Afternoon Tea

The delights of afternoon tea came about in the mid-19^th century to quell those hunger pangs that appear in between meals.  Nowadays we snack on fruit, chocolate and cakes with a cup of tea or coffee to tide us over until our main meal, if time allows, in our busy day-to-day schedules.

The afternoon tea was introduced in England by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in the year 1840.  Those hunger pangs would appear for her around 16:00, and often back in those days their main meal was taken later in the evening around 20:00, so the afternoon tea concept was introduced to tide one over until dinner.

The Duchess requested that a tray of tea, bread and butter and a cake be brought to her room during the afternoon.  This became a habit of hers and something she felt she would share with friends and enjoy their company.

Afternoon tea, in the 1880’s, became very trendy amongst the society women and the upper classes of that era.   They would dress in their finest and visit friends for a gathering in drawing rooms, up and down the country, between 16:00 and 17:00 and enjoy passing the time, gossiping and sharing stories over tea and cakes.

As time has evolved, afternoon tea is still so very popular and the cakes have become far more elaborate; there are many experiences to be had by dining at different establishments for varying prices.  Celebrations of milestone birthdays, hen parties, engagement parties, baby showers and the afternoon for two, with an opportunity to connect with one another, over some very tantalising delights; what better and sophisticated way than indulging in this historic adventure?

The John Smith’s Stadium now has afternoon tea on offer – the snack between meals – it is served with a grand selection of tea and is an experience to be enjoyed by all.

Menu

A selection of freshly made finger sandwiches:

Honey roast ham, tomato and mustard

Mature Cheddar, red pepper and spring onion

Egg mayonnaise and cress

Homemade sausage roll, mustard and pickles

Fresh scones with jam and creams

A selection of cakes

Served with tea, coffee, or speciality teas

Freshly made finger sandwiches, fresh scones and cakes for £16.50 per person.

Enjoy a festive take on the traditional afternoon tea served in our Legends Café Bar here at The John Smith’s Stadium. Relax and enjoy the afternoon with family and friends. Served Monday to Friday between 11:30 and 15:30. Monday 18^th November 2019 – Friday 20^th December 2019.

Freshly made finger sandwiches, fresh scones and cakes for £15.00 per person, sparkling wine festive afternoon tea for £19.95 per person and Champagne afternoon tea for £23.95 per person.

Menu

Finger sandwiches:

Salmon and dill

Cucumber and cream cheese (v)

Turkey and cranberry

Egg and watercress (v)

Warm honey roast ham scones, served with sliced mature Cheddar cheese and plum chutney

Chestnut, spinach and butternut squash Wellington (ve) (v)

Chocolate orange mousse (v)

Mini stollen bites (v)

Griottines cherry and cream meringue nest (v)

Warm mince pies and brandy butter (v)

Tiffin is an Indian English word for a type of meal.  It refers to a light tea served around 15:00.

In the British Raj, tiffin was used to define the British custom of afternoon tea and it is derived from tiffin, an English colloquial or slang term, meaning to take a little drink.

So, to add some sparkle to your afternoon tea, why not try with Champagne or Prosecco and indulge as we have done throughout the centuries around the world?

Contact Nicola in our events team on 01484 484116.