The Franklin London launch Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams Menu

The Franklin London – a five-star Starhotels Collezione property just a short walk to the V&A – has launched its Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams Menu, a culinary fashion experience inspired by the Victoria & Albert Museum's Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams Exhibition. A great idea for a chic and stylish hen soirée, CWM's fashion editor, Claire Ridley, gathered her girls and went along to check it out.

On arrival at The Franklin, via Chelsea's pretty Egerton Gardens, we were escorted through the stylish lobby in this impressive Victorian building to the chic bar area and presented with a copy of the Christian Dior book to browse through. It's an action-packed read, featuring highlights from the exhibition. Once our table was ready, we were led through to The Franklin Restaurant and given what simply had to be the best seats in the house. The manicured gardens stretched out in front of us, while the intimate vibe in this small yet super-stylish space offered just the right atmosphere in which to enjoy this delicious afternoon tea. It has been designed in partnership with bespoke event and wedding planners La Fête, who created the entire concept, and is available to book every Monday to Sunday from 2:30pm until 5:30pm.

We tucked into sweet and savoury treats prepared by the hotel's Michelin-starred chef Alfredo Russo. Highlights included Jambon-Beurre, a twist on the classic French ham and cheese sandwich to start, followed by The Pink House, a lemon pink macaron presented on a small plastic chair which is a nod to Dior's childhood home. The grand finale was J'adore, a peanut sponge and Dulcey chocolate cream served with vaporised Calvados sprayed in a Dior-inspired perfume bottle. This was washed down with a glass of Taittinger Brut Réserve and the dedicated cocktail was the Mitzah, a vodka and lemon juice-based mix.

This afternoon tea costs £40 per person. For further information, visit www.starhotelscollezione.com/en/our-hotels/the-franklin-london and www.la-fete.com and follow them on Instagram @franklinlondon @officiallafete