Just before the Easter Bank Holiday I was invited to the Whittard tea room in Covent Garden for a chocolate and tea tasting experience. Going out after work always involves alcohol so it was nice to change it up and do something relaxing and informative for once!
We learnt about the history of Pierre Marcolini and the journey he took from being a young man in the world of confectionary to luxury Brussels chocolatier. It was so much more motivating than the story of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as his love of chocolate came from a passion for desserts and wanting to be a master of the craft. Now where does tea get involved?
Well, if you’ve never heard of Whittard, they’re an international brand that have been around for over 125 years (est. in 1886) and sell all things tea, coffee and hot drinks. As it was Easter, it was fitting that tea was being paired with chocolate right?
The different blends we tried…
Information below provided by Whittard.
Ganache Violette + Chelsea Garden
A soft violet ganache with bursts of Violette
Violet bonbon, the only remainder of a range of ‘childhood memory flavors’ which was created in 1998.
Paired perfectly with a Whittard Chelsea Garden blend. A beautiful blend of fresh spring white tea, English garden rose buds and a hint or wild berries. The white tea cleanses the pallet, while the rose buds and berries make the Violette pop and the mouth water.
Praliné Calin fondant + Chill Mango
Almond praline filling, Quimper flaky wafer and caramel blended with fresh Tahitian vanilla
This is where patisserie and cuisine blend together. A shocking combination of delicate and crunchy flavors, with a chocolate shell which is there, but seems to blend in perfectly with the other ingredients. No moderation. This is one of Pierre Marcolini’s first pralines and it has become a true trademark of the chocolatier. It can be considered a little pastry in its own right. Classic Marcolini paired with a modern Whittard taste. Chill mango blend has black tea as a base, adding zesty mango, amaranth and a garnish of cactus blossoms—finishing it off with a sprinkling of chilli to add bite. The result? A unique blend that’s beautifully refreshing, with a little kick.
Cœur Seduction + Rhubarb Punch
Fresh raspberry ganache.
A bitter ganache with raspberry puree. Incorporating red fruits was a risky decision, but it paid off, as this praline has become one of Pierre Marcolini’s must-haves. Created in 1997.
White chocolate plays its role to the full, providing a sugary touch. A hint of raspberry lingers in the mouth, enhancing the flavor of white chocolate. Whittard Rhubarb punch balances the sweetness of the white chocolate rhubarb with elderberries, whole apple pieces and bright hibiscus, adding mellow strawberry and blackberry leaves for body and a summer vibe.
Palet Or + Garden Party Blend
Palet Or, Smooth caramel ganache and coulis flavoured with Vanilla, coated in dark chocolate and art of the Malline gift box: a playful portmanteau of “malle”, the French word for “suitcase”, and “praline”, first created in 1998 by Pierre Marcolini.
This signature box is a veritable guided tour of the Maison’s very finest products.
A journey of the senses that involves plain, infused or fruity ganaches, smooth caramels, crunchy pralines and – of course – our iconic heart-shaped chocolate “Cœurs”.
Whittard Garden Party Blend is floral, fruity and celebration of everything that is loved about oolong tea’s distinctive taste. Vibrant flavours of passionfruit highlight the roasted, nutty notes of the leaf, while pieces of papaya, strawberry and pineapple create layered shades of sweetness. Finished with a shower of orange marigold petals for a beautiful infusion. A tea to sip on balmy summer evenings and complemented by the dark chocolate and vanilla of the Palet Or.
My thoughts?
Can I do it again?
I’ve always been more of a wine drinker *hic* but as I get older (ugh), I realise as good cup of teas is just satisfying as an alcoholic beverage. There are 3000 types of tea on this planet and only one me, so hopefully I can work through the Whittard range and become a master of tea.
Char xo
Please note, I was invited to this event as a blogger but all views are my own.
Lucy says
This looks wonderful. I love their crockery too, that little fish is so cute