THE BEAUTIFUL GAME AFTERNOON TEA KICKS OFF AT ORIGIN KENSINGTON

A celebration of Britain's favourite sport, inspired by a historic chapter in Royal Garden Hotel's story

 

This summer, Origin Kensington at the Royal Garden Hotel invites guests to celebrate the football spirit with The Beautiful Game Afternoon Tea, a limited-edition experience available from 11 June to 19 July 2026. As football fans around the world gather to follow the season's most anticipated international championship, Origin Kensington, the hotel's modern British restaurant overlooking Kensington Gardens, presents an afternoon tea inspired by footballing heritage, national pride and one of the Royal Garden Hotel's most memorable moments.

 

Few hotels can claim such a unique connection to English football history. Following England's historic victory in 1966, the triumphant squad celebrated at the Royal Garden Hotel, creating a lasting link between the hotel and one of the nation's most iconic sporting achievements. Sixty years later, The Beautiful Game Afternoon Tea pays tribute to that remarkable legacy through a collection of playful yet refined sweet creations inspired by football's greatest moments.

The experience begins with a selection of British afternoon tea favourites, including a smoked salmon croissant with cream cheese and lemon, a Norfolk coronation chicken and raisin sandwich, and a cucumber and chive cream sandwich. Warm savouries include a Clonakilty black pudding and apricot sausage roll alongside a sweet pea and morel tart with shallots. Freshly baked buttermilk scones and orange and morello cherry scones are served with strawberry and lime jam, rich Cornish clotted cream and vibrant kalamansi curd, bringing together traditional flavours and seasonal touches.

 

Before the sweet course begins, guests will enjoy Pickles, a refreshing palate cleanser featuring Earl Grey panna cotta, oat and nut crumble, and pear compote. Adorned with an edible portrait of the famous canine, the creation honours Pickles, the dog who unexpectedly became a footballing hero after recovering the stolen Jules Rimet trophy in 1966. This charming tribute celebrates an often-overlooked chapter of sporting history while offering a refreshing interlude between courses.

 

The sweet course tells the story of football through four imaginative creations. Hat-Trick Hero pays tribute to Sir Geoff Hurst's legendary performance in the 1966 final, where he became the first player to score a hat-trick in a men's international football championship final. This vibrant chocolate, cherry and chilli macaron captures the excitement and energy of that unforgettable achievement. Looking to the present day, The American Dream celebrates the host nations of this summer's international football championship. A sculpted carrot and maple tart designed in the shape of a stadium, it is topped with citrus curd and finished with a bespoke emblem honouring Canada, Mexico and the United States.

 

Inspired by the triumph that forever links football history with the Royal Garden Hotel, Spirit of '66 features a glossy lemon and blueberry cheesecake dome crowned with a chocolate jersey bearing England's iconic Three Lions crest, commemorating the team's famous victory and subsequent celebrations at the hotel.

Completing the collection is Pitch Perfect, a pineapple, mango and pistachio slice crafted to resemble a perfectly maintained football pitch, complete with detailed pitch markings and a handcrafted retro-style chocolate football, inspired by the iconic orange match ball used in historic tournaments, celebrating the sport loved by millions around the world.

 

The Beautiful Game Afternoon Tea will be served from 11 June to 19 July 2026, available Thursday to Sunday between 2:00 PM and 5:30 PM. Priced at £45 per adult and £25 per child, guests may enhance their experience with a glass of English sparkling wine or a signature cocktail for an additional £12. Children’s menu and plant-based menu are also available.

 

Whether celebrating a match-day victory, sharing an afternoon with family and friends, or simply enjoying a quintessentially British tradition, The Beautiful Game Afternoon Tea offers a memorable way to savour the season overlooking Kensington Gardens.


For menu and booking: https://www.originkensington.co.uk/

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