These Delicate Tea Time Desserts Mirror Modern Art

If you've ever wondered what one of Alexander Calder's mobiles might taste like, you now have a chance to find out. Rosewood London just launched a new permanent project called "Art Afternoon Tea." This tea time, which is being held in the hotel's fine dining restaurant, Mirror Room, features delicate pastries based off the works of five notable artists. Patrons can nibble on sweets inspired by Calder, Damien Hirst, Yayoi Kusama, Mark Rothko, and even Banksy. While we're not entirely sure an elaborate tea-time pastry fits in with Banksy's brand, each dessert attempts to capture the essence of each artist's work.

“I was inspired by the prominent art scene in London and by the captivating contemporary and traditional art pieces that are featured throughout Rosewood London,” the hotel's executive pastry chef Mark Perkins told Condé Nast Traveler. “The idea really progressed from there and great consideration went into deciding upon which art genres and movements we wanted to focus on. I settled on modern art, as it offers many interesting shapes, colors, and designs.”

Art Afternoon Tea starts like any traditional midday meal, with scones and tiny finger sandwiches—but the desserts at the end are truly one of a kind. The line-up starts with a play on Banksy's Girl With a Balloon and consists of a white chocolate cube filled with vanilla cream croux, salted caramel, and chocolate cremeux. On the outside, a tiny sugary illustration of the iconic girl looks as if Banksy spray painted it himself.

Calder's famous mobiles are recreated with pistachio bavarios, cherry jelly, pistachio sponge sprayed with red chocolate, and chocolate flourishes that remain suspended on top of the bright cone structure. Cassis jelly, yuzu curd on a white chocolate tart come with pastel polka dots that mirror the famous work of Hirst. Kusama's recent mirrored installation at London's Victoria Miro galleries can be seen in the form of a chocolate sable biscuit and chocolate crispy water, with milk chocolate mousse and passion fruit cremeux, covered in a bright yellow glaze. A layered coconut and raspberry sponge cake filled with coconut mousse and fresh raspberries, then wedged between two thin slabs of chocolate, echoes Rothko's work with color blocks and lines.

Diners can enjoy these colorful desserts while surrounded by 3D artwork by Simon Bingle and Beat of a Wing by Bran Symondson. To experience this edible museum visit for yourself, you can make a reservation with the restaurant for $57 per person.

[h/t Condé Nast Traveler]