EDITOR L
THE FUTURE OF BAKERY IN AFTERNOON TEA
AI CONVERSATION WITH BAKER ISAAC AMARI
we asked the AI to envision the future of the role of bakery in the afternoon tea ritual and the fictional baker Isaac Amari gave us his point of view on the upcoming trends
MR. AMARI, AFTERNOON TEA IS TRADITIONALLY ASSOCIATED WITH FINE CHINA AND DELICATE SILVERWARE. DO YOU SEE NEW MATERIALS BECOMING MORE PROMINENT IN THE AFTERNOON TEA EXPERIENCE? HOW MIGHT THESE CHOICES INFLUENCE THE EXPERIENCE?
Fine Bone China will always be iconic, but I see the future in a mix of materials that bring the senses alive. Imagine translucent glass layered with reflective metals or organic textures like bamboo or wood. The tactile feel of these elements, combined with visually striking colors and shapes, brings a new vitality to the tea experience. Each material contributes its own narrative—glass adds lightness, metal an element of refinement, and bamboo, a rooted connection to nature. Together, they make the presentation feel immersive, harmonizing with the artistry of the pastries and creating a dialogue between the setting and each bite.
HOW DO YOU ENVISION THE EVOLUTION OF FLAVORS IN AFTERNOON TEA? WILL CLASSIC BRITISH ELEMENTS LIKE SCONES AND TEA SANDWICHES REMAIN, OR DO YOU SEE A SHIFT TOWARD MORE GLOBALLY INSPIRED FLAVORS AND TECHNIQUES?
Flavors are evolving into something akin to an exploration of world cuisine, where each element feels intentional yet rooted in tradition. Classic scones might be reinvented with additions like Persian saffron or hints of North African spices. Tea sandwiches could incorporate miso or harissa, adding depth and contrast. This evolution doesn’t overshadow the essence of afternoon tea but enriches it, creating a culinary journey within a single service. Each piece feels like a cultural exchange, sparking curiosity about flavors from different parts of the world while still honoring the nostalgia of the original ritual.
WITH NEW TECHNOLOGY AND INTERACTIVE DESIGN, DO YOU THINK FUTURE AFTERNOON TEA SERVICES WILL INCORPORATE MULTI-SENSORY ELEMENTS, SUCH AS SOUNDSCAPES, INTERACTIVE LIGHTING, OR DIGITAL PROJECTIONS, TO ELEVATE THE EXPERIENCE?
Incorporating sensory elements can truly transform afternoon tea into a full-body experience. I envision softly shifting lighting that echoes the warmth of each season or subtle soundscapes—a tranquil forest for autumn flavors, for instance, or a soft coastal breeze to enhance citrus notes. Even aromatic elements could be woven in; a gentle infusion of lemongrass or rose, misted lightly around the room, could subtly complement the flavors. This approach isn’t about overwhelming the senses but adding delicate layers to deepen guests’ connection to each element on their plate, so the experience feels holistic, almost like a form of edible storytelling.
THERE’S A CERTAIN NOSTALGIA TO TRADITIONAL AFTERNOON TEA. HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN THAT SENSE OF HISTORY WHILE PUSHING FORWARD WITH FLAVORS OR PRESENTATION TECHNIQUES THAT FEEL FRESH AND EXCITING FOR TODAY’S AUDIENCE?
Nostalgia is powerful, and I believe it’s a part of what makes afternoon tea so cherished. Yet, the challenge is to honor that while embracing flavors or techniques that excite a modern palate. For instance, a traditional madeleine can be infused with flavors like Moroccan orange blossom and plated as a deconstructed garden. This way, guests feel the familiar comfort but also a sense of discovery. Each bite becomes both a memory and a surprise, making the experience resonate on multiple levels.
“I see the plate as an extension of the dessert itself, drawing attention to specific elements in a way that feels intuitive, almost like framing a piece of art“
DO YOU SEE A MOVE TOWARD MINIMALIST OR ABSTRACT PLATING FOR AFTERNOON TEA? HOW MIGHT YOU APPROACH THE BALANCE BETWEEN ARTISTRY AND SIMPLICITY TO ENSURE THE PASTRIES REMAIN THE FOCAL POINT?
I find that an uncluttered, minimalist approach makes pastries feel almost sculptural, highlighting their intricacies. The contrast between a delicately detailed pastry and a stark, modern plate allows the work to breathe and draws the eye naturally to the colors and textures. A single accent, like an edible flower or a swath of handmade glaze, can amplify the elegance of each piece without distraction. It’s about letting the dessert’s architecture speak for itself, creating an experience that is both artful and purposeful.
SOME PASTRIES ARE MORE ARCHITECTURAL OR SCULPTURAL. WHEN YOU DESIGN A MORE STRUCTURED DESSERT, DO YOU FIND THAT CERTAIN PLATE TYPES OR SHAPES—SUCH AS NARROW PLATTERS OR CIRCULAR BOWLS—BETTER ENHANCE ITS AESTHETIC IMPACT?
Structured desserts call for surfaces that elevate their form—wider platters or unexpected shapes create a feeling of grandeur. For something intricate, an asymmetrical plate can add a sense of movement, almost like a stage that spotlights each layer or angle of the pastry. I see the plate as an extension of the dessert itself, drawing attention to specific elements in a way that feels intuitive, almost like framing a piece of art. It’s about using shape and space to create visual tension and harmony, so each dessert feels dynamic and alive.
LOOKING AHEAD, HOW DO YOU ENVISION THE PHYSICAL SPACES FOR AFTERNOON TEA EVOLVING? DO YOU THINK THE ARCHITECTURE OR ATMOSPHERE COULD SHIFT TO REFLECT A MORE MODERN, PERHAPS EVEN AVANT-GARDE INTERPRETATION OF THIS BELOVED RITUAL?
The architecture of the tea room can truly elevate the experience. I see a shift toward minimalist, airy environments with natural light and organic shapes that create an oasis of calm. Materials like marble, reclaimed wood, and soft textiles could evoke a balance between refinement and warmth, helping guests feel both pampered and grounded. An avant-garde approach might even blend art installations or sculptural furniture, where the space feels as thoughtfully curated as the pastries themselves. Each aspect—architecture, materials, ambiance—would work in concert to transform afternoon tea into an immersive experience that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern.
THE DIGITAL TRAIL
We decided to dive into the modern tools and harness the power of Artificial Intelligence to explore how technology, with no human boundary, can help us show and put into context the new world we are imagining with our products, challenging the familiar and reshaping the future of our market.
Follow along with a series of AI-generated interviews to fictional architects, chefs and experts in the field, that will let you explore our new point of view on the world and let us show our ideas through a digital lens.
Together with AI we are exploring the challenges of our vision