96 » OpenRoad Driver
EXTRAS
To a Tea
Words by Melissa Mak
Photos by Andrew Ling
“There are few hours in life
more agreeable than the
ceremony known as afternoon
tea,” once said author Henry
James.
»
Unlike modern-day afternoon tea service,
the 7th Duchess of Bedford’s idea of
afternoon tea consisted only of small bites
and treats. Today, we are being offered
tiers after tiers of savoury hors d’oeuvres
and handcrafted sweets that amount to a
full-deal meal. Since the 1800s, the concept
of afternoon tea has evolved significantly,
but very much remains a luxury for those
who take the time to appreciate it. Here are
some of our favourite places to spend the
afternoon and self-indulge in the luxuries
of afternoon tea.
Photo courtesy of The Urban Tea Merchant
The tradition of afternoon tea started
over three centuries ago in the 1800s
in England, when the 7th Duchess of
Bedford needed a pick-me-up in between
meals. Dinner wasn’t normally served
until 8:00 pm, so there was a long gap
between lunch and the next meal. She
wanted something small that would satisfy
her hunger, but not too substantial that
it would affect her appetite for dinner.
This became the ritual we now know as
afternoon tea.