“New Balls Please” – Inspiration for A Wimbledon Tennis Afternoon Tea

Wimbledon Tennis inspired afternoon tea treats – Dorchester Hotel London

The Wimbledon tennis championships are almost upon us. For those in need of any context, this is a time when the UK weather becomes either amazingly good, or spectacularly bad. All hopes are pinned on the possibility of a British winner – again. Perhaps fate will deem that time is now here – after all, it is the Jubilee, London Olympic’s year, she says in ever optimistic tones.

Cucumber sandwiches, strawberries with cream are the traditional fare of course but looking for inspiration for a tennis afternoon tea, I stumbled across a wonderful tennis ball and court cake – quite the perfect creations for such an occasion. Another favourite I feel compelled to share is the very creative collection of Wimbledon inspired cup cakes from Hummingbird Bakery. The grassy one is just amazing!

Serving up a tennis treat – Grassy lawns, tennis balls, racquets & strawberries – Wimbledon inspired cupcakes from the hummingbird Bakery

Now, you may be thinking what is the perfect drink  to accompany your afternoon watching tennis?

Now I know I am biased but what could be more perfect that iced tea. I love Lahloo tea’s cold infused summer punch tea. Truth be told though my dears, it may be very likely that you will be battling with your umbrella against the horizontal rain whilst clinging to your flask of hot water, thereby ensuring there is a more traditional, and importantly hot brew available. Whatever the weather though, do enjoy your Wimbledon tennis afternoon tea.

More afternoon tea time inspiration can be found at:

5 splendid ideas’s for amazing afternoon teas

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Quintessential Britishness, Bunting and Afternoon Tea – the way to Celebrate the Jubilee

Diamond jubilee – celebrate with afternoon tea and british bunting

My dears, I have decided what is so amazing about the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Of course, there is the excitement of a rather splendid occasion to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s 60 years on the throne. At its core though is its absolute Britishness – Bunting and street parties will close roads. Quintessential Britishness is Afternoon Tea and cucumber sandwiches. Bells will be pealing across the country, beacons lit, with genuine infectious enthusiasm that is epitomised by the quite charming eccentricity of people camping out in London for a glimpse of the Queen.

The whole of Britain is being covered in bunting!

At its heart, Tea with Mary Kate is terribly proud to be British. Time is fleeting – Life is so very precious. Tea with Mary Kate will be savouring every moment as she looks to catch a glimpse of the flotilla on the river Thames. However you choose to spend your time, I do hope you do relish every second.

Queen Elizabeth II coronation 1952

More British inspiration for this splendid event can be found at:

A Royal Afternoon Tea – Ideas for how to Celebrate with the Queen on her Diamond Jubilee

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Tea at Kind Kytocks in Falkland, The Kingdom of Fife

After an unexpected encounter with the death mask of Mary Queen of Scots at Falkland Palace, Tea with Mary Kate was in need of some serious sustenance. Luckily Kind Kyttocks was on hand to minister tea and coziness on a rather snowy day.  And better still, a delightful discovery was the availability of proper leaf tea – can you imagine how splendid I thought that was! A lovely large brown pot of Assam arrives, accompanied with extra hot water – quite frankly my dears, any establishment is already on a winner with me for that touch alone. The soup with home made bread was divine. Tea with Mary Kate hopes to be back very soon.

Tea time at Kind Kytocks

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Tea with Mary Kate discovers the Amazing Pink Cake Box

I just adore the cake designs that the very talented Anne Heap is creating the founder and pastry chef for the Pink Cake Box. A few of my favourites are below – just as well Anne is US based or this would have been really too tempting to resist! They are works of art and look far too lovely to eat even!

topsy turvery garden rose cake from pink cake box

Tea Pot inspired cake for afternoon tea from pink cake box

A gorgeous topsy turvey tea pot cake from pink cake box

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Royal Jubilee Afternoon Tea Time Treat from Betty’s

 

Royal Jubilee afternoon tea time treat from Betty's

Regular reader’s will know that Tea with Mary Kate is a loyal admirer of Betty’s – a fusion of  Yorkshire and Swiss heritage…aaahh, many a happy hour has been spent in their wonderful tea room in Harrogate.

Well, my dears, I have to admit that the Royal Jubilee Afternoon tea time goodies look so gorgeous it exceeds even my lofty expectations – their lebkuchen & marzipan corgi’s are just perfect for an effortless but amazing royal jubilee afternoon tea time – and quite honestly, who could resist the splendid diamond jubilee bear, dressed as one of the Queen’s horse guard – an edible delight! There is even Betty’s special recipe loose leaf tea – a glorious collection inspired by the Queen’s favourite things. Tea with Mary Kate can think of no better way to  host a marvellous jubilee afternoon tea time celebration.

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Once Upon a Teatime………..Jubilee Afternoon Tea at The Langham, London

Jubilee afternoon tea at the Langham London

The original grand hotel, the Langham is doing its bit to join in the Jubilee celebrations with its diamond jubilee tea.  

What is even better is that they are holding the cost of tea to when the hotel first opened it doors in 1865. Oh dear, I thought, my imagination running wild at the prospect of  either being trampled in the rush or face a quite enormous queue on Sunday 10th June. Well, I need not have had a moments apprehension as the Langham has arrived at a quite splendid solution – you need to make a request to  apply for a reservation. How terribly civilised I thought! Just the proper thing for where the tradition of afternoon tea was born.

Now, my dears, at this stage I feel I do need to mention there are some other mandatory requirements for this special tea – and it is that you must wear a hat & a “whimsical touch of pink”. Well, I thought, I will hardly require too much persuading on that front – quite far from a hardship!  Tea with Mary Kate’s only dilemma is if chosen will be what hat to wear! Wish me luck my dears – applications required before 31st May 2012 – how thrilling!

Vintage Afternoon Tea wearing a splendid hat - postcard image from Eyedeal postcards

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Japanese Inspired Afternoon Tea at Nobu

Japanese inspired afternoon tea menu

My dears, it goes almost without saying that  Tea with Mary Kate is a British girl through and through, with a nod to tradition, and of course afternoon tea. Another tea ceremony that I have had the great privilege of  experiencing is in Japan. It is quite different but equally unique. Influenced by its Japanese roots, Nobu has now created an alternative to the traditional British afternoon tea and is launching its menu inspired by a combination of both traditions – a Japanese inspired afternoon tea! The Green Tea menu selection looks like a fabulous choice on its own – I can hardly contain my excitement at the prospect of such a splendid time out for tea. Any invitations to experience this fusion will be gratefully received!

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New Little Tea Room at Little Moreton Hall

Little Moreton Hall is an iconic building. Owned by the National Trust, with its beams that have shaped and settled over 500 years, it is an Elizabethan treasure.

Afternoon Tea at the Little Tea Room - Little Moreton Hall

Now there is even more reason to pay a visit with the arrival of the Little tea room. As we watch the rain pour through the ancient windows outside - inside, the atmosphere is cosy – quite frankly the space does match up to its name – but it is the perfect place to nurture your spirit. Serving gorgeous Yorkshire tea, with you will be pleased to hear, extra boiling water supplied as standard – how splendid I thought. The cream and jam Victoria sponge was too delightful to resist. Tea with Mary Kate’s advice is to visit this gorgeous little tea room soon.

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Tea at The Elephant House Edinburgh – otherwise known as the venue J K Rowling wrote Harry Potter

The Elephant House Edinburgh - Birthplace of JK Rowlings Harry Potter

You could still easily walk past this rather unsuspecting cafe on the George IV bridge in Edinburgh – except that you are now hindered in your journey by those wishing to have their photographs taken outside…………

What I love about The Elephant House is that it has resisted turning its focus from saving elephants to the subject that has made it famous globally – and just in case you are unaware, this is the cafe that JK Rowling found warmth and inspiration when she was initially writing the tale of the now famous wizard – it is now known as the birthplace of Harry Potter .

I failed to resist the wonderful looking (and tasting) elephant shortbread, with a square of millionaires shortbread  sufficient to satiate any sweet tooth. What I adored most though was the choice of a large pot of leaf tea that tasted divine  – I opted for assam but there was a quite wonderful choice of other tea leaves. A nice touch are the Harry Potter fans scribbles  in the ladies which are a quite splendid tribute to the influence JK Rowlings books have had. It is well worth a visit to this quite unique venue.

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Betty Boyns Vintage Inspired Tea Time

Well my dears I have discovered the delightful vintage inspired Betty Boyns lovely tea time designs.

My favourites are this gorgeous table cloth and napkins, completely irresistible and perfect for Easter tea time.

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