Queen of punk offers tea and scones

Tucked into a corner of the brand's flagship store in Shanghai's K11 Art Mall, the small cafe, almost half the size of an average Starbucks outlet, is separated into two areas.

The main space has been styled to resemble backstage at a fashion show, with special white material, Corian, extending from one of the walls to the floor. The smaller "tea-room" themed space has been inspired by an 18th-century French teahouse. Mini chandeliers dimly light the space decorated with wallpaper featuring paintings from the Wallace Collection, one of Westwood's favorite museums in London, from which she has continuously drawn inspiration for her fashion design.

Separating the two spaces is a glass wall painted with a giant 13-hour clock, a replica of the design in Westwood's first shop, "World's End".

An afternoon tea set is priced at 238 yuan ($38) for two people, plus a 10 percent service charge. It includes a three-tiered tray of desserts and two drinks. Essential offerings like cucumber finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and Earl Grey tea are all available from the menu, but the food appears to be the last thing discussed by diners, and fashion and even food bloggers.

On the other hand, latte art featuring the brand's Orb logo and tableware printed with its signature pattern of tartan fabric have managed to woo local women since its opening, with many willing to pay the same amount of money as they would to have a treat at, say, the Peninsula Shanghai, or Ritz Carlton Pudong, which are considered the most iconic destinations for afternoon tea in Shanghai.

According to Aragoni, the coffee menu has been developed personally by Westwood. All the coffee beans used at the cafe are provided by Pacific Coffee, one of Hong Kong's largest coffee chains.

IF YOU GO

Vivienne Westwood Cafe

2F, K11 Art Mall, No 300 Huaihai Middle Road, Huangpu district, Shanghai.

021-6316-0261.