After spending time at Kew Gardens, it was time for tea.
Just down the road from the gardens we found the famous Maids of Honour.
I had heard of this tearoom for a long time and was thrilled to be sitting here.
After we sat down each table filled with patrons.
On one side of us were Japanese business men sipping tea as they
conducted business.
The tea in my cup was Darjeeling.
Everything was delicious.
With the "high" tea* each person chooses one sweet.
I couldn't pass up the fresh strawberry tart, but what I was there for
was the famous Maids of Honour tart.
A puff pastry delight filled with an eggy custard filling.
A DELIGHT for sure.
The sandwiches were fresh and always my favorite part of afternoon tea.
There was ham, cheese, smoked salmon, and egg salad.
Very simple, but oh so good.
The scones with cream and strawberry jam were a delight.
Leaving Maids of Honour I had to take one more peek at the pastry.
Even the front window was fun for a peek.
How I would have loved that little Lipton's Tea truck.
It reminded me of the Maids of Honour truck that greeted us at the entrance.
*Note for my tea friends: What I found interesting is that many places did call
there afternoon tea, a high tea! I was surprised.
Playing with Bernideen today: http://blog.bernideens.com/
Playing with Bernideen today: http://blog.bernideens.com/
7 comments:
Remembering fondly my visit here many many years ago! Still dream of those Maids of Honour tarts! Do you suppose the American influence of using the term 'high tea' is working its way across the pond? It's much easier to give in then to continue to explain the difference.
Oh my, I am *stunned* to hear that they are calling it high tea! (For the benefit of American tourists who don't know the difference, perhaps? I wonder …) Lucky you to visit the real Maids of Honour! Must have been great fun to experience something you'd only read about up till then!
Oh, how I would love to bite into one of those Maids of Honour! How fun to know that you did!
I think most of us that love tea realize the difference in afternoon tea and high tea in the 19th century and into the 20the century in England.
But, this is the 21st century and it has become more common both in the US and England to refer to an afternoon tea served with additional savories to be called high tea.
Agree or not, one should take time to read about it on Fortnum and Mason’s site. They are certainly experts when it comes to serving tea.
https://d1329pvav7gzp7.cloudfront.net/cms-assets/LkWhjBLYRoOZzdE1ZaiA_146885_TeaMenu_V2.pdf
Scroll down to read their reason for also offering a high tea menu and scroll further down to see their menu.
My daughter and I enjoyed visiting Maids of Honour last year too. Originally I had planned to tour Kew Gardens but then decided to tour Ham House instead. Kew Gardens will have to wait until the next trip [if there is one]. Your trip is just delightful, and I'm enjoying the posts.
Dear Marilyn:
Now this would be right at the top of my dream list. I made Bruce Richardson's recipe several times for events at my store and I love everything about the story surrounding the "Maids of Honor". I heard that the door on this tea room is original - wonder if you noticed that? I hate when people ask questions in comments. Thanks for sharing and linking this beautiful tea room near Kew Gardens.
That truck is adorable and the whole restaurant/tea shop looks just perfect, just like I would imagine it. I an just imagine you sitting there, trying this sweet, that sandwich and loving every moment!
I'm putting this on my bucket list!
Sips and Smiles,
Teresa
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