You'd be hard pushed to find anything more quintessentially English than the ritual of the afternoon tea.
It is believed that the custom originates with Anna Russell, 7th Duchess of Bedford. While visiting the 5th Duke of Rutland at Belvoir Castle in the mid-1840s, the usual habit of serving dinner between 8 and 9pm left the Duchess hungry and with a 'sinking feeling' by late afternoon. To stave off the hunger, she would order tea, bread and butter and cakes to be served in her room. The ritual soon caught on and spread throughout the rest of society.
A number of historic venues in London serve traditional afternoon tea: The Goring, Claridges, The Dorchester, The Ritz and The Savoy and Fortnum and Mason all offer this opulent treat to guests and visitors alike.
In 1911, The Georgian opened on the 4th floor of Harrods. Commemorating the coronation of King George V, it was intended to be “a Rendez-Vous of Fashion and Luxury” and remains as much of an institution as Harrods itself.
This year, Harrods has unveiled an elegant refurbishment of its iconic tearoom. Employing the craftsmanship of bespoke interior designer Christopher Guy Harrison, The Georgian now sparkles with Art Deco glamour, fusing modernism and classicism to create the perfect environment for guests to while away the afternoon over tea, cakes and savouries.
The menu offers guests a refreshing glass of Harrods Rosé Champagne and features a selection of dainty sandwiches and savouries, a colourful array of freshly prepared tea pastries as well as traditional baked scones served with clotted cream, strawberry jam and homemade lemon curd with the added luxury of fresh strawberries served with a Pimm’s syrup. A High Tea menu is also available including a variety of dishes such as a smoked haddock and Somerset brie tart, a lobster club sandwich, scrambled eggs with spinach and caviar in puff pastry and a Rosper roasted steak sandwich.
To make a reservation please contact the Georgian restaurant team on 020 7225 6800. The Champagne afternoon tea is priced £47.50 person. The Georgian Afternoon Tea is priced at £39.00 per person. Prices for the High Tea menu vary.
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