Treat your Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail to a Gleneagles visit, as they’re launching a special Beatrix-Potter-themed afternoon tea on June 28.
To be taken in the plush Glendevon Room, with its view out to the lawn, this tea is inspired by the children’s author.
Although she may be most associated with her Lake District home, Hill Top at Ambleside, she also spent childhood summer holidays at Dalguise House - in Dalguise, near Birnam, and about 40 minutes along the road from this five-star resort.
In tribute, the three-tier menu has been created by Gleneagles’ executive pastry chef, Phil Skinazi.
He hasn’t gone for anything too literal, so there are no radishes, pineapple hedgehogs in the form of Mrs Tiggywinkle, or effigies of Tom Kitten or the elderly bunny that is Peter Rabbit (who celebrates his 120th birthday in 2022). Instead, there’s a beautiful looking selection to suit adults and children.
It includes a shot of Greenhouse Gazpacho as an amuse bouche, as well as savouries including Johnny Town Mouse’s bite-sized Pea and Potato Croquettes, Little Pig Robinson’s Crumpet and Crab, Herdwick Lamb Sausage Roll with Mr. McGregor’s Cabbage, as well as Gleneagles’ signature buttermilk scones. There are also various cakes including Squirrel Nutkin’s fruit and nut slice and Hiding behind the Blackcurrant Bush currant buns.
We especially like the look of the tiered Hopping Down the Lane, with layers that include a base of almond financier, then blackberry mousse, white chocolate namelaka (a Japanese type of cream) and summery elderflower.
To celebrate the fact that Potter is said to have deepened her love of botany in Scotland, a donation of 50p will be made by Gleneagles to Perthshire Big Tree Country Scheme - a charity that protects the woodlands in this area - for every afternoon tea sold.
It’ll be served from Friday to Monday from 12.30 to 15.30 and will be available until December before it returns early next year. It costs £50 per adult and £25 for sugar-fuelled children aged 10 and under, who will also receive a special surprise gift to take home. Booking is essential.
