Planning afternoon tea events
Tea needs no introduction, yet perhaps something that’s been around for the best part of two thousand years or possibly more, deserves a little bit more attention…so here we go! Over the last two years, there has been a huge demand for ‘tea parties’ – from children’s events to elegant tea ceremonies. Wedding reception teas, to vintage garden parties – where the great British cuppa takes pride of place. It was originally designed to fill the hole between lunch and dinner, when a cake and a cup of tea would just fit the bill. How it’s grown! And to celebrate this British tradition, we will share our ideas for planning afternoon tea events with you – and include the best places in and around Manchester to enjoy this much-loved drink.
The British enjoy a good cuppa, and they’re the first to know the basic principle of brewing a good one. Boiling water! None of the wishy-washy infusions or briefly introducing a teabag to warm water for us! But this isn’t quite so true anymore. All you have to do is take a look at a supermarket shelf to become aware of the endless possibilities of the humble tea leaf, with added oils and flavours, not to mention other herbs and flowers that we happily enjoy.
So, our first piece of advice on the TLC list of ideas for planning afternoon tea events – think beyond the ‘traditional tea’ and offer a wide selection of infusions and blends. Your audience is more discerning than ever, so choice is key.
Presentation is also vital. Tea pots range from glass, contemporary styles to floral and vintage, so be inspired to make the tea ‘theatrical’ and not just a drink! The big question of course…should I put tea or milk in first? Apparently putting milk in first offers a better combination of the two liquids. Traditionally the cold milk protected delicate china from boiling tea that may crack it. The second school of thought is that by putting the tea in first then you are allowing your guest to flavour their tea to their personal preference. So, no definitive answer! Whatever way you choose, I would simply add flair, individuality and drama to the occasion. Choose unusual cups. Dress waiters as tea butlers. Dry ice perhaps? Create a sense of adventure to the event.
Let your imagination run riot. You could hold a traditional afternoon Tea Ceremony with a Japanese or Chinese twist…We love the stylish Mad Hatter tea parties… Alice, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, the Cheshire Cat, lots of Doormice….. or for a wider interpretation of the timeless story, you could contrast the different takes on young and sweet Alice in Wonderland.
Or the darker and more sinister Tim Burton and Johnny Depp take on the Lewis Carroll classic.
Go vintage. Lots of mismatched colourful china, beautiful cake stands, tiny jugs of exquisite flowers, and oh… the food. Tiny sandwiches, delicate pastries and cakes, scones with fabulous preserves and a delicious dollop of clotted cream.
Celebrate the British outdoors. Who else would celebrate National Picnic Week other than us barmy Brits! And what better to compliment your picnic than with a traditional English Afternoon Tea complete with mouth-watering bite-sized smoked salmon or cucumber sandwiches, mini scones with good strawberry jam and clotted cream and grandma’s fruit cake. If you are not driving then pack a very chilled bottle of sparkling wine, drop in blue Curacao and a strawberry and hey presto – Red, White and Blue cocktail!
On a large scale, and not weather dependent, I love bringing the fete to the afternoon tea festivities with a combination of side stalls and games, funfairs and carousels, food carts and drink stalls – with everything served to guests at painted benches and long tables. Preferably all happening outside of course, but in true British tradition, if the heavens open this can all be served inside too! Entertainment is also key from a one-man band to a folk band, from May Pole demonstrations to pop festivals. Whilst music tastes might vary there is something for everyone and under the summer sun all sorts of things can appeal! Just add a gorgeous array of tea delights, and the party is underway!
Go contemporary, maybe taking up the Australasian ideas of putting a twist on the conventional afternoon tea. Australasia, the iconic underground restaurant in Manchester does a spectacularly different Afternoon Tea with a subtle Asian Twist. Again, it’s always necessary to book for this extravaganza – go to
www.afternoontea.co.uk/uk/north-west/manchester/australasia/.
But whichever you choose, there’s a consistent theme… a great opportunity to stage it all round a wonderful Afternoon Tea Ceremony.
Now for some more top tips for places for planning afternoon tea events, or simply enjoying with your friends for a special treat.
-I love the elegant airiness of the River Restaurant at the Lowry Hotel for a contemporary afternoon tea with a twist. Having received the Excellence Award by The British Tea Guild, tea here is an event in itself.
-Or a little bit out of town there are two great places to consider. My personal favourite is Victors in Hale for a light filled ambience and a delicious selection of afternoon teas from simply scones and tea through to a Champagne special.
-If you feel like a drive out, The Bridge Hotel in Prestbury have the most delightful garden in which you can while away the time on a sunny day, whilst sipping and nibbling on a delightful array of afternoon tea goodies.
–The Midland Hotel has just opened a lovely new Afternoon Tea room if you are a traditionalist….tea at The Midland… iconic in the city!
-Further afield. The most delicious flower based tea I ever drank was in Florians in Venice… A glorious rose scent pervaded the air as the teapot steamed gently as we nibbled on cantucci biscuits….?! Florians have a wonderful e-shop which allows me to top up on supplies of these delicious goodies. Go to http://shop.caffeflorian.com.
If you have enjoyed reading about planning afternoon tea events, you might also like this..ideas for the perfect summer cocktails to accompany your tea party : https://www.tlc-ltd.co.uk/top-5-summer-cocktails-taylor-lynn-corporation/