Elegance and Sophistication: High Tea For Business or Pleasure
High tea is a mid-afternoon meal, frequently used as an occasion to socialize or to mix a light meal with business or pleasure. It was invented in the 19th Century by English aristocrats (and the very rich) because of the large gap between the midday meal and dinner, which was typically eaten around 8 p.m.
When English high tea first appeared, tea was still a very expensive commodity shipped in from India and China. The top echelons of British society created the high tea party as a great excuse to sip tea, eat a light meal and socialize – to see and be seen at court and in the right company. They would discuss politics and philosophy, exchange whispered rumors, plot illicit liaisons, or even make important decisions over a cup of tea and something sweet. For lower classes of society, high tea became simply “tea time”, and was a more substantial meal, to refill energy reserves after a long, hard day at work.
Since the 1800s, high teas have changed significantly, of course. Many high tea menus still feature tea prominently – and in an astounding number of varieties – though most offer the alternative of specialist coffees, other hot beverages, or even wine and other alcohols. On the food front, high tea menus typically include English delicacies and usually center around sweet options such as scones, muffins, and crumpets – all of which accompany a cup of tea extremely well. Most establishments also offer a savory menu which frequently varies depending on the time of day and the season.
However, the feel of the original English high tea has been perpetuated by many venues. What was then a real meal around which high-class socializing revolved has become an elegant social occasion that still carries a special feeling of aristocracy and being served. Many menus offer high tea food of a quality that you are unlikely to find outside expensive restaurants, served by well-dressed, well-mannered staff to make you feel like royalty, or at least a celebrity!
Treat Your Friends to High Tea
The option of taking your friends out to high tea is the perfect way to bring an aura of elegance to your whole day. Whether you are out shopping together, sitting at home, or celebrating a special occasion such as a baby shower, high tea is a great way to brighten the mood and make everyone feel special. You could even plan the high tea party as the perfect end to a classy shopping trip, where everyone can wear what they bought!
Elegance and Sophistication for Business
Many restaurants and hotels take pride in offering an ambience of elegance and sophistication with their high tea that can augment your reputation with corporate clients. Instead of taking them to the local café or a restaurant packed with tourists and loud children, you can discuss important deals in the relative peace of an English high tea. The waiters and waitresses are virtually guaranteed to be much more discreet, too!
Whether you want to impress a client, have a fun day out with your friends and family, or simply want to try something that makes you feel special, high tea, food and good company can be the ideal choice.