As Henry James put it: “There are few hours … more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony of afternoon tea.” But this very English tradition is newer than you may have realised. While the beverage itself has been enjoyed widely in the country since the seventeenth century, it was only in the mid-1800s that the notion of ‘afternoon’ tea first emerged.
Typically, this treat comprises dainty sandwiches (with cucumber if you’re Lady Bracknell) and scones with cream and jam, plus cakes and pastries. The best beverage to accompany it is India or Ceylon tea, ideally served in exquisite bone-china cups from silver teapots.
And although the custom kind of lingers, these days it’s more likely to take the form of an office drinks round or a mug with a tea bag and a couple of custard creams. However, proper afternoon tea is still an option at many venues – and research has shown that millennials, for example, are embracing the concept but doing it their own way with global favours from hoisin duck bites and mini samosas becoming increasingly popular choices.
There are many benefits to having afternoon tea with your friends if you’re planning any sort of celebration. It typically costs less than a full restaurant meal, and ends earlier than the average night out if your dancing-till-dawn days are over. Plus it’s a lot more sedate. There’s a sense of a classy occasion and the feeling that you’re having a treat. And you certainly won’t leave feeling hungry! There’s time to catch up with people at leisure – and to actually hear them! It’s also flexible in that you can all enjoy a glass of something – or you can keep the occasion alcohol-free, or just some of you can have a drink.
So it’s no wonder that afternoon tea is such a sought-after choice for special events from bridal and baby showers to the classier kind of hen do, among other occasions.
Join us for Afternoon tea at The Palm House
The Palm House is the on-site eatery at The Pack House, based near Farnham, Surrey and offering a unique shopping experience with dozens of traders in a gorgeous setting. Enjoy some browsing before or after your meal to make a complete afternoon of it.
We offer two takes on the traditional menu, with sweet and savoury afternoon tea options. The former includes scones with jam and clotted cream, and treats including mini-cake, macaroons and jam tartlets, alongside sandwiches with a choice of fillings. Go for the savoury menu and tuck into cheese scones, mini quiches, mini-puff tartlets and Tempura prawns and, again, a line-up of tasty sandwiches. Choose from English Breakfast, Earl Grey or our refreshing line-up of green, herbal and other teas.
And to suit such a sophisticated occasion, the elegant backdrop is stylish and welcoming. The Palm House is also a versatile place, from our partially private mezzanine setting to full exclusive private hire.
So for your next special event, whatever that may be, and whatever your budget and group size, think afternoon tea – get in touch for full details and prices.
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