HOUSTON – Whether you’re sipping it or spilling it, afternoon tea is a British tradition you can enjoy right here in Houston.
The historic Lancaster Hotel downtown is now offering a full Afternoon Tea experience where everyone is welcome.
Afternoon tea was introduced to England by the seventh Duchess of Bedford in 1840. The Duchess would become hungry around four o’clock in the afternoon, and she asked that a tray of tea, butter, bread, and cake be brought to her during this time. This became a habit of hers and she began inviting friends to join her.
The Duchess’ pause for tea became a fashionable social event, and from it, afternoon tea was born.
Traditional afternoon tea consists of a selection of dainty sandwiches (including of course thinly sliced cucumber sandwiches), scones served with clotted cream and preserves and cakes and pastries.
Tea is served at the Lancaster Hotel on Saturdays and Sundays at 12:00 and 2:30 p.m., but you must make your reservations at least 48 hours in advance at www.thelancaster.com.
From the menu to the etiquette – watch as Lauren Kelly breaks it all down for us alongside Lancaster Hotel’s General Manager Pete Shim.