Latest news with #afternoonTea
BBC News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Savoy tea for two comes true at Northampton care home
One of the UK's best-known hotels has stepped in to make a Christmas dream come true for two care home and Jean, who live at Collingtree Park near Northampton, said they had always wanted to take afternoon tea at The Savoy in the Strand in hotel obliged with a hamper of treats, some genuine Savoy bone china, and a handwritten copy of their scone recipe for the home's ladies said they were "treated like royalty". The story began when the home's activities co-ordinator, Martin Tilly-Reed, set up a Christmas wishing tree for residents to reveal their hopes and dreams for got all kinds of responses, but the one from Betty and Jean caught his Tilly-Reed got in touch with The Savoy to see if they would make the ladies' dream a reality. The hotel was built by the impresario Richard D'Oyly Carte with profits from his Gilbert and Sullivan opera productions and opened on 6 August has three restaurants, all managed by Gordon Ramsay, but would they be able to bring something of their opulence to a South Northamptonshire care home?The answer came in the shape of a hamper of Savoy treats, a bone china Savoy tea service, and handwritten instructions for the Collingtree Park chef to create Savoy scones for all the residents. Betty and Jean said: "It has been the most fantastic afternoon, we have been treated like royalty."We had the most beautiful fine bone china, delicious Savoy black tea, home-made Savoy scones, and gorgeous Savoy preserves as well."Such a day to remember and so lovely to be able to share it with all our friends here and all the staff who really are heaven-sent."The acting general manager of the home, Catherine Campbell, said: "The Christmas wishing tree was Martin's idea and he is busy fulfilling all our residents' wishes."This one took a little while to pull off but was it worth the wait." Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Globe and Mail
6 days ago
- General
- Globe and Mail
Meet the pastry chef known as the Scone Master
Deep in the underbelly of the Fairmont Empress – when the streets of Victoria are still dark and quiet, the historic hotel's guests are still fast asleep and the colourful tulips in the gardens are still closed against the morning chill – Joga Kaler gets to work. Kaler is a chef de partie at the historic hotel, which means he's responsible for a particular station within its two-floor basement kitchen. In his case, his task is to focus on one fluffy, buttery pastry: the scone. He arrives at work every weekday at 3 a.m. and begins the process of making these treats, which have become synonymous with the hotel's wildly popular afternoon tea. On average, he makes 600 a day. Kaler moved to Victoria from India in 1974, when he was just 17, encouraged by an uncle who lived in the city and spoke of its growing employment opportunities. He drove a taxi and worked at an auto body shop before landing a job at the Fairmont Empress. He has now been with the hotel for 43 years, starting in the stewarding department in 1982 and moving to the kitchen in 1989, quickly catching the eye of David Hammond, the hotel's executive chef at the time. Hammond paid a visit to Buckingham Palace and brought its cherished scone recipe back to Victoria with him, appointing Kaler the scone chef de partie in 1991. Since then, Kaler has become the hotel's Scone Master – that's what the internal team calls him – having made, by recent estimate, more than 8.4 million perfectly round, sweet-but-not-too-sweet golden raisin scones over his tenure. These heavenly morsels are an integral part of the hotel's afternoon tea. A tradition since the Fairmont Empress opened in 1908, the service is now considered to be the busiest in North America (even, impressively, busier than some in London), with an average of 450 people from all over the world booking as far as a year in advance to snag a seat. Guests are able to select their flavour of tea from an extensive menu – including the Empress Blend, which Elizabeth II drank when she visited the hotel in 2002. Bites are presented on three tiers of royal china created to mimic the original dishware George VI and Elizabeth I presented to the hotel in 1939. Among the goodies, diners might find the Coronation Chicken Sandwich (curried chicken framed by bouncy brioche) or the Midnight Bloom Dark Chocolate Bar with rose tea ganache. It's all delicious, to be sure, but it's the scones that most people will never forget. Baked fresh every day and served with clotted cream and jam, they are pure comfort: soft, moist, perfectly flaky. For Kaler, making them has become a form of meditation. Each morning, he arrives at work and checks the reservations log to see how many guests are confirmed for tea that day (there may be additional scone requests, as well, for banquets, for example). Then he starts baking, churning out what equals approximately two scones a minute. He never refers to his recipe book – he hasn't in 34 years. 'I used the recipe maybe four times,' he recalls. 'After that, I never looked at it.' That means his scones are pure intuition – and, given that he's remained in the job for more than three decades, there's got to be a whole lot of joy baked in, too.
CTV News
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Ottawa royal enthusiasts bringing British traditions alive ahead of King's visit
Ottawa residents are getting their binoculars and cameras ready to catch the Royal Family's visit to Canada on Monday and Tuesday. CTV's Camille Wilson reports. Ottawa is getting ready for a visit from King Charles III and Queen Camilla this week. A day ahead of the historical trip, some are marking the occasion by taking part in British traditions. Quelque Chose Pâtisserie is offering a British experience with afternoon tea. Co-owner David Seba says he wanted to bring a different twist to the café for the occasion. 'With the afternoon tea, you have the full experience. We have a wide variety of tea,' said Seba. 'We bring the towers with the food, with the tea pots and they chat and they have a good time while feeling royal for the occasion. It's really nice.' Seba says he was busier than usual for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018 with people wanting to feel as close to royalty as they could. He expects no different with Charles and Camilla being in town. Quelque Chose Patisserie David Seba, co-owner of Quelque Chose Pâtisserie in Ottawa, pours afternoon tea on May 25, 2025. (Camille Wilson/CTV News Ottawa) Michelle and Cassidy Byers were having a mother and daughter date while enjoying some posh treats. 'It's just great for us to bond and have some mother and daughter time over some tea. It feels very classy. We can get dressed up and have some pastries, some scones and some tea. I just love the overall experience and the atmosphere of it all,' Byers said while enjoying tea. It's a tradition the duo started about a year and a half ago. When they travel to a different city, they try their afternoon tea. 'We have been following the royals for years. Princess Diana is our favourite. We've been doing some teas and we feel like we're in in the U.K,' Byers said. The King and Queen will be in Ottawa on Monday and Tuesday to attend the opening of the new session of Parliament. Charles will deliver the speech from the throne on Tuesday to outline the new Liberal government's priorities for the upcoming session. This will be Charles' first visit to Canada as monarch. The nation's capital is buzzing with excitement to even catch a glimpse of the royals. 'I'm going to be exciting,' said resident Gary Robinson. 'My mom and dad are both British and I've got dual citizenship. It's a part of our heritage but also, it's an exciting time to see them now.' Charles Robinson was equally happy to see the royals in Ottawa. 'I'm excited for king Charles to come because we have the same name and because I have British heritage. I'm really excited for him to come. I've never seen a Queen or King come to Canada before,' Robinson said.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
The top five spots for afternoon tea in Dorset
There's something timelessly charming about afternoon tea, the delicate sandwiches, warm scones, and, of course, the perfect pot of tea. In Dorset, this beloved British ritual is elevated by stunning settings, whether you want to be sipping Earl Grey in a traditional tearoom or enjoying homemade cake whilst surrounded by nature, here are five unforgettable locations to indulge in a truly scenic afternoon tea. We are an independent, fully licensed caf\u00E9, serving breakfast, lunches and light lunches, as well as afternoon tea. We have a wide variety of homemade cakes and can provide gluten free and dairy free options. Our afternoon tea is served with a drink of your choice, or you can upgrade to a glass of prosecco. We have seating inside and out and are dog friendly. We can also undertake catering for all your events. Do pop in and see us! 82 Cheap Street Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BJ Tel: 01935 812180 Email: kafefontana@ Web: Savour a timeless tradition at The Blue Pool Nature Reserve and Tearooms. Since 1935, The Blue Pool has welcomed guests to its tranquil setting - now home to its much-loved afternoon teas. Enjoy finger sandwiches, homemade scones, and delicate bakes in the elegant Art Deco Tearooms or on the terrace with views of the lake and woodlands. For special occasions, the Nouveau Room offers private dining for larger parties. Afternoon tea is available daily with options for various dietary needs. Advance booking required (minimum 24 hours notice). Furzebrook Rd, Wareham BH20 5AR Tel: 01929 558150 Email: info@ Web: Step aboard for a truly unforgettable afternoon tea experience in these beautifully restored historic railway carriages. Nestled on a retired station platform, this award-winning venue combines vintage charm with modern indulgence. Delight in a selection of handcrafted sandwiches, warm scones, and elegant patisserie while soaking up the unique atmosphere of a bygone era. Whether it's a special occasion or a treat 'just because,' the Platform Restaurant's afternoon tea promises a journey of flavour and nostalgia you won't forget. Old West Bay Railway Station, Station Rd, West Bay, Bridport DT6 4EW Tel: 01308 422845 Email: info@ Web: Indulge in a truly distinctive afternoon tea experience at Sculpture by the Lakes, served in the cosy Makers Yard Kitchen, accessible without garden admission. A delicious selection of generously filled sandwiches, freshly baked pastries, and creamy cakes are served on top of a masterfully crafted tea stand, handmade by Simon Gudgeon. This special experience completes a perfect day of exploring 26 acres of botanic garden and magnificent artwork. Pre-book online with at least 48 hours' notice or treat loved ones to an afternoon tea gift voucher. Pallington Lakes, Dorchester, DT2 8QU Tel: 07720 637808 Email: office@ Web: Indulge in a truly English treat at The King's Arms, Dorchester. Its afternoon tea blends tradition with a twist - think delicate finger sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of irresistible cakes, all served in elegant, historic surroundings. Whether you're celebrating or simply treating yourself, it's the perfect way to slow down and enjoy any afternoon. Pair with a pot of artisan tea or really go all out and add a glass of fizz. 30 High E St, Dorchester DT1 1HF Tel: 01305 238238 Email: info@ Web:
Times
16-05-2025
- Times
Diplomatic storm is brewing over ‘sad' British afternoon tea
It was meant to be a display of British refinement and delicacy, a demonstration of the delights of scones, jam and clotted cream. But British diplomats in Japan have been thrown onto the defensive after indignant complaints about the quality of a traditional afternoon tea. The storm in a tea cup blew up at the Expo currently being held in the city of Osaka. Visitors to the UK Pavilion are invited pay ¥5,000 (£26) each for a 'Four Nations Traditional Afternoon Tea' featuring Welsh jam, Scottish smoked salmon and Cornish cream. But the organisers have been assailed by complaints about sloppy service and mass-produced Japanese cakes served on Swedish trays. One social media user gave vent to her frustration in a series of vivid
