How to have an authentic British Afternoon Tea experience

Summary

The Savoy Hotel in London offers an exceptional afternoon tea experience that has been a tradition since 1889. Guests enjoy a luxurious selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of bite-sized cakes and pastries. Paired with 28 varieties of tea, including the hotel’s signature Savoy Breakfast tea, the ceremony is a visual and culinary delight. Guests can also indulge in champagne, and the entire affair is a reflection of British tradition, dating back to the Duchess of Bedford in 1840. Afternoon tea at the Savoy remains a cherished occasion, blending history with modern elegance.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Savoy Hotel has been serving afternoon tea since its opening in 1889, making it a historic destination for this British tradition.
• 😀 Afternoon tea at the Savoy includes multiple elements, such as tea, finger sandwiches, scones, and bite-sized cakes and pastries.
• 😀 Guests can choose from 28 varieties of tea, with the Savoy Breakfast tea being the most popular option.
• 😀 The first course features finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, smoked salmon, egg, and chicken curry, all made with attention to detail.
• 😀 Award-winning pastry chef Nikola Ushe uses a special technique to prepare sandwiches with colorful, visually appealing layers.
• 😀 A glass of champagne is traditionally served at the beginning of the afternoon tea experience.
• 😀 There are specific tea etiquette rules at the Savoy, including not stirring tea loudly and avoiding licking the spoon.
• 😀 The tradition of afternoon tea was invented by the Duchess of Bedford in 1840 to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner.
• 😀 Scones served at the Savoy come with clotted cream, strawberry jam, and lemon curd. There’s a popular debate about whether to spread the jam or cream first.
• 😀 Afternoon tea at the Savoy is an immersive experience, with around 200 guests partaking daily, often for special celebrations or indulgent moments.
• 😀 The cost of an afternoon tea at the Savoy, including champagne, is approximately 90 euros per person.

Q & A

What is the history behind the tradition of afternoon tea?

The tradition of afternoon tea dates back to 1840 and was invented by the Duchess of Bedford, who found there was too much of a gap between lunch and dinner. She began requesting her servants to prepare sandwiches, scones, and cakes in the afternoon, which she enjoyed so much that she started inviting friends over. This practice quickly spread and became a widespread tradition by the time the Savoy Hotel opened in 1889.

When did the Savoy Hotel start serving afternoon tea?

The Savoy Hotel began serving afternoon tea in 1889, the year it opened.

What are the main components of the Savoy's afternoon tea?

The Savoy's afternoon tea includes tea itself, finger sandwiches (with ingredients like cucumber, salmon, eggs, and chicken with curry sauce), scones with lemon curd, cream, strawberry jam, and clotted cream, and a selection of bite-sized cakes and pastries.

What type of tea is most popular at the Savoy?

The most popular tea at the Savoy is the Savoy Breakfast tea, a special black tea produced especially for the hotel.

What etiquette is recommended when drinking tea at the Savoy?

Guests are advised not to stir the tea in a circular motion but to go up and down. Additionally, it is important not to clink the teaspoon against the sides of the cup or lick the spoon.

How are the sandwiches prepared at the Savoy?

The sandwiches are made by the award-winning pastry chef Nikola Ushe and his team. They prepare hundreds of sandwiches daily, using techniques that allow them to be sliced together for a neat and visually appealing finish.

What is the debate around eating scones in England?

The most divisive question in England regarding scones is whether to apply the jam or the clotted cream first. There is no official rule, so it comes down to personal preference.

How often are the scones baked at the Savoy to ensure freshness?

Scones are baked throughout the day every half an hour to ensure they arrive at the table piping hot and with the right texture and temperature.

What is the price for an afternoon tea at the Savoy, including champagne?

The price for an afternoon tea at the Savoy, including champagne, is approximately 90 Euros per person.

How many guests typically enjoy afternoon tea at the Savoy daily?

Around 200 guests come to the Savoy daily to enjoy afternoon tea.