Collaborative Post
Working part time for a charity and suffering with my own mental health, I am passionate about helping those who may be feeling a little vulnerable, as restrictions continue to ease in preparation for being lifted entirely in as little as two weeks. Heading out for an afternoon tea with a couple of close friends would be a lovely way to ease yourself back into going out socially, and it is so much fun! During the pandemic, Age Co produced The Great British Guide to Afternoon Tea, which uses an interactive map to look at the best afternoon tea locations across Britain, along with afternoon tea etiquette from expert Eileen Donaghey.
As well as teaching #TeaTimeEtiqutte and sharing the best afternoon tea spots across the country on the handy interactive map, the guide also provides a quick and easy quiz to test your knowledge and find out how much of an afternoon tea expert you are (including a question on the age old debate of whether you should put the cream or jam on a scone first). I took the quiz to find out, and can confirm I am an afternoon tea regular, which makes sense as I have enjoyed lots of them over the past few years!
These are some of my favourite things about Afternoon Tea and a few photos from my personal favourite venues in the Dorset area.
They are Sociable
I like going for an afternoon tea to catch up with friends, as it is more sociable than a big sit down meal and I find you can relax and enjoy each others company a little more. Sitting around a table and sharing delicious cakes, pastries and finger sandwiches is so much fun, and I can’t wait to book an afternoon tea for the summer.
Sweet & Savoury
Afternoon Tea offers the perfect mix of sweet and savoury for those, like me, who can’t make up their mind which they prefer. I love to enjoy a couple of sandwiches before feasting on all those sweet treats. When it comes to a scone, I like them warm, with plenty of clotted cream (I don’t do jam – I know, controversial), and they must be plain, as I don’t like dried fruit.
All About the Fizz
If you are celebrating a special event, or just fancy being a little bit extra, you can add on a glass or two of prosecco or champagne at most venues, which just makes afternoon tea even more incredible. There is something so special about raising a glass over a delicious afternoon tea with loved ones.
Variety is Key
I love that venues are becoming more experimental with their afternoon tea packages now, with themed versions such as Beauty & The Beast, Under the Sea and Harry Potter versions available across the UK. It would make a lovely birthday idea, for anybody planning to get together now restrictions are easing.
Afternoon Tea is a British pastime I can definitely get behind. If you fancy finding out more about this British staple, make sure you read The Great British Guide to Afternoon Tea from Age Co.
This is a collaborative post, however all words are my own.
