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London is a city where tradition meets innovation, where cobblestone streets are juxtaposed with modern skyscrapers, and where culinary delights abound at every corner.
Among a myriad of cafes and patisseries in Kensington, one stands out—not just for its ambiance or quirky items on sale, but for a particular treat that has locals, tourists and myself talking about.
On a sunny afternoon, I visited the Anya Cafe, a stylish spot created by a British designer favoured by the Princess of Wales – Anya Hindmarch. Princess Kate was famously spotted holding a woven fan clutch by the designer during her royal tour of Canada with Prince William in 2011.
Known for her playful and brightly coloured accessories on the runway, the fashion designer’s cafe is no different to her bold designs, offering an array of unusual sweet items including a white chocolate monster cake, a red chubby heart, and a caterpillar tart to name a few.
But it was not the jumbo-sized family favourite biscuits including custard creams and bourbons that caught my attention. The fabulous designer pays homage to our very own King Charles in a fun and sophisticated manner – by giving customers a delightfully sweet biscuit with an iced image of King Charles III’s postage stamp.
In a playful post on Instagram, the eatery posted a photo series of miniature King Charles biscuits that had been taken by customers and placed on teaspoons with the caption: “It’s all about details at #AnyaCafe”.
Customers at the cafe were quick to spot the royal signature offering. One Instagram user wrote: “Loved the details. Can’t wait to come back.”
Another Anya Hindmarch fan stated: “I’ve just noticed the stamp has changed!” The Instagram user was referring to the designer previously gifting a mini Queen Elizabeth II stamp with each hot drink, which had changed following the King’s Coronation.
While sipping my cappuccino and commenting on the intricate detailing, the waiter told me “everyone loves these stamps!”.
And he was right, I overheard a family next to me that had been visiting from abroad and were informing their young children about the profiling of the monarch – it made a wonderful talking point for customers!
Meanwhile, designer Anya Hindmarch was awarded an MBE in 2009 in recognition of her contribution to the British fashion industry.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a food lover, or simply someone looking to indulge in a regal treat, a visit to Anya’s Cafe promises an experience that’s nothing short of majestic.
For a bit of background, the King became the first monarch to feature on an everyday stamp without a crown in a move lauded as “humbling” and the stamps went on sale from April 4, 2023.
In previous designs, the late Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria wore a diamond diadem created for the Coronation of George IV in 1821. A crown was pictured alongside other monarchs, even if they did not wear it.
Speaking of the King’s stamp currently in circulation, David Gold, at the Royal Mail, said: “What marks this stamp out is that there is no embellishment at all, no crown, just simply the face of the human being, on the plain background, almost saying, ‘This is me and I’m at your service’. I think in this modern age it is actually rather humbling.”
