2 mins | 21 Oct 2024
In today’s fast-paced world, there aren’t always many opportunities to indulge in this most elegant of practices; nevertheless, on a Cunard cruise, no such restraints exist.
This daily routine takes place between 3.30pm and 4.30pm in the Queens Room, which resembles a regal ballroom due to its ambient lighting and elaborate furnishings. Come along and watch the procession of white-gloved servers as they bring an assortment of delicacies to your table.
‘ There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.’
While tea drinking stretches back thousands of years in China, it was not until Catherine of Braganza married King Charles II in 1662, bringing the golden leaves with her as part of her dowry, that tea consumption among Britain’s aristocratic classes became widespread. However, Anna, Duchess of Bedford, who needed a little sustenance between lunch and dinner in 1840, originated the concept of afternoon tea about 200 years ago.
She asked that a platter of bread and butter, sweetmeats, and a pot of tea be delivered to her room in the late afternoon. Friends soon joined her, and afternoon tea became a daily event in elegant society. Since then, the traditional menu has expanded to include delicate finger sandwiches and savouries, warm scones with jam and clotted cream, and a variety of enticing cakes and pastries, all served on fine china and starched linen.
Each aspect of Afternoon Tea is served on excellent bone china, and the entire experience is enhanced by a melodious soundtrack provided by our resident pianist or harpist.
The Afternoon Tea menu changes daily. It features Cunard’s very own blend of tea curated specifically from the line of Twinings fine tea leaves (Assam and Earl Grey are available among the alternatives). You also do have the opportunity to experience Cunard’s themed Afternoon Teas, for instance the Japanese and Alaska Afternoon teas, typically inspired by the native locales.Unlimited cups are poured by white-gloved waiters between rounds of finger sandwiches (roast beef, tomato and cheese, cucumber), pastries (fruit and meringue tart, lemon curd, chocolate doughnut puff with hazelnut spread and cream). To accompany the refreshments, they also serve their own Signature Cunard scones, either plain or with fruit, served with Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry preserve.
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