Bulgari Hotel London has launched a collaboration with acclaimed multidisciplinary artist and designer Yinka Ilori to reimagine the afternoon tea stand as a sculptural work of art to mark the anniversary of the hotel’s 10th year in London. The launch of the Yinka Ilori X Bulgari Hotel London Afternoon Tea which runs until Spring 2023 also coincides with the opening of Yinka’s first institutional show at the Design Museum, and the city celebrating London Design Festival and Frieze Art Fairs.
Not just any Afternoon Tea
Specially designed afternoon tea stands – based on stacked and interlocking spheres – will take centre stage and are based on the geometry of the sphere and the meeting of different cultures. An artwork created for the occasion will recur as a motif across the hotel, from a vibrant takeover of the building’s façade, to the linen napkins on the tables which will also be available to purchase as a limited edition giftset.
The experience
Afternoon tea pastries, inspired by the unique design Yinka Ilori has produced in celebration of the hotel’s 10th anniversary, are created in collaboration with Yinka by award-winning Italian pastry chef and chocolatier-in-residence, Gianluca Fusto.
The menu introduces autumnal flavours with a combination of almond, pistachio, hazelnut and orange, designed in form to complement the bold geometry and contemporary colours of Yinka’s sculptural tea stands. The selection of Italian sweet treats includes ‘Pistacchio’, a choux pastry creation filled with pistachio mousse, nougat and praline and ‘Mandorla’, an orange biscuit, almond cream and orange compote. Savoury treats include a spinach bread sandwich, organic egg and Umbrian truffle and and a chilli pepper bread with stracchino cheese, ‘melanzana all’uccelletto’ and Modena balsamic vinegar.
Yinka Ilori
The artist
Yinka Ilori is a multi-disciplinary artist and designer whose bold visual language draws on his British Nigerian heritage to convey new narratives through contemporary design. Drawing on Nigerian parables and verbal traditions, Ilori touches on a multitude of themes that resonate with a global audience. His work is underpinned by the belief that art and design should be accessible to all.
General Manager Kostas Sfaltos commented, “We were drawn to Yinka for his obsession with colour, the distinctly optimistic spirit of his bold and contemporary work, and its celebration of the diversity of the capital. That celebration of colour draws a parallel with Bulgari’s heritage as the master of coloured gems, and the colourful design changes we have made to Bulgari Hotel London over the past year.”
Celebrating 10 years
This rather special tea follows the unveiling of The Bulgari Lounge’s recently refreshed interiors for the anniversary year. The Bulgari Lounge offers elegant all-day dining in the comfort and glamour of an Italian-style “living room” with a cosy fireplace for cooler days.
The Yinka Ilori X Bulgari Hotel London Afternoon Tea will be available Monday to Sunday afternoons until Spring 2023, priced from £95 per person.
To discover more, visit: bulgarihotels.com
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All imagery courtesy of Bulgari Hotels.