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Long table set for Afternoon Tea in a Cotswold Garden

Afternoon Tea in the Cotswolds Experience

Our traditional British Afternoon Tea in the Cotswolds Experience is suitable for large groups, friends, or family and provides the elegance and charm of a bygone era.

 

With immaculately presented waiting staff flitting amongst the tables topped with pretty chinaware and gleaming silver tea services, we're particularly proud of our partner venues that meet our British Afternoon Tea Exquisite 5-Star Rating™ promise. These venues offer guests the quintessential experience and the chance to escape the every day and step into a world of elegance and refinement.

 

From the marriage of King Charles II to Catherine of Braganza to Anna Maria Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, your clients will learn about the rich social history of this meal and how to enjoy afternoon tea correctly in accordance with British etiquette.
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The menu offers guests a selection of loose-leaf teas, finger-cut sandwiches with traditional fillings, cakes and pastries, and freshly baked scones with strawberry preserves and rich Devonshire clotted cream.
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Whilst they slowly savour their full afternoon tea, our principal will provide expert advice on the etiquette of enjoying this meal that aligns with British etiquette.

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During the meal, guests can also ask questions about British customs and traditions and even take part in a fun British etiquette quiz with a prize for the winner! This experience is incredibly popular with families of all ages, enabling them to bond, learn, and have fun together.

 

Our team at Exquisite Cotswolds understands the importance of providing a truly exceptional experience for our clients. We work with luxury hotels and afternoon tea venues across the Cotswold region to design custom experiences catering to each client's needs.

 

Our focus on personalisation means that we consider your group's location, size and budget when creating your bespoke experience. From start to finish, our team is dedicated to ensuring every detail is taken care of, providing seamless and unforgettable memories.

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With our expert guidance and arrangements, your clients can experience the Cotswolds uniquely and unforgettably. Therefore, we invite you to a complimentary discovery call to discuss your client's requirements in more detail. Simply complete the form at the bottom of the page, and we will be in touch within one working day to discuss how we can help.

Victorian Tea Room

The History of Afternoon Tea

  • The Seventh Duchess of Bedford and how Afternoon Tea was created.

  • The changes in the British class systems as a result of the Industrial Revolution.

  • The Impact of the middle-class Victorians on Afternoon Tea.

  • The difference between High Tea and Afternoon Tea.

  • The Victorian Tea Rooms.

  • How dress codes have changed throughout the years.

The History of Tea

  • King Charles II's marriage to Catherine de Braganza and the trading rights that were included in the dowry.

  • The history of the black market for tea in the UK.

  • How and why tea became the UK’s national drink.

  • Understanding black, white, and green tea.

  • How to brew, steep and serve for optimum flavour.

  • The importance of loose-leaf tea.

  • Is milk in first or last?

  • Accompaniments for tea.

  • How to hold your cup & saucer.

  • How to stir your tea correctly.

  • Strainers, teapots, teacups, teaspoons.

tea set
plates of scones with jam and cream on a white tablecloth in a formal dining room with gre

Sandwiches, Scones and Pastries

  • How and when the sandwich was created.

  • Traditional fillings and shapes.

  • The history of scones (and how to pronounce them correctly!)

  • The importance of clotted cream and how it is produced.

  • Correct layering of your scone.

  • Use of the patisserie fork.

  • How to eat your finger sandwiches and other savouries.

Duties of the Host & Guest

  • Invitations for tea

  • What time should you arrive?

  • Knowing when to start

  • Napkin etiquette

  • Polite tea talk

Lady writing afternoon tea invitations in a luxury cotswold office_edited.jpg

Investment:

Duration:

Date:

Venue:

Additional:

On enquiry.

2 Hours

A mutually agreeable date will be discussed on enquiry.

We will recommend a venue closest to your client's location, which will have been curated to meet our Exquisite 5-Star Rating™ promise. We are also open to discussing your choice of venue.

We offer an interpreter for non-English-speaking visitors. We also provide a professional event photography service for those extra-special occasions, capturing the special moment and allowing the memories to live forever.

"With Emma Dupont at the helm you won’t be disappointed when it comes to learning formal and entertaining rules. I have been delighted over and over again with her fun and simple teachings.

 

I love her sunny disposition, elegance, beauty and charm. She has proven to be my perfect teacher.

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Wendy, 2022

Contact

+44 (0)1666 560125

Correspondence Address

Star Lodge

Montpellier Drive

Cheltenham

Glos

GL50 1TY

Opening Hours

Mon - Fri

9.00 am - 6.00 pm

Saturday

9.00 am - 1.00 pm

Sunday

Closed

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