The pet trend is bigger than ever. These days it’s almost effortless to bring along your loyal companion practically anywhere; including the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane. The dog friendly hotel has recently paid homage to 55 years of the childhood classic, 101 Dalmatians with what they have named the Dotty Dalmatian Afternoon Tea with not to forget, their dog friendly over night package.
Harpist check, tea check, champagne check..dogs? Sadly there were none. Although am told that the art deco hotel has also appointed their very own modern day equivalent Pongo and Perdy pair to be the official mascots of the hotel for a re-launch this October 2016. Sat between our small, round white table cloth we sit back and start to enjoy the surrounding tranquillity, away from the madness of Piccadilly, still visible through the revolving doors beyond.
The Pongo and Perdy inspired Afternoon Tea is presented in the traditional manor, with a few tweaks here and there. Lemon mousse and Oreo biscuit have been combined to create Perdy’s paw, while blueberry cake and violet cream make Pongo’s dog bowl. There is also a white chocolate cream brownie and the spirit of devilish Cruella de Vil is captured in a dotty chocolate sponge with raspberry jelly. Dalmatian inspired savoury treats include a polka dot macaroon made of confit salmon, crème fraiche and dill, as well as smoked trout mousse with English mustard and pickled red onion hot dog. Finally, free range egg mayonnaise and watercress sandwiches and short rib and bone marrow hot pot.
The Dotty Dalmatian Afternoon Tea will be served daily until 31st August in the hotel’s iconic Palm Court
Away from the tea itself, there is another charm to this dog friendly concept that I initially overlooked. Looking beyond the apparent cheesiness, there is something I quite like – whilst owners enjoy some respite over the Sheraton’s ‘dotty tea’ the hotel’s dog walkers will walk their furry friend (not just Dalmatians, any breed welcome) around Green Park – the original movie set. In a bid to attract the canines, the first 20 guest dogs will be gifted with a special Sheraton Grand doggy bag which includes a number of luxury treats.
A tenuous connection? Maybe. But this tea has been lovingly created with the nostalgic intention of bringing back to all of us a bit of Disney magic. Beyond the art deco revolving doors, it was in fact a sunny day and therefore a stroll home through Green Park was a better option than the Victoria line. No Dalmatians were sadly spotted but Green Park was equally as gorgeous without and just as reminiscent of the film.
The Dotty Dalmatian Afternoon Tea will be served daily until 31st August in the hotel’s iconic Palm Court with sittings at 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm. Prices start at £37 per person. The package is priced from £292, based on two people and one dog sharing a room.
Address: Sheraton Grand London Park Lane: Piccadilly, London W1J 7BX, 020 7499 6321, www.sheratonparklane.com
