non-alcoholic option, the Peach Blossom Royale, combines Everleaf Forest with peach, lemon and soda.

RHC, which was acquired by Oak View Group in June 2023, manages catering at more than 60 venues across London and New York and delivers approximately 1,500 events each year.

Food Desk

The Fête de Versailles Afternoon Tea is priced from £68 per adult, including unlimited tea, and will be available daily between 12:30pm and 5pm from Monday 1^st June to Monday 2^nd November. For reservations, visit the dedicated webpage here.