A country renowned for its age old customs and traditions, England is a land with a strong sense of history. The famed English landmarks all have a rich and distinctive past. The streets give off a sense of age and maturity that is not found in many places. This and the promise of a proper English experience are what draw the tourists year after year. Especially now, with the Olympics 2012 set to be held in England, visitors will be delighted to learn that not much has changed, and beneath it all, England is the same splendid place described in countless articles and stories.
Nothing is as quintessentially British as taking tea. Depending on the time it is consumed, it may be described as High tea or Afternoon tea. While not as ceremonial as the Japanese way of tea drinking, there is a certain charm about High tea that makes it popular the world over. The traditional High tea takes place at 6 o’clock. It is a substantial meal consisting of sweets such as tea cakes or buns, scones, crumpets, as well as savoury items such as pickles, poached eggs and toast, and of course tea or coffee.
Afternoon tea, sometimes referred to as Low tea, is a less elaborate affair. Traditionally taken at around 4 in the evening, Afternoon tea consists of tea or coffee, and a treat or two. The practice of Afternoon tea has an illustrious history. It is believed to have started in the early 19th century, with Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford. At the time, dinner was typically served at 9 pm, so the duchess usually ordered tea and cakes to be delivered to her room as a snack before dinner. The habit quickly caught on, and the rest is history.
These days High tea has evolved into a special treat, an occasional indulgence and one that visitors can hardly afford to miss when touring the country where it all started. Both Afternoon and High tea is served at most UK hotels. Millennium & Copthorne Hotels UK, have hotels in several cities in England, and you can enjoy a traditional English tea there. UK hotel special offers can also help make the holiday extra special.