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Afternoon tea - a British institution

Afternoon tea was invented by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford (1783-1857), a lady-in-wait to Queen Victoria. afternoon-tea-at-fortnum-and-mason-in-london-20202

In her day, the upper crust ate a huge breakfast, little lunch, and a very late dinner.

Every afternoon, the duchess experienced a "sinking feeling." One afternoon she instructed her servants to serve tea and little cakes in her boudoir.

The experience was so delightful that Anna repeated it every afternoon thereafter.  Soon others followed the Duchess' lead, and in just a few decades the custom of "taking tea" in the afternoon had become well established.

At first the practice was limited to the upper classes, but it eventually became so popular that tea shops and tea-rooms began opening for the enjoyment of the general public. Join the experience and indulge in an assortment of finger sandwiches, traditional scones with clotted cream and preserves, and a selection of teas

We have 3 Afternoon Tea experiences for you at two top London Hotels and Fortnum and Mason the Royal grocers in Piccadilly.  It is wise to book in advance as they are frequently sold out. For more information and to book securely online click on the currency of your choice below:

 

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