August 20, 2014 - Written by: Yazmin Joy

Afternoon Tea? Go on then!

Last week was National Afternoon Tea Week. Glorious. Tea and cake are a big part of the aliljoy community, so it was only natural we celebrate this glorious British tradition. Make mine an Earl Grey!

I first got introduced to the delights of Afternoon Tea earlier this year for a friend’s birthday and I can honestly say I am a fan. Three tier cake stand laden with morsels of what can only be described as glory bites of delight. Genius.

When the aliljoy team got invited for Afternoon Tea at The Alverton Hotel in Truro, Cornwall, I was pretty stoked.

Sandwiches without crusts is the norm – and quite right too – far too common those crusts. A bit of loose leaf tea? Oh go on then. How about a bit of cake? Well rude not to really. A scone with a dollop of clotted cream and jam is just cherry on top.

Since it’s always nice to make time to be a lady/gentleman of leisure…

Here are a few tips to optimize your afternoon tea experience:

Dress up

Tea dresses. Yes! Waist coat. Why not? Pearls? Divine. Top hat or bodice? Okay maybe not so necessary. But it’s nice to dress up for the tea occasion.

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Good Company

It’s all about the company darling.

Good Company = Good Conversation = Fabulous Afternoon Tea Experience

I took my Aunty Jessica and we had a good ol’ natter in between cramming our faces with the Alverton’s locally sourced treats. The lemon mousse was particularly pleasant.

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Adjust Your Lingo

Since you are all dressed up and in good company why not make use of some tasteful 19th Century expressions to optimize your experience.

For instance: this salmon sandwich is most agreeable.You’ve become quite the church-bell Agnes. Good grief, did you see Frederick ‘doing the bear’ with Anne last night?

Perfecto.

Location, Location, Location

When choosing a location for your tea the more historic the better. Afternoon tea began in the 1840s and was a 4 o’clock staple for ladies of leisure. Any place with a twist of Downton Abbey decadence is well fitting for afternoon tea. The oldest part of the Alverton was built in 1830 and the building has a grandure most suited to a tea time treat.

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Afternoon tea is to be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you are 13 or 93 it’s one of those activities that you can do with your gran and your besties. It’s a pretty fabulous way to treat yourself after a day of shopping or just afternoon treat.