AFTERNOON TEA

A sculpted tribute to the briefcase at the heart of one of the war’s most audacious deceptions. In 1943, British intelligence concealed falsified invasion plans inside a briefcase to convince the enemy the Allies would strike Greece, not Sicily. The deception succeeded, helping secure the real invasion.

To lend authenticity to the operation, a fictional fiancée named “Pam” was created - said to be waiting faithfully in Edinburgh. In truth, she was inspired by MI5 secretary Jean Leslie, whose photograph and handwritten letters were placed inside the briefcase. A buttery shortbread base is lifted by Scottish raspberries, a subtle nod to Pam’s imagined life in Edinburgh.

1943, within a concealed intelligence room in London, a black desk telephone cut sharply through the silence. This pastry captures the mood of that moment. Smoky dark chocolate brings depth and intensity, while whisky-like notes lends warmth and quiet strength.

This pastry honours the unnamed figure at the heart of one of history’s most daring deceptions. Carrying falsified invasion plans, he was set adrift at sea to persuade the enemy that the Allies would strike Greece rather than Sicily. The flavours evoke the shores of Sicily itself, bright lemon, golden olive oil and fragrant basil, ingredients rooted in the island’s sun-soaked landscape.

A body dressed as a British officer, carrying falsified invasion plans, was transported by submarine and released off the coast of Spain. Recovered by Spanish authorities and quietly passed to Germany, the documents convinced the opposition would strike Greece rather than Sicily. Drawing inspiration from the Spanish shoreline where the deception surfaced, Orange blossom lends delicate floral brightness, honey adds golden warmth, and almond brings soft, nutty depth - flavours rooted in the Mediterranean.