Posted 10th February 2016
Much is talked about at the moment of the virtues of the classic English Afternoon Tea. Is it a phenomenon that won't last, or something that is firmly entrenched in our British way of life? Well, we have done some 'Miss Marpling' here at the Grand and come up with some rather interesting facts and figures...
Ever since the Grand opened it's doors way back in 1875...that's 141 years ago...Afternoon Tea has played a huge part in the hotel's daily routines. Way back then you could book your place in the lounges and partake in tea, cakes and sandwiches to keep you going until dinner.
So not much has changed in that respect, you can still book tea daily between 2.45 - 6.30pm and the menu, although modernised of course still follows a very similar theme. No need to change for changes sake we say and there really is something rather special about those cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off isn't there!?
Sticking to sandwich fillers for the time being we do try to keep tradition as much as we can, this is what the Grand does best and so don't be surprised to see Egg Mayonnaise with Tomato, Oak Smoked Salmon and Coronation Chicken alongside your Cucumber! All sandwiches come on a variety of choice breads from whites to granaries.... Gluten Free, Diabetic and Nut Allergies are also catered for when advised in advance. Our younger generation need not feel left our either! They have their own delicious menu to choose from with Banana sandwiches and Crackling Jelly included!
Our figures show that year to date (we operate between April - March) over 16,629 Afternoon teas have been served at the Grand, that's a massive 1662.9 per month and 415.73 every week.... that's some cake and sandwiches, not forgetting those deliciously hot buttered scones with Jam and Cream... These figures also show an increase of approximately 62 teas being sold each month since 2013. So certainly as far as we are concerned this is not a fad or one minute wonder!
During the year we also put on more specific speciality Teas to celebrate certain highlights. These are very well received and show the interest in a themed menu for a change. A few years ago now we introduced our Festive Tea which now runs throughout the month of December and really has become a popular pre christmas treat for many. Clove scented Honey Roast Ham and Turkey with Cranberry replace our usual fillers and the cake selection takes on a whole new life with mini stollens, mince pies and chocolate Yule log. Our next theme will be Valentine's this coming weekend and Chef Mitchell has pulled out the stops with Meringue Sweethearts, Passion Fruit Mille-Feuille and Champagne Jelly and Strawberry shots. No doubt over Easter we will see and smell some Simmel Cake and plenty of mini chocolate eggs..... At anytime you can also book yourself a lovely glass of Canard Duchene Champagne to make it all that more special.
So to sum up, and in our humble opinion, we think Afternoon Tea is certainly and loved and cherished pasttime for the Brits and visitors alike and most definitately here to stay.... and why not, such a civilised way to spend a few hours with family, friends, colleagues and loved ones... We look forward to seeing you very soon......
Marine, Assistant Food & Beverage Manager and avid Afternoon Tea taker!