Talking with The Top Tea Sommelier at the Lanesborough London
For all of you Hotel High Tea lovers we present you with a special afternoon treat....
Basking in the glow of his second win for "Top London Afternoon Tea," Lanesborough Hotel Tea Sommelier Karl Kessab lets us in on his small slice of heaven and secrets of success. Yes, there is such a thing as a tea sommelier and it's kind of a big deal.
From the start of our transatlantic chat with Karl, "England's First Tea Sommelier," it is apparent that here is a man who loves his job. Ruling over Apsleys with its glass roof and fresh décor, Karl admits that here tea appreciation is the "same concept as wine, but without the alcohol."
Serving 80 to 100 patrons daily, of whom about half are British, the Lanesborough must manage a balance between the traditional and modern. "Upkeep is harder in this manner," says Karl of his constant monitoring of tea auctions, seasonal offerings and palate trends.
