A glimpse at our recent adventures across the pond
There is truly nothing like taking tea in the country where a mid-afternoon break to sip delicious blends and indulge in delectable fare is customary. If you are an afternoon-tea enthusiast who has never had the extraordinary opportunity to travel to England and experience the joy of drinking a cup of English Breakfast in the motherland, then doing so should be on your bucket list, or as we like to call it, your “teacup list.” This past May, we were fortunate to host 20 of our marvelous readers on a magnificent, tea-filled retreat steeped in tea wares, history, and traditions. It was a weeklong adventure that was years in the making and one that we will not soon forget.
The TeaTime in England retreat commenced in the bustling city of London, where members of our staff greeted our eager participants at the beautiful and luxurious Milestone Hotel, located in the Kensington neighborhood across the high street from Kensington Palace. The 5-star boutique hotel is perfectly intimate, quintessentially and charmingly British in furnishings and tremendously helpful staff, and thoughtfully equipped with everything you would ever need in a relaxing stay. One participant said, “It was the best hotel I have ever stayed in, and I have stayed in many.” The Milestone was truly the perfect place in the perfect location to begin our travels—and what better way to welcome the week ahead than by meeting everyone at Cheneston’s Restaurant for an extraordinary afternoon tea?
While in England, our group was never deprived of the three courses that we know so well: savories, scones, and sweets. Our itinerary of afternoon teas for the retreat was diverse and included elegant and well-known venues, like Claridge’s and Fortnum and Mason, as well as the wonderfully delectable offerings of Wedgwood Tea Room and Ting’s at The Shard, a stylish and modern eatery with an Asian-inspired menu and panoramic views of London’s cityscape. Each individual tea afforded a deliciously different experience in style and taste. Whether you were searching for a seemingly endless list of bespoke tea blends from which to choose, artful confections that truly took your breath away, a unique take on the beloved ritual that you have yet to see, or simply a delightful respite in a pretty atmosphere, having the chance to experience teatime in several spaces and capacities was quite marvelous. While each person could most likely recall their favorite afternoon tea of the trip, every tea we attended was remarkable in its own way.
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TeaTime Travels Abroad offers great tips on exploring new places and enjoying local culture while traveling. When planning accommodations, checking hotelbeds reviews can help make better choices and avoid surprises at check-in. Real guest feedback often gives a clearer picture of what to expect than promotional photos alone.