FOOD + DRINK
THE ART OF
Afternoon Tea
A QUINTESSENTIAL ENGLISH TRADITION THAT INVITES INDULGENCE AND A REFLECTIVE MOMENT OF PAUSE, THE ART OF AFTERNOON TEA HAS LONG BEEN CHERISHED FOR ITS CEREMONIOUS CHARM- A TRADITION OUR HERITAGE-RICH COUNTY HONOURS SPECTACULARLY.
While tea drinking in Britain had surged in popularity thanks to King Charles II and his wife Catherine de Braganza as early as the 1600s, the tradition of afternoon tea wasn’ t in fact introduced to the opulent drawing rooms of England’ s high society until around 1840. Rather simply beginning with Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, who, during an era when wealthy classes dined much later into the evening, requested a light tray of tea, bread, butter and small cakes each afternoon. What began as a personal enjoyment soon blossomed, the manors and royal residences of the upper class following suit and enjoying a spot of tea and something sweet before their evening meal, too. Before long, people started to join together for the ritual, hosting fashionable gatherings and eventually ushering in the rise of tea rooms and gardens across the country, truly cementing afternoon tea within the traditions of British culture.
Today, while the act of afternoon tea isn’ t quite as much of a grand affair, requiring heirloom bone china and expensive formal finery, the ritual is enjoyed in much the same way and is recognised as a delightful opportunity to indulge, gather and savour delectable bites, warming teas and the company of our nearest and dearest.
A county of prided heritage elegance, Kent has long been loved for its commitment to championing adored traditions with a touch of historical glamour. Nowadays presenting a fresh and innovative take on the art, our thriving county is the proud home to an abundance of spectacular afternoon tea destinations, each boasting the likes of stunning settings, brilliant showcases of local produce and the finest sparkling toasts. From regal countryside manors and charming tea rooms to luxurious hotels and quirky family-friendly gems, we have endeavoured to discover some of Kent’ s very best afternoon tea spots; perfect for your next quintessential adventure. With plenty of freshly baked scones, light finger sandwiches, melt-in-yourmouth pastries and artisan cakes that are almost too pretty to eat to go around, there’ s no reason not to sip and savour a delightful Kentish spread this summer season.
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, Lympne aspinallfoundation. org / port-lympne
There isn’ t anything quite like an afternoon tea at the very heart of the remarkable Port Lympne Reserve, especially after a safari tour exploring acres of rolling parkland to seek out the many
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