The Abroad Blog: Would You Like a Spot of Tea?

Hello my fellow collegiates,

Prior to packing my bags and heading across the pond to study abroad in London, I made an indelible list of all the things I wanted to experience during my four months in Europe.  The list includes but is not limited to a ride on the London Eye, a Kate Middleton sighting (to be clear, I would prefer a handshake or a lengthy conversation but what are the chances of that happening short of me scaling the barbed wire wall at Kensington Palace?), traveling to Italy and Ireland and collecting loyalty cards from Liberty, Harvey Nichols, Harrods and Selfridges.  But when you think of London, what is one of the first things that come to mind?  That London is a city of tea drinkers!  So an obvious addition to my list was experiencing a true high tea that did not empty my bank account.  As luck would have it, my mom was in town and treated my friends and me to high tea, clotted cream and all.

Myself, Izzy, Sydney, Meredith, Monica, Lucy and my mother (not pictured) met at The Lanesborough Hotel at approximately four o’clock in the afternoon on an unusually warm Sunday in October for one of the most enjoyable afternoons I have had thus far. The term high tea was coined in the 1830’s, when having afternoon tea became more of a social occasion.  Because the tea and fine fare were served on high tables, the term high tea was born.  Tea service is held the hotel’s main restaurant Apsleys, housed in a massive atrium, complete with a glass ceiling and three enormous crystal chandeliers hanging overhead. 

As we were escorted to our table, little did we know dinner was completely out of the question that evening due to the delectable abundance of tea sandwiches, pastries, cakes and petit fours adorning the table. The first course was sinfully simple, quartered juicy strawberries with a drizzle of fresh heavy cream coupled with a glass of champagne-HEAVEN!

Along with the black tea served in fine English china teacups and suggested by the tea sommelier (yes, a tea sommelier!), came tiered trays upon tiered trays of tea sandwiches, filled with smoked salmon and crème fresh, cucumber and cream cheese, along with a smorgasbord of sweets including mini cakes and tarts. 

Close up of one of my faves-A raspberry curd filled tartlet with a homemade raspberry marshmallow, crispy rice treat slathered in honey decorated with a halved raspberry and blueberry, sitting atop a flaky almond pastry.  A delicious culinary sculpture for the eyes and taste buds…DELECTIBLE!

The best part? Clotted cream and warm scones with homemade strawberry preserves and orange marmalade.  At first I was skeptical about the clotted cream especially since the word clot makes me gag.  However, it is possibly one of the most delicious things I have ever tasted. 

Now that I have high tea checked off on my study abroad list what should I do next? I’m off to make a spot of tea! Until next time collegiates…

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