Afternoon tea is a concept at first quite intriguing and difficult to grasp as a foreigner. Earlier than continental dinner, far more elaborate than a simple cup of tea with biscuits and definitely more refined than a mid-afternoon snack. A posh version may even be coupled with a classy glass of champagne.
Fortnum & Mason was created just before the dawn of the Georgian era in 1707. William Fortnum, a Queen Anne’s footman, and his landlord set up a shop in St James’s together to dispose of the queen’s half-used candles wax, then greatly developed and expanded. It is now a highly respected London institution renowned for its delightful outmoded charm and excellent quality products.
I was quite excited by the opportunity to at last experience this most traditional of afternoon teas, located in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon on the 4th floor at Piccadilly premises and opened by HM The Queen. I had heard about it so many times, including by non-Londoners going there on a kind of pilgrimage each time they visit the capital.
I must admit I was at first a tiny tad disappointed by the décor (quite refined but a little too bland to my taste) and mostly the touristy feel arising from a few tables of people wearing jeans and sneakers (although it is specifically requested to dress smartly).
But I did not want these details to spoil my treat...
If you go for the traditional Afternoon Tea menu, you have the choice between two options: the Fortnum’s Afternoon Tea (mainly sweet, with a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserve, and afternoon tea cakes), or the Savoury Afternoon Tea (with the same finger sandwiches, savoury scones, savouries and cakes). Of course, we wanted to try everything and ordered one of each. What a good idea!
Tea is served in fine china with delicate golden decorations underlining the distinctive Fortnum aqua colour. The edible delicacies are presented on three-tier silver trays that complete the lavish look of the table dressed with a white tablecloth, fresh roses and silverware. The mouth-watering sight of the sandwiches and savouries definitely opened my appetite while I could not help myself but to keep an eye on the scones and admire the graceful beauty of the cakes. But let’s not forget about the pièce de résistance: not only is it pleasing to the eye, it is also delicious! And it is also enough to satisfy your appetite, even if you plan to skip dinner.
Of course, the experience is not cheap (£44 or £48 depending on if you choose a classic blend tea or one of the single estate teas) but it is for sure one to remember and a great way to indulge yourself or treat loved ones.
http://www.fortnumandmason.com/
http://www.fortnumandmason.com/c-54-diamond-jubilee-tea-salon-afternoon-tea-london.aspx to make a reservation
Written by Aude Eyraud who works as a volunteer at FOCUS Information Services.
For more information about FOCUS visit: www.focus-info.org
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