London’s Soho Hotel this week announced it will now be offering a “sensory” afternoon tea, which combines the delights of Ruinart Champagne, Miller Harris teas and delicious cakes and sandwiches.
London perfumer Miller Harris launched its range of teas a year ago. Created by company founder Lyn Harris – a self-confessed tea fanatic – because, she said, “I was frustrated by not being able to find teas I loved in London”. Using her perfumer’s nose, Harris crafted four delicate blends of Fragrant Tea including Thé Bergamot, which was designed specifically to match the tasting notes of Ruinart Champagne.
Describing the process, Harris spoke of her joy in discovering the similarities between how she creates her scents and the way Champagne is blended.
Frederic Panaiotis from Ruinart echoed the sentiment, while showing off the cool, apothecary-like tray of Champagne tasting vials he uses to create the drink.
After a glass of crisp Ruinart (possibly my new favourite bubbly), I tried three of the lovely Miller Harris teas, accompanied by scrummy sandwiches, decadent cupcakes, biscuits and tartlets. I’d suggest you do the same.
The Ruinart Miller Harris Sensory Tea is available at The West End Firmdale Hotels – The Soho Hotel, Haymarket Hotel, Charlotte Street Hotel and Covent Garden Hotel – until September.
You know what it’s like, you see a really cool movie and, as you leave the cinema, you can’t help but feel like you want to wear that dress, kiss that boy or sit down to that feast from the film.