Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing, has introduced a limited-edition afternoon tea collection in collaboration with British luxury footwear and accessories brand Manolo Blahnik, bringing together fashion, gastronomy and the city's cultural landscape.
Titled "Manolo's Map — Beijing", the afternoon tea is available at Cafe Zi, the hotel's signature dining venue overlooking the Forbidden City. Inspired by the idea of exploring Beijing's historical streets and contemporary lifestyle, the collaboration transforms Manolo Blahnik's design aesthetic into a selection of savory bites, pastries and bespoke tea pairings.
The menu combines classic afternoon tea traditions with flavors and ingredients selected by the hotel's culinary team. The savory offerings include English cucumber with mint cream cheese and lemon zest; egg mimosa with black truffle and mustard cress; poached shrimp with light Coronation mayonnaise and green apple; and roast Angus beef with horseradish cream, watercress and pickled shallots.
The dessert selection features Victoria apricot cake, blueberry violet chilled cheesecake, lemon macaron, and lemon yuzu tart, reflecting the clean lines and refined presentation associated with the luxury footwear brand's visual identity.
The collaboration is part of a broader trend of partnerships between luxury hospitality and fashion brands, where culinary experiences are increasingly used as a platform for creative expression and cultural storytelling. By combining the craftsmanship of haute cuisine with elements of fashion design, the project aims to create a multisensory interpretation of Beijing's heritage and modern urban life.
Located in the heart of the capital, Cafe Zi offers views of the Forbidden City, providing a setting where traditional architecture and contemporary hospitality meet.
The "Manolo's Map — Beijing" afternoon tea will be available from July 11 to Aug 31, with limited daily quantities.
