At 5 pm, the British tea time, remains one of the most important ancient traditions in the country. It is true that this tradition is falling into disuse, but there are still many people who remain faithful to their five o’clock tea and many English hotels offer authentic gourmet experiences to their clients every afternoon.
The history of British tea time
Apparently, it was Catherine of Braganza who, upon marrying King Charles II, introduced the custom of drinking tea to the English court in the 17th century. However, it was not until the 19th century that the famous tea hour was established. They say that the Duchess of Bedford suffered a small faint before dinner and asked for tea with a small snack. Apparently this little cup of tea suited the duchess so well that she made it a tradition to have one every afternoon.
Since then, he would meet with friends and family, at five o’clock around a table full of savory and sweet snacks and steaming British tea. Thus came tea time.
Traditionally, tea time itself has been associated with people from high society, who are the ones who continue to carry this very British tradition as their flag. Today, the most conservative people continue to take their five o’clock tea religiously.
This is five o’clock tea in England
The most important thing is to know the recipes and traditions well. The tea served in the English afternoon is a black tea, usually Earl Grey, Ceylon tea or Daarjeling. Sometimes a combination of both is used. To accompany the tea, some sweet pastries are usually added, as well as mini savory sandwiches. The scones cannot be missing from the tea table.
Tea time in luxury hotels
The luxury hotels continue to be the ones that offer the best tea rooms to their clients. An experience in one of these hotels can cost just over 40 pounds per person, but it is worth attending a ritual of these characteristics. The first thing to know is that the protocol is clear and strict. Men will have to wear a jacket and tie to tea at five o’clock.
It is essential to reserve a table in the best hotels, as they tend to fill up every day. The Ritz or The Dorchester are among the most famous London hotel establishments for their tea hours. On many occasions they accompany the best tea with a glass of top-quality champagne. In fact, in The Dorchester, to continue with the tradition, this summer they have chosen to include ice cream in tea at five. In addition, in this hotel they have the best cakes, the work of pastry chef David Girard.
Facebook Comments
Disqus