Ritz-Carlton partners with Lalique for afternoon tea in Beijing

Amid the heat wave this summer, The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing, is eager to present its bespoke botanic-inspired Blooming Flowers Afternoon Tea set.

The upscale hotel has partnered with French luxury crystal house Lalique and designed its sweet and savory menu items inspired by the Lalique 2020 Botanica Collection.

Wang Xin from the crystal maker said the Lalique brand was named after its founder－Rene-Jules Lalique, who set up the business in 1888.

"Flames of innovation have swept through generations of the Lalique family ever since," Wang said.

"The Botanica collection will take people into a world where floral romanticism contrasts with mineral strength and the ornamental and symbolic power of peony, lily of the valley, orchid or cherry blossoms is captured."

Chinese swallows, which are considered a messenger of happiness and good fortune in Chinese culture, and flowers are the centerpiece for every table.

One of the highlights is a Mont Blanc－a sweetened chestnut puree－with a pink-colored raspberry cream served on beautifully crafted crystal cake stand. On top of it, a white chocolate swallow unfolds its wings.

Foodies can enjoy a sakura jelly cake with a crystal appearance. It offers a unique sensation when the jelly dissolves in the mouth and the pickled sakura flowers inside have a unique salty flavor.

The tea set also offers a pink cube cake, fluffy Madeleines encrusted with dried sakura petals and traditional scones with jams and cream.

Savory morsels, such as smoked salmon on toast with sour cream and Champagne-baked ham sandwiches, are not to be missed.

"Guests will not only feel a mix of tradition and innovation in our new crossover afternoon tea, but in every facility of our hotel," said Yu Ji, marketing director of the hotel.

The afternoon tea set is priced at 358 yuan ($50) per person and is available from June 3 to Aug 2.