Afternoon tea was introduced in
England in 1840 by Anna, seventh Duchess of Bedford. It was served at four o'
clock, filling the gap between lunch at dinner. Originally consisting of bread
and butter, cake and tea. She would invite friends to join her and thus began
the tradition of afternoon tea.
Some 40 years later, afternoon
tea became a fashionable event. Society women would dress in fine gowns,
accessorised with hat and gloves and take tea in their drawing rooms.
Dainty sandwiches were introduced,
scones served with clotted cream and preserve as well as cakes and pastries,
with tea drunk from delicate bone china cups.
Nowadays afternoon tea is a
delightful experience enjoyed by people of all ages and from all backgrounds.
It is more of a special celebratory meal, than an everyday occurrence.
Over 100 years later, the
afternoon tea menu served today, is very similar to that served in the grand
drawing rooms of the upper class ladies of society. It has delighted
generations and will continue to do so.
We are delighted to be part of
this tradition. Our afternoon tea is served on beautiful vintage china. It
includes a selection of traditional finger sandwiches, dainty buttered scones
accompanied by lashings of clotted cream and strawberry preserve, scrumptious
macaroons, heavenly rich chocolate brownies, delicate fruit tarts and delicious
homemade cakes of various flavours. All washed down with our lovely refreshing tea.
www.vintageteaparty.co
