I have always savored the three-tiered layered tray with delicate crust-cut sandwiches, warmed scones with clotted cream and petit fours that make up the classic Afternoon Tea. The origin of this wonderful culinary offering is woven into the British historical drama, BELGRAVIA. In Episode 1 the fictional character Anne Trenchard is invited for Afternoon Tea by the non-fictional Duchess of Bedford. Mrs Trenchard proclaims, “I’m so interested by your invention of Afternoon Tea.“ The Duchess replies, “it does seem to have taken wing.”
Historically accurate, this 1840s throw away line depicts the beginnings of Afternoon Tea. The Duchess could simply not endure the long period between lunch and 8pm dinner and so begun this renowned tradition of brewed tea with savory tidbits midafternoon. Afternoon Tea is some times mistakenly referred to as High Tea. Although it sounds fancier, High Tea is actually the evening meal which includes hot food.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
The Anglican Church Ladies Tea Luncheon is where it all began for me. As a young girl my sister and I grew up serving tea at these wonderful gatherings. I have been collecting memories of Afternoon Tea ever since. Orlando has been my home for many years and so I have had the opportunity to enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Ritz Carlton and the Garden View Tea Room Grand Floridian. Both use their Lobbies/Lounge area to provide exceptional ambiance.
My first Afternoon Tea with my daughter was at The Peabody in Orlando. For her 13th Birthday we sat against an elegant backdrop to have a graceful conversation about womanhood. The finger sandwiches and sweets were delectable as we witnessed the ducks’ daily march down the red carpet in the lobby. We have since shared many lovely Afternoon Teas together including one at the Fairmont Palliser in Calgary, Canada. It was the first time I had fresh lavender infused in my tea and the aroma was delightful. She even arranged for me to enjoy Afternoon Tea in Cambridge, England at The Ivy with its glamourous Art-Deco detail and fruit filled scones.
TEA FOR A PRINCESS
My most distinct memory of serving tea is from 1987 in Bangkok, Thailand. I was a volunteer onboard a Book Exhibition Ship docked in port. Our honored guest was the Princess of Thailand, Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. I remember the etiquette class we were taught before she arrived. We could not expose the soles of our feet to her as they are considered low and dirty. We served her tea without incident.
LONDON – MY SOUJOURN INTO THE HEART OF REFINEMENT
I have always been enthralled with the series DOWNTON ABBEY which featured the centuries’ old establishments of Claridges and the Savoy both imbued with timeless elegance. I found myself in London for a day and decided AFTERNOON TEA was an experience I couldn’t resist. With a last minute reservation Claridge’s hosted us for an utterly delightful indulgence. We were serenaded with a piano and harp. Our menu included a selection of sandwiches which were a reflection of refined tastes. Fillings included poached Scottish salmon with lemon and tarragon mayonnaise, Dorrington ham with nasturtium, crisp shallot, mustard and celeriac remoulade and of course the classic English cucumber with dill cream and poppy seed. The handmade pastries were equally divine along with the traditional scone.
MY EXPERIENCES WITH TEA ARE ECLECTIC
I once was inadvertently the recipient of a Saudi Royal Family’s largesse of tea. As I sipped their Middle Eastern brews I dreamt about their lives in royal palaces amongst arid deserts. A delightful afternoon sharing at village school in India culminated in the sipping of hot chai with the principal who was effused with joy at the pleasure of our cultural exchange. The aroma of this exotic brew was entrancing as the spices of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger and black peppercorns blended with the black tea emanated from the clay cup.
Sharing the experience with others makes it that more enjoyable along with the stimulating conversation that accompanies groups of close friends. Lavender n’ Lace is a delightful Tea Room in Lake Alfred, Florida that also serves wonderful luncheons. I have celebrated my birthday there with friends a few times. The walls are lined with tea cups and tea pots. This renovated home provides a most enchanting atmosphere for connecting over tasty cuisine. The coconut cream pie is an absolute culinary feat.
TEA AROUND THE WORLD
The ambiance of the Moscow Tea Room in Ottawa is captivating –crushed red velvet, sterling tea set, with comfy banquette seating and old world luxury. My husband and I first discovered exotic Smokey Earl Grey sitting in this distinctly appointed Tea Room near the Parliament Buildings on Sussex Drive. Their exotic smokey flavored Earl Grey, a perfect choice for a Russian Tea Room, combines Bergamot with a touch of Lapsang Souchong and Gunpowder tea. The Lapsang tea leaves are dried over pine wood fires to create this exceptionally unique flavour.
My gracious sister treated us to Afternoon Tea at the Peninsula in Hong Kong during our visit there in 1987. We also had Afternoon Tea that same year with dear friends in Singapore at the famed RAFFLES, legendary because of writers in residence Somerset Maugham and Ernest Hemingway. It is one of the few remaining great 19th century hotels in the world. My friend Ann suggested we experience Raffles and I am so grateful as it is now a cherished memory.
AFTERNOON TEA AT HOME
Hosting Afternoon Cream Tea has now become a wonderful ritual in my own home. My mother in law gifted me the book Royal Teas: Seasonal Recipes from Buckingham Palace which has been a great inspiration. Its been a joy mastering the perfect English Scone and sourcing the rigueur of the Cream Tea — clotted cream and strawberry jam. I have even ventured into making my own clotted cream with raw heavy cream. Sourcing the raw cream is the hardest part.
I cherish all the occasions that I have shared Afternoon Tea with family and friends. A pleasing setting to converse and mark life’s special moments. Forever grateful to the Duchess of Bedford for her exceptional insight to host this afternoon ritual in the great salons of 19th Century London. A apt quote from Henry James‘ The Portrait of a Lady 1881, “There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as Afternoon Tea.”