When it comes to traditional activities that visitors to London like to get up to on a visit to the Smoke, very few compare in expectation and genuine enjoyment from the reality than indulging in an afternoon. And yet, in addition to the myriad choices on offer with them, there’s also etiquette to consider – not least when partaking in the exercise at our Park Grand London accommodation…
- Milk then tea, or tea then milk? – an important question for novices for sure is when to add milk and tea to the teacup – tea then mill or the other way around? Well, should you put the tea in first (or just a smidgen) it’ll enable you to try out the flavour of the specific tea type first before committing to it for full cup. Alternatively, by adding the milk first and the tea second, it’s believed this results in a better blend of the two liquids. Your choice then!
- What to do with your little finger? – another bone (or, rather, pinkie) of contention is whether or not to tuck your little finger in or let it stick out while drinking from an ornate china teacup; the answer’s undoubted here – you should always do the former, never the latter. Why? Because there’s nothing posh about letting your pinkie stick out; it’s affected and inelegant and considered a real faux pas in developed dining circles.
In which case, if you’ve a mind to book a room/ rooms at the Park Grand hotel Lancaster Gate in the coming weeks and love the idea of indulging that desire of having an afternoon tea, just what’ll be on offer? Well, among the afternoon tea London types you can expect at our accommodation are the following…
Traditional Afternoon Tea
One for traditionalists (obviously), the standard yet fantastic afternoon tea this version serves up a choice of assorted teas, freshly-made finger sandwiches, scones, tartlets, macaroons, muffins and cream doughnuts. Who could say no to all that, honestly?
Ice Cream Afternoon Tea
Suitable for summer and then some, this afternoon tea-type serves up guests and with a cream tea of the classic ilk (sandwiches of assorted ingredients, as well as just-baked scones with clotted cream and jam), plus an awesome cacophony of flavoured ice creams, cones, an ice cream sundae and an irresistible glass of pink Champagne.
Chocolate Afternoon Tea
Ideal for sweet-toothers and lovers of sheer indulgence, this version offers up assorted teas, as well as finger sandwiches and macaroons and then – and then! – a choice between chocolate scones, chocolate Swiss roll, chocolate muffins or a triple chocolate loaf bite, banana and walnut cake.
Indian-inspired Afternoon Tea
Finally, this unique Indian afternoon tea brings the Orient to the heart of London Town. In addition to the standard staples that are assorted sandwiches, you can sample either Assam or Darjeeling tea, both of which are complimented by Mumbai’s favourite teatime-snack, the ‘Bombay Aloo Bonda Pav’ (a spiced potato croquette with sweet and spicy chutneys layers wrapped up in tasty bread that’s both crispy yet soft to the taste). Delicious!
