The ritual and ceremony of serving afternoon tea is one of the most quintessentially British rituals and can now be enjoyed continental-style at Patisserie Valerie.
The afternoon tea menu is now available at cafes in York, Nottingham (Exchange Arcade), Cambridge (Bridge Street), Soho (Old Compton Street), Marble Arch, Knightsbridge and Selfridge’s Bullring (Birmingham).
Afternoon tea is a tradition believed to have been first introduced in the early 19th century, by the 7th Duchess of Bedford, Anna, who asked that a tray of tea and a snack, often bread and butter or cake, be served to her during the late afternoon.
The ritual of taking tea soon grew into an event, with the duchess inviting her friends and relatives asking them to join her for tea, and other social hostess quickly following suit. Before long, fashionable society was sipping tea and nibbling sandwiches and cakes in the middle of the afternoon, a habit that gradually spread from the home to tea rooms and tea gardens where light music and sometimes even a little dancing where woven into these events for light entertainment.
The serving of Afternoon Tea continues, and Patisserie Valerie’s brand new afternoon tea for two menu includes traditional finger sandwiches, scones and mini versions of its irresistible cake treats.
Three of the cafes offering the exclusive menu also offer the chance to add a little sparkle to afternoon tea with a Prosecco upgrade. A glass of fizz can be added to afternoon tea at Soho, Knightsbridge and Selfridges Bullring.
Afternoon tea for two available at: York, Nottingham, Cambridge (Bridge Street) and Marble Arch.
Afternoon tea with Prosecco option available at: Soho, Knightsbridge and Selfirdges Bullring.