The Langham Shenzhen Introduces the Heritage Afternoon Tea

British Charm and Exquisite Creations: 

The Langham Shenzhen Introduces the Heritage Afternoon Tea

Step into a world of authentic British charm and timeless elegance as Palm Court at The Langham Shenzhen unveils its latest offering - the Heritage Afternoon Tea. Executive Pastry Chef Sean Hu has joined forces with renowned Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett from London to create an unforgettable afternoon tea experience.

Image courtesy of The Langham Shenzhen

Meet Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett

With a culinary journey that spans Michelin-starred restaurants and collaborations with esteemed chocolate producer Valrhona, Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett brings his exceptional expertise to The Langham Hotel in London. Now, his passion for pastry and unrivaled creativity take center stage as he joins forces with Chef Sean Hu to present the Heritage Afternoon Tea at The Langham Shenzhen. Chef Gravett's remarkable talent and dedication have made him a celebrated name in the industry, enchanting guests with his masterful creations and attention to detail.

That's: What inspired you to pursue a career in pastry?

Chef Gravett: The inspiration for my career in pastry came from my childhood. The artistry and creativity involved in making pastries always fascinated me. Growing up, I developed a deep appreciation for the joy that a delicious treat can bring, and I aspired to create those moments of delight for others. Additionally, the versatility of chocolate as an ingredient intrigued me, and I was eager to explore its potential in crafting unique and exquisite desserts.

Image by Billy Jiang/That's

That's: How did you incorporate nostalgia into the "Heritage Afternoon Tea" pastry creations?

Chef Gravett: Our "Heritage Afternoon Tea" pays homage to cherished memories through a variety of nostalgic pastry creations. For example, we transformed the iconic custard cream biscuit into a chocolate shell filled with caramelized white chocolate and a creamy vanilla center. This delightful treat captures the essence of the original biscuit, while the crunchy cereal texture adds a playful twist. Similarly, we took inspiration from a classic Viennese biscuit and infused it with mango and passionfruit flavors, presenting a beautiful spiral piping pattern that honors the traditional biscuit while offering a fresh taste and stunning presentation.

That's: How do you incorporate the Langham's heritage into your pastry offerings?

Chef Gravett: Infusing the Langham's heritage into our pastry offerings is of utmost importance. We draw inspiration from traditional British desserts and flavors, exploring classic recipes and techniques that have stood the test of time. By giving these timeless creations a contemporary twist, we aim to create a sense of nostalgia and pride among our guests. For instance, we might create a modern interpretation of the famous English trifle, utilizing seasonal fruits, homemade custard, and delicate sponge cake infused with a unique flavor combination. Each pastry is crafted with the essence of British culinary heritage, evoking a connection to our rich traditions.

Image by Billy Jiang/That's

That's: How do you balance tradition and innovation in your pastry creations?

Chef Gravett: Striking a delicate balance between tradition and innovation is a dance I embrace in the culinary world. While I deeply appreciate and respect traditional recipes, I also believe in pushing boundaries and introducing new elements to keep our offerings exciting and fresh. It's about finding the perfect equilibrium between familiar flavors and innovative techniques. For instance, we might take a classic French pastry like the Paris-Brest and infuse it with unexpected fillings such as matcha or yuzu cream. This harmonious blend of traditional techniques and innovative flavors creates a unique and memorable experience for our esteemed guests.

Image by Billy Jiang/That's

As The Langham Shenzhen introduces The Heritage Afternoon Tea, guests are invited to embark on a gastronomic journey curated by Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett. His passion for pastry, dedication to British heritage, and skilful combination of tradition and innovation are evident in every delectable creation. Indulge in the enchanting world of afternoon tea where British charm and timeless elegance await, accompanied by the exquisite flavors crafted by Chef Gravett and his team.

[Cover image by Billy Jiang/That's]