If you can’t jet off to Japan for this year’s Cherry Blossom Season, fear not. From now until 5th May, at all Ivy Asia, you can immerse yourself in the ‘spirit’ of the explosive colours of this spectacular festival. You’re in for an exquisitely curated treat – with the Blossom Afternoon Tea, Fallen Blossom Dessert, and an especially paired cocktail menu of five new drinks being on offer, but only for a fleeting moment, just as the blossoms themselves. Hurry!
Hamani is the Japanese art of springtime flower watching. During the eye-catching cherry blossom festival, which marks the arrival of the bloom, nearly everyone partakes in this mesmerising pastime. Walking up to the entrance of Ivy Asia, Chelsea, you are enthralled by the sheer abundance of cherry blossoms cascading over the entrance. As you step into this other world, you are engulfed by even more vibrant pink followers, you know you have left London.
Cherry Blossoms and Ivy Asia
Have you ever been to an Ivy Asia? Well, you can enjoy the splendour in St Paul’s, Chelsea and Mayfair in London, as well as Manchester, Leeds, Guildford, Brighton and Cardiff. Here you can take a journey of the senses with a dining and drinking story inspired by Asian influence. Blue and turquoise swirls of decadence from top to toe, fine fabrics give your senses texture and the gold adornments, all collaborate to produce opulence which offers the restaurant a luxurious and theatrical setting in both its design and décor.
But the blossom isn’t just about pretty flowers (and they are pretty). It also carries immense cultural significance, the blossom quite literally embodies some of Japan’s most deep-rooted cultural and philosophical beliefs, enjoyed by both young and old, it is a time for all to convene and enjoy each other. What could be more quintessentially British than afternoon tea, with the same ‘ceremony’ of sharing delights? Available daily from 15:00 until 16:45, the Blossom Afternoon Tea is a delightful fusion of Asian and British traditions. Executive Chef, Simon Gregory has expertly created a menu which celebrates Asian cuisine, showcasing a fusion of traditional and contemporary dishes, so you know you will be in for a delicious experience.
Cherry Blossom Season Cocktails at Ivy Asia
We sat down and immediately were thrilled by the theatre of the Blossom Bliss cocktail. A delicate mix of Roku Gin, cranberry juice, passion fruit boba, topped with champagne and cotton candy which you let dissolve in your glass. Fun and also surprisingly refreshing.
The entertainment continued as our afternoon delights arrived on a magnificent three-tiered black set of Japanese design-inspired shelves, amongst billowing smoke. Each layer mirrored that of our crusted Sesame Crusted Prawn Dumplings. We paired these with a couple of Lavender Haze cocktails – Haku vodka, Sakura vermouth, lavender syrup, citrus and lychee juice. Those who know me, know I’ve been a long-time advocate of cocktails including lavender, when done well (without a doubt, these were) the delicate balance of flavours is unparalleled. I urge you to sample one here, it effortlessly complements the cuisine.
As we travelled up our luxurious food vessel, we sampled the freshest and most delicate of maki rolls, which we enjoyed alongside a Manuka Highball – The Macallan Double Cask 12-year-old, crème de peche, honey, citrus, topped with ginger ale and absinthe. Although a complex drink, it is perfectly balanced and its citrus notes cut through the oiliness of the salmon maki.
Just as with Great Britannia’s afternoon tea, the dining climax was the patisserie tray. Our time was sweetened with bite-size raspberry macarons as well as whimsical cherry blossom trees made from dark chocolate and candyfloss and some passion fruit doughnuts – a delight for the eyes and the palate, thanks to Ivy Asia.
If you don’t have time for the full-on affair of afternoon tea, the chef has created a show-stopping dessert, Fallen Blossom, for guests to enjoy at the cherry blossom at Ivy Asia. Made with chocolate parfait, glazed in a luscious cherry coating, and adorned with real gold leaf, the limited-edition dessert is a true celebration of spring’s splendour. Partner this up with a Sparkling Sakura cocktail and your decadence is complete.
Satisfied and ready to relax we perused the tea menu. I opted for a Jasmine Silver Needle white tea with whole flowers and my companion had an interesting Red Dragon black tea, syrupy, both fruity and yet creamy with notes of chocolate. A perfect end to a perfect afternoon together.
Put simply, the tranquil yet captivating beauty of the cherry blossom season is something you need to see to believe, but coming to The Ivy Asia welcomes you with a delicious and refined introduction to this spectacular natural wonder of the world, synonymous with joyous gatherings amongst friends.
The Ivy Asia, Chelsea is taking the experience to yet more extraordinary heights with an enchanting evening of celebration, complete with live entertainment starting at 18:30 on 5 May 2024.
Discover more at: theivyasia.com
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All imagery courtesy of The Ivy Asia.