“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.”
Henry James
First, let’s look at some history. The concept of this ‘afternoon tea’ first appeared in the mid-17th century. Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford started the trend of afternoon tea in England during the 1840’s. There was always a long period of time between lunch and dinner & the Duchess would ask for some tea, bread and butter.This pause for tea became an English custom & today is considered a classy social event.
Some of London’s finest hotels or quaint tearooms around the city are known to serve the best afternoon teas & is popular among the tourists. Afternoon tea has become something you must do as a tourist, to indulge in British culture.
I visited Fortnum and Mason, which is a hotel offering traditional afternoon tea. On the top floor, you’ll find the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon. You’ll have to book a table in advance, for they’re usually very busy. I booked a table 2 hours closing time, so I didn’t get to experience having teatime for hours & hours, but it was an amazing experience. What you’ll hear often is the term “high tea.” This term petty much refers to the afternoon tea, which is not just tea itself but also includes finger food, such as scones & jam, sandwiches & desserts. Some of the featured ones are more pricey. Fortnum and Mason is one of the top five famous afternoon tea places in London & my friend Trisha & I paid £80 pounds in total. However, you can stay as long as you want (as long as you don’t go 30 minutes before closing time), all the tea are replenished & so are the finger foods.
Ps. Here are some helpful links to check out some of the famous afternoon tea locations in London 🙂
Modern Pantry -http://www.themodernpantry.co.uk/
Orange Pekoe- http://www.orangepekoeteas.com/
The Delaunay- http://www.thedelaunay.com/
–crystallsjcho.
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