Check it out i’m drinking afternoon tea and eating scones in London. During my last week in London while out in the city I made it a mission to spend for some classy afternoon tea in an upmarket hotel. I settled on Haymarket Hotel’s afternoon tea for 30 pounds. Here is their afternoon tea party menu. Even if you never make it to London it provides some good tea party menu ideas.
POMMERY CHAMPAGNE TEA
A glass of Pommery Champagne
Selection of homemade cakes
Bowl of strawberries
Fruit and plain scones
Clotted cream and preservesSelection of sandwiches:
Cucumber sandwiches
Mature cheddar and tomato
Crayfish and mayonnaise
Roast beef and horseradishSelection of teas, coffee or infusions: The silver needles are carefully mixed by hand with fresh jasmine flowers. At an exact temperature and humidity the jasmine flowers give off their fragrance while the silver tips are able to absorb the jasmine’s scent.
The server was on top of his game. Attentive and knowledgeable about the fresh teas offered. The way he described the jasmine tea made it taste just that more posh. The pastries were pretty great too coming on that tiered stand.
You can see I am clearly enjoying myself like I was king from the British Empire. Considering most Brits are probably busy working at 2PM and can’t take an afternoon tea I just might be royalty, American style.
The server was actually very bright so I asked him about afternoon tea etiquette. It was only myself and a friend so I am not sure how much of it actually applies when the group is small. So you start with a firm handshake like any aristocrat would do. The napkin goes on the lap or on the table if, say, you go to the bathroom. I don’t like sugar or milk in my tea. However, the sugar goes in first. Then goes some thinly sliced lemon. Though never put the lemon and milk together.
One should actually eat from the tea tray according to eating the dull stuff first, and the sweetest foods last. Scones are pretty difficult and meant to be split in half with a knife. Place the curd and cream on the plate using the knife to then put them on each bite. Most important is the proper holding of cup. Absolutely do not put your pinky “up”, this is not correct. You must ook into the teacup when drinking — never over it. So there you have it. Afternoon tea.
Sponsor: Lisbon is one of those cities that can make you travel in time. Don’t you believe me? Spend some days in one of the Lisbon apartments
and then tell me.