What could be more quintessentially English than afternoon tea – the personification of all things English. Copiously consumed either as the name suggests, over a warming brew in mid afternoon, or in the confines of a quaint, often rural, establishment. Afternoon tea is unashamedly comforting – thick and indulgent West Country clotted cream, combined with a hearty layer of fruit-laden strawberry jam, all served on a crisp scone. A Centuries-old combination, a dish which has set the very fabric of British culinary heritage. Indulging in Afternoon Tea is something of a luxurious event, and those who regard the dish in such acclaim, generally desire a venue to match, such as a countryside retreat, or more increasingly often, a high-end hotel. Into the Blue is the UK’s leading activities provider – host an array of prestigious venues serving up the best of this most sought after of British dish.
Afternoon tea encapsulates so much more than the simple act of eating. Clearly, the crowning glory of the event is the unveiling of the scone, jam and cream combination, however, the event and the menu structure also incorporates a selection of freshly made sandwiches, finger foods and other immaculately crafted goods. For the English guest, Afternoon Tea can take on any number of occasions – enjoyed quickly in the local cafe or regarded as a high-profile get together, in celebration of a family birthday or special event. For those foreign to the dish, or indeed, for the English guest yet to try this national gem, Afternoon Tea acts as a patriotic reminder as to what it is to sample a slice of the British way of life. Into the Blue provides luxury hotels serving afternoon teas which include, Thames Champagne Tea, Tea in Mayfair, Afternoon Tea Shropshire and Royal High Tea in Bristol.
As an extension to this growing sense of Britishness, Into the Blue also provides gourmet delights on steam train trips around the UK. Steam trains act as a magnificent reminder of British engineering, past and present. Gloriously pleasing to the eye on the exterior and equally as aesthetically indulgent indoors, steam trains, with the added benefit of the passing countryside, are the perfect place from which to enjoy the best of British gourmet delights. Into the Blue offers gastronomic lunches in some of the UK’s most beautiful locations and aboard one of the most memorable locomotives – the British Pullman.
So, to sample the best of British cuisine in amongst the best of British venues, be sure to visit www.intotheblue.co.uk.