"I'll wait for you at home for a tea", a classic invitation to the afternoon which makes us think of a meeting between friends, a delightful meeting place in which to exchange a chat. But this custom that we have inherited over time and changed according to our beliefs, is born two centuries ago by the will of the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in England. The British in fact, at that time, used to consume only two meals a day, lunch and dinner. But the Duchess, impatient, due to the numerous attacks of hunger, asked a waiter to serve her you accompanied by sweets just before 17. This experience was so appreciated by the Duchess Anna, who decided to repeat it every day. So it was that she began, shortly thereafter, to invite friends and acquaintances to join her.
But unfounded those of you who have never identified with an elegant one lady of the nineteenth century, who wearing white satin gloves sips skillfully, with the little finger up, a cup of tea? Like the loyal English customers of Library Lounge of the Marriott County Hall of London overlooking Westminster Bridge. Where with its beige armchairs and the pretty round tables covered with pink placemats, it seems to travel a journey through time, when the tea rooms, in the early twentieth century, Were occupied by distinguished gentlemen and bourgeois women, used to exchange the latest gossip between a sip of hot and aromatic drink and a fragrant pastry.
THE RULES OF ATERNOON TEA
It is called the 5 o'clock tea but in reality in all the places, especially the English ones, it is served between 15.30 and 17.00, to always maintain a certain detachment from the two main meals. Black, more classic, green, preferred by health lovers, flavored, spicy or fruity, the range is very rich, but the classic ones, like Earl Gray or Darjeelings they never set. But never be seen with the one in the bag, it would be practically an offense … the classic tea, the original one, is that bulk. Also wanting to always respect the Anglo-Saxon tradition, you can taste it with the milk which must be poured strictly before tea. A little contrary to what happens with coffee. But do you know why? It is thought that the custom arose from the need not to stain and crack the porcelain, pouring the cold milk first.
Afternoon Tea, by now, from an informal meeting it has transformed into a social event that has been taken up a bit all over the world. But the focus remains a London where you can treat yourself to a nice gift taking tea in the most elegant and exclusive places of the English capital. And it is precisely upon entering that you should pay attention to kit. Very important element that enriches the magical atmosphere. Cups, saucers, teaspoons, strainers and above all the pot-bellied teapots under the lid, with the spout ready to let down its amber or jade liquid … A sciccheria! This refined service comes to light and is admired by all diners. But let's not forget that in this tradition there are two types of Afternoon Tea: the "Low Tea ", which is accompanied by typical sweets and canapés and "Hight Tea", which is instead consumed alongside a real meal, which the British replace dinner.
