Top Hotels for Afternoon Tea Experiences BY: JUNE DAGNALL
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here is no question that afternoon tea is always in style, and it has certainly evolved significantly over the last two hundred years. Culinary chefs these days express their own creative flair and are continually adding new twists to this indulgent British tradition.
Afternoon tea was introduced in England in 1840 by Anne, the seventh Duchess of Bedford. It is said that the Duchess would become hungry around four o’clock in the afternoon. The evening meal in her household was served fashionably late at eight o’clock, thus leaving a long period of time between lunch and dinner. The Duchess asked that a tray of tea, bread, and cake be brought to her room during the late afternoon. This became a habit, and she soon began inviting friends to join her for this ritual. Tea quickly became a stylish social event, and during the 1880’s upper class and society woman would change into long gowns, gloves, and hats for their afternoon tea which was served in the drawing room between four and five o’clock complete with silver teapots, fine linens, elegant teacups and world renowned teas. Traditional afternoon tea typically consists of a selection of dainty sandwiches, scones served with clotted cream and preserves, as well as an assortment of cakes and pastries. There are a few tea etiquette rules that still exist today. Eat sandwiches first and with fingers please, not the cutlery. Warm scones should be enjoyed next and proper etiquette advises that these should be broken in two by hand, not with a knife. Please also remember that extending your pinky finger is a “don’t” when enjoying afternoon tea, and please never cradle the cup in your hands! 48 . DRIFTTRAVEL.COM
