The 7th Duchess of Bedford is thought to have been the originator of the tradition of afternoon tea when she complained of having “that sinking feeling” during the afternoon and took to her boudoir with a pot of tea and a snack. This soon caught on in the fashionable drawing rooms of London and by the mid 19th Century a new tradition had been born!
Until recently the preserve of old-fashioned hotels such as The Ritz and The Savoy, taking afternoon tea out in London is now a more accessible indulgence. A great excuse to sit down with friends, catch up on your reading or just to take a break, this wonderful English tradition is something I wholeheartedly endorse. At St Paul’s you can even add a glass of delicious Carter’s English rosé sparkling wine to enhance the experience further.
An important ingredient of afternoon tea, aside from cucumber sandwiches and sponge cakes, is a homemade scone or two; preferably with cream and jam for a decadent treat, and of course a well-brewed pot of tea. For the perfect cuppa, the water should be freshly drawn and poured onto the leaves whilst still boiling. Tea should always be made in a pot as the milk (if you take it) should go into the cup before the tea.
