Grand Russian High Tea

Guests at a Grand Russian High Tea at the Royal Hotel were greeted with a Russian Spring Punch cocktail made with Mermaid Salt Vodka courtesy of the Isle of Wight Distillery, Rachmaninov from Simon Davis on piano, and a real Russian samovar loaned by the Leconfield Hotel. Hosted by Lady Cheshire and Lady Grylls, the event was held to launch Stephan Roman’s new book ‘Isle and Empires’ and to raise money for Mountbatten and Dementia UK Admiral Nurses IW.

Peter Harrigan and Stephan Roman. Christine Benson (top) and a Russian Afternoon Tea (below). Stephan Roman reading from his book ‘Isle and Empires’.

Once seated, guests were treated to a cornucopia of Russian-themed scones, cakes and delicacies, designed by Ben Chamberlain and his team, whilst sipping Russian and English teas. Grand Duchess Marie, daughter of Alexander II of Russia (played by actress Helen Reading), made a surprise appearance, amusing guests with tales of her mother-in-law Queen ‘Vicboria’ (sic) and the dreary nature of the court at Osborne in the late 1800s.

Master of Ceremonies Paul Armfield introduced the author, Stephan Roman, who described his own grandparents’ exodus from Russia; a perilous journey that was almost thwarted by the Russian guards. Stephan then spoke about the Isle of Wight’s role in AngloRussian relations – in particular how refugees and dissidents from Tsarist Russia gathered in Ventnor during the summer months from 1860 onwards to plot against the ruling classes in their homeland. Ironically the Romanov royals were often visiting their relatives at Osborne just 14 miles away! A silent auction of Island-made goodies – including a framed photograph of Queen Victoria with Nicholas II given by the K1 Britannia shop in Cowes – raised £1,000, which was split between Mountbatten and Dementia UK Admiral Nurses IW.

‘Isle and Empires’ is £20 from Medina Bookshop, High Street, Cowes and medinapublishing.com