In this post: what I have learned about tea....
We had our first "tea" when David and I had the priveledge of attending the 2011 Wimbledon Championships, an offering of thanks from his company for our relocation across the Atlantic. That day I learned a lot about tennis and also a lot about tea.
I had no idea that TEA was such an institution. To an American, "tea" is just boiled water with a bag of dried herbs or tea leaves....but here, oh goodness, it is much more.
Since that first proper TEA at Wimbledon, we've had the pleasure of experiencing several other afternoon teas, each one with its own personality, setting, etc. but ALL including the basic elements of a proper afternoon tea - finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jelly, and delicious cakes.
Here's what I've learned about TEA in England.
When the Brits talk about tea, or ask for a tea, they are referring to black tea with milk. You can ask for sugar. Whenever I have anyone in my house - utility service providers, the landlord, etc. I always offer them a tea (I heard this is an obligation and I would not want to fall short of my duties). My family doesn't drink this type of tea much, but we have lots of it on hand for this reason.
Many families have "tea" during the weekdays with their small children which equates essentially to an early dinner. The kids eat a light meal, mum has her cuppa, and then the kids can get to bed early. Often then, mum and dad (who may work in the City and not arrive home until quite late) might have a meal together later in the evening.
Afternoon tea is served in many restaurants, hotels and bakeries and compromises, as I explained already, of lovely finger sandwiches, scones and cakes. When you take afternoon tea, it is to be savoured, slowly, over conversation, gently, and is really an experience unlike anything I can compare it to from the US. Most of the afternoons teas I have had are served on stunning dishes, with the main items displayed in a beautifully artistic arrangement on a three-tiered tray. The sandwiches are on the bottom, the scones are in the middle, and the cakes are on top. You can chose any kind of tea, herbal teas, loose leaf teas, flowering teas, or coffees. For an extra charge you might be able to have a glass of champagne.
If you visit the British Museum, there is a lovely cafe "Tea and Tattle", just opposite the Museum, which serves its tea in courses, so you don't actually get the three-tiered tray, but it does make for a very nice 3 course meal in the end - and I love that you get lemonade.
Tea at the Orangerie in Kensington Gardens:
Look at the lovely service and the beautiful three-tiered arrangement!
A perfect scone served with clotted cream and jam - THIS is my favorite part of the tea!
We learned that the Orangerie allows guest to share a tea, which is the way to go - it's a lot of food (carbs!) and to order two teas for 4 people, just paying for two extra cups of tea, is a very nice way to lighten the calories and the final bill££!
Tea at the Chesterfield: BEST TEA IN LONDON. Amazing, friendly, smiling waiters, an awesome "princess tea" option for girls. We had such a great time. They refilled our teas as well =)
THANK YOU lovely Homan ladies for organizing this delightful tea and must give them the photo credit as well!!
THANK YOU lovely Homan ladies for organizing this delightful tea and must give them the photo credit as well!!
