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| What can I say when you meet a friend you have known for many years online for the very first time and you sit over a special tea time for 4 hours. Tea time at the Intercontinental Hotel in London was pure delight. We enjoyed the Royal Tea, which is in celebration of the Queen's birthday. But for us it was also a time of celebrating friendship. Thanks Denise for this special afternoon, definitely a highlight of our trip. |
We sampled many teas that afternoon, but the one that was the most
intriguing and sipped by my "live-in gardener" was olive leaves
from a village in Italy.
Also enjoyed was a 2nd flush Darjeeling, Assam with vanilla, and mint with chocolate.
The wonderful sandwiches were:
Smoked salmon with cream cheese
Shrimp and lobster
Hen eggs with cress on carrot bread
Honey roasted ham with English mustard
Coronation chicken with curry mayonnaise and apricots
As long as we kept eating, they brought us more, then sent
us home with more to munch later in the evening. What a treat!
Buttermilk scones were oh so good and just the right size to enjoy.
There were plain and sultana scones served with cream and strawberry preserves.
By the time we came to the desserts we were full, but we did indulge.
The Queen's Summer Garden party: Champagne with gooseberry fool
The Queen's Purse: Sponge with coffee and walnut and chocolate
The Queen's Hat: Sponge cake with cream
The Queen's Crown: Victoria sponge, vanilla mousse, strawberry jelly
We were offered more, but just couldn't eat another bite.
Definitely worth the trip to London to have tea in the afternoon
with a dear friend at the Intercontinental Hotel.
What a special, special time. So nice you could spend such a sweet time with Denise.
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed that they continued to offer you food --- from beginning to end. That's hospitality.
Fabulous! So wonderful that you got to connect with Denise and enjoy something as perfect as The Royal Tea!
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect highlight of a wonderful trip!
ReplyDeleteI will never forget our afternoon together over tea; it will be one of the highlights of 'the time I lived in England'. xoxo
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you got to enjoy such an extraordinary Afternoon Tea with Denise. She makes tea time extra special! Loved seeing the Queen's purse and hat in the dessert offerings.
ReplyDeleteI have thoroughly enjoyed traveling along with you via your photo journal. So happy you connected with Denise for this lovely afternoon tea.
ReplyDeleteThat's fantastic!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tea time you had, meeting a friend in person for the first time and sharing a wonderful tea!
I loved the Queen's Purse for desert! What an amazing time you had, loved it! Thank you for sharing & look forward to read more!
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful tea party - good friends, good tea, and good food. Those desserts look amazing, but my favorite are the sandwiches.
ReplyDeleteHow special! And I so loved the queenly themed desserts!
ReplyDeleteRuth
Wow! What an amazing tea experience to share with a friend. The Queen's Hat is almost too cute to consume!
ReplyDeleteWOW--what a beautifully presented tea! And such fun meeting your friend and enjoy such time and treats!! Tea in London--always so special! :) ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteI just know you, and Jim, were in your element here Marilyn - and after reading about Denise being a true tea expert, like you, it must have been a fabulous way to celebrate Her Majesty's amazing birthday.
ReplyDeleteWay to go when in England - best teas anywhere of course, haha!!!
You know how words or a photo can trigger a physical response? Well, literally, my mouth is watering right now. This is so incredibly beautiful and looks so delish! And all made more lovely by the presence of a new old friend. You can't beat it. Unforgettable moment.
ReplyDeleteThis brings back so many happy memories! What a special tea with a very special friend!
ReplyDeleteSips and Smiles,
Teresa
Hello Tea Friend!! Has it REALLY been 6 years????? My word! It was a special day. <3
ReplyDelete-Denise