Cracking Easter treats in Knightsbridge

Where else to begin than with Easter Eggs? Whatever your age, no one can resist the thrill of receiving a delicious chocolate egg and cracking into it at the earliest opportunity. You could always try high street favourites Sainsbury’s Local and Little Waitrose – both on Brompton Road – for eggs that won’t break the bank. The latter has introduced new products based on customer feedback and Google searches, including “blonde” chocolate (a big foodie trend for 2024) and a pistachio-inspired egg made from two shells. Also jumping on the blonde chocolate trend is Harvey Nichols with its mouth-watering Honeycomb and Biscuit Blonde Chocolate Easter Egg (£34) which, when cracked open, reveals blonde ganache truffles.

And trust Harrods to create the most luxurious egg money can buy with its limited-edition Showstopper Easter Egg, weighing in at a whopping 1.5kg and taking eight hours to create. The intricate design is inspired by the Chocolate Hall ceilings and was specially created for Harrods’ 175th anniversary (POA, contact Personal Shopping). Another chocolate treat for grown-ups is Cédric Grolet’s brand-new Easter Bunny, created exclusively for The Berkeley. Available from 20-31 March, this charming critter is made from a dark chocolate shell with hazelnut praline croustillant, fleur de sel and hazelnut chips. Had your fill of eggs? Get your sugar fix in liquid form with a luxury hot chocolate at Knoops on Brompton Road or a viral milkshake from The Knot Churros.

Of course, you can enjoy afternoon tea any time of the year, but spring seems to be the unofficial time to usher in new afternoon tea menus. The Lanesborough Grill has just introduced a limited-edition Easter version of its Queen Charlotte afternoon tea (available from 23 March-7 April), inspired by the hit Regency romp. Choose between the regular menu or vegan, gluten-free or vegetarian alternatives with a regal array of pastries, mini sandwiches, scones and tea. It costs £105 per person and includes a glass of champagne and an Easter chocolate treat to take home. Also launching in time for Easter is Mandarin Oriental Hyde Parks’ new Afternoon Tea in Bloom, where every bite is ‘a tribute to blooming Hyde Park’. Created by award-winning pastry chef Emmanuel Bonneau and served in The Rosebery, the delicate pastries are inspired by daffodils, jasmine, bluebells, roses and cherry blossoms, while the hotel’s tea sommelier (yes, really) has selected complementary flowering teas that unfurl to release a symphony of flavours and aromas. The Afternoon Tea in Bloom will be served daily from 12-6:30pm from 21 March-4 June and starts at £79 per person.  

Easter is a time when many families go on holiday – perhaps catching up with relatives or jetting off for some much-needed sunshine. But if you are staying in the UK then why not enjoy a luxurious staycation at The Lanesborough, which is offering a cracking deal over the holidays. Its Easter Escape package (available from 28 March-1 April) includes an overnight stay and £200 credit to spend at the hotel’s restaurants and bars, or on treatments at the award-winning Lanesborough Club & Spa. It will also throw in complimentary English breakfast (choose in-room dining for added indulgence), early check-in and late check-out, and a special Easter egg hunt for the little ones.

Want to put your feet up on Easter Sunday? Book the Easter Sunday Lunch at The Lanesborough Grill, which honours the finest British produce with standout new dishes including salt marsh lamb with glazed Tokyo turnip (£105 per person for three courses plus an Easter gift to take home). The acclaimed restaurant has also launched a new spring menu running throughout the Easter holidays – a cinch at £39 per person for two courses or £49.50 for three, with plenty of tasty veggie and vegan options available.

Already struggling to come up with ways to keep the kids entertained over the Easter hols? Sign up for Hyde Park’s free educational Discovery Days (9-11 April, 11am-3pm) to take part in a variety of fun activities where you’ll learn all about the marvellous mammals that call the Royal Park home. These include storytelling sessions, learning how to identify mammal tracks – while creating your own – and even the chance to dress up like a squirrel and hunt for acorn facts. Spaces are free but make sure to register your interest in good time to avoid disappointment.