Back around Valentine’s Day, I had the chance to try one of the best vegan afternoon teas I’d ever had in London; that of Chef Danielle Maupertuis, renowned Executive Vegan Pastry Chef, which took place at the Milestone Hotel in Kensington.
Just a few steps away from Kensington Gardens’ hidden gems, like the Elfin Oak, the Milestone Hotel offered an oh-so-elegant backdrop for an innovative moment.
Vegan Chef Takes London Afternoon Tea Scene By Storm
Why did I decide to write about Chef Danielle Maupertuis’ vegan afternoon tea today, even if Valentine’s Day is long gone?
Well, because beyond afternoon teas, the Belgium-born chef is big on vegan food scene in London… and cut her teeth in several 5-star hotels around the world, including the UK, Lebanon, and Greece.
With over 40 years experience in vegan pastry, Chef Danielle Maupertuis offers cooking classes and events, breaking down the basics, adding excitement, and taking fear away from the equation.
A Vegan Afternoon Tea at the Milestone Hotel, Kensington
What I mostly liked about the event I was invited to by the kind Karin from Mad Promotions, is how inclusive it felt, with a list of attendees spanning from media to influencers and celebrities and a very approachable chef.
Where a few of the attendees at the event were vegetarian (including influencers and representatives from The Vegetarian Society) or vegan, many were not vegan, including yours truly…
And still enjoyed the selection of pastries as much as I would have non-vegan ones.
Born and raised in France, I am a tough crowd to please when it comes to pastries; delicate, colorful and bursting with flavor are three of my main criteria to make a pastry worth my while.
And that is exactly how it felt with Chef Danielle Maupertuis’ creations, which were but art on a plate.
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Chef Danielle Maupertuis’ Vegan Afternoon Tea Menu
The savory treats offered at Chef Danielle Maupertuis’ vegan afternoon tea were nothing short of astonishing on the palate; but the true highlights of the afternoon were the pastries.
Along with a live baking demo reproducing ‘I Gave You My Heart’, a sweet and tart lychee, pomegranate and hazelnut heart-shaped pastry came two other very instagrammable pastries:
- Baiser Volé, a vanilla pannacotta, pistachio halva sublimed with raspberry and rose
- Moulin Rouge, a chocolate mousse, chocolate brownie and red fruits crumble
Incredibly light, yet filling, these pastries were very well-sized, which is something I enjoy just as much as great flavor – if you’ve read a couple of food reviews on The Working Line before, you already know.
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Chef Danielle Maupertuis’ Vegan Afternoon Tea Menu With Mad Promotions PR
A crisp bag with goodies added to the experience of entering Chef Danielle Maupertuis’ world; including:
- a handcrafted chocolate ring adorned with a rosebud
- a copy of Danielle Maupertuis’ book ‘Vegans Deserve Better Than a Fruit Salad’ (the recipes are very easy to make!)
- and a Fresh Hand Balm from Ringana, a gorgeous vegan skincare brand – I will tell you about this hand balm very soon, as I have been testing it for the past couple of months… and loving it!
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Vegan Chef Takes London Afternoon Tea Scene By Storm
All in all, the vegan afternoon tea I experienced at the Milestone Hotel in company of Chef Danielle Maupertuis herself, along with some of the UK’s leading influencers and media felt like a fairytale.
I have since long opened up my mind to the vegan food world; accepting that indeed, you can find pastries, vegan breakfast bits, and other specialties which can taste far better than non-vegan dishes.
But when you get to experience that kind of event, in such an elegant hotel room, with wood panels, vintage chairs and gorgeous company, doesn’t this make a fancy moment even fancier?