A perfect cuppa

©Joanna Kosinska

We all know it doesn’t get more English gambler and refused to leave the gaming their fingers out to hold the cup. Plus, than an afternoon tea and much is written tables to eat. During one of these lengthy they wanted to show off their beautifully about this very English tradition, with gambling games, he didn’t want to stop, decorated cups as a status symbol to countless guides about where to go in so he ordered his lunch to be brought to demonstrate they could afford this exotic, London to experience the best. Although him between two pieces of bread. In this new drink. Even when the cups became we were not the first to bring the tradition way, he invented the sandwich, and we bigger and more adapted to European of the “cuppa” to Europe (that was the now eat four billion sandwiches a year in hands, the tradition remained to show Dutch), and the United States had tea be - the UK. that you were rich. fore the UK, drinking tea is still an impor - Likewise, Earl Grey tea – a blend So how do you make a perfect cuppa? tant part of our lives. In fact, Samuel Pepys flavoured with bergamot – is named after Well, tea experts say the water should be - first wrote about having tea in his diary in a person. e story goes that Charles 1660, a time when tea was extremely ex - Grey, the second Earl Grey and prime tween 80° and 90°, not boiling, so turn pensive due to the nearly 120% tax. Today, minister in the 1830s, asked Twinings to off the kettle when you see the first bub - we drink 165 million cups or mugs of tea recreate a tea he had been given as a gift, bles or wait two minutes after boiling. every single day, still way more than the and so this distinctive brew was born. Whatever you do, never re-boil the water. British daily consumption of 95 million Scones, amazingly, create quite a bit of en pour the water into your mug with cups of coffee, and we even have an debate. Devon and Cornwall in the South the tea bag and brew (leave it to develop) annual celebration: National Tea Day on West of England are famous for their af - for three to four minutes for black tea. April 21st. ternoon teas, including the scone. Importantly, you shouldn’t stir or squeeze Sometimes I am asked by my clients to However, they have very different views the teabag as this transfers the bitterness explain the differences between cream tea, on the best way to eat the baked good. into your tea. Originally, the British tradi - afternoon tea and high tea. When we think e Devonshire method is to split the tion was to put milk in first to cool the of going out for a special occasion to enjoy scone in two, cover each half with clotted cup before pouring in hot tea at a time a full meal of sandwiches, scones, cakes cream and then add strawberry jam. e when cheap cups would crack with the and a cup of tea, this is called afternoon Cornish way is to split the scone, spread heat. However, these days milk should go tea. Cream tea is an abbreviated version of the strawberry jam first and then top with in last so you can get the perfect colour this; just the scones and a drink are served. clotted cream. Whichever way you do it, for your tea. Finally, high tea is a completely different eat the halves separately – don’t try to And where is a good place to go for a meal, which is light and eaten in the late make a scone sandwich with the filling as afternoon or early evening, including it will be very messy to eat! cuppa in London? Well, new places and cooked food and cakes. Some people ask me why drinking tea themed menus are launched all the time, Many aspects of afternoon tea have fasci - with a little finger (pinkie) sticking out is so I thought I would share some of my nating stories in history. For example, the considered posh. e original china cups favourites that I have visited over the sandwich has always been a very popular were made in China, and European hands years. ese may not be the most popular snack, and the first person to eat one was were generally bigger and couldn’t hold options, but I hope you enjoy some in - the Earl of Sandwich. He was a dedicated the cups properly, so they had to stick sights into my perfect cuppas!

6 FOCUS The Magazine January/February 2020 www.focus-info.org Claridge’s – is has to be the ultimate Fortnum & Mason – e department luxury occasion for me. With its decadent store has sold tea for more than 300 years Art Deco interior, I feel like I’m in a and their Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is a glamorous 1920s film when I come here famous location for a very English after - for afternoon tea. e hotel does a tradi - noon tea. I also love wandering around Earl Grey tional tea, as well as seasonal menus and a the store afterwards to look at their lovely children’s menu. Just remember, you will food gifts and hampers, which make per - need to book several months ahead to get fect gifts. a reservation.

The Earl of Sandwich

The Wallace Collection – Just near Hotel Café Royal – To experience an Selfridges in London, this mansion house afternoon in a 19th century mirrored with a great collection of Victorian paint - lounge, this little gem on Regent Street is ings and furnishings also has a beautiful the place to be. It has been visited by conservatory restaurant where they serve Oscar Wilde, David Bowie and Mick delicious afternoon tea among the palm Jagger among other celebrities. trees. Above, you can see our Perfect If you want to find out more about Cuppa English trainer team at an after - different tea traditions then I highly rec - noon tea get-together. ommend a visit to Twinings. is fascinat - ing shop, museum and tasting school at 216 Strand was originally a coffee house but changed to selling tea to attract women customers who could feel com - fortable entering a more respectable meet - ing place. Twinings provides tea to the Queen (she has her own secret blend, which you unfortunately can’t buy), and they regularly run master classes. Of course, if you want to talk to me about tea, traditions or anything else to do with British English or culture, then get in touch and let’s meet for a cuppa. Victoria Rennoldson, founder of Perfect Cuppa English, regularly gives talks and writes about British Biscuiteers – For a slightly different and language, life and culture. Perfect creative twist on the afternoon tea, why Cuppa English offers private, bespoke not try the Biscuiteers café in Notting English language and British culture Hill, which specialises in beautifully courses for individuals and corporates. crafted, artistic biscuits for their afternoon You can get in touch with her at tea, as well as the traditional scones and [email protected] or cakes. www.perfectcuppaenglish.co.uk

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