Tea For Two And Two For Tea

The Mad Hatters Tea Party might be famous in literature, but Carol’s high teas are famed across Somerset.

You will have a mad day out making some magically wonderful and scrumptiously delectable treats to showcase the British tradition of afternoon tea. Carol was most recently the Head baker at Hestercombe Gardens in Somerset for three years. Before that she designed and made all the puddings at The Firehouse Somerset with Miranda. According to our guests these puddings were unbelievable. So, we do have some kudos when it comes to making an excellent dessert or four.  We have put all our knowledge and skill together to bring this Afternoon Tea Course to fruition and we are very proud of the results.

Did you know that there is a difference between and Afternoon Tea and High Tea?

The British tradition of afternoon tea was introduced by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, became fashionable in the 19th Century and was the preserve of the rich. You can thank this duchess for the excuse to sit down for an afternoon treat of tea, sandwiches, scones and cake. Never the intention to stuff oneself silly, so one couldn’t move, this was just to fill the long gap between lunch and dinner at a time when dinner was served at around 8pm.

Workers in newly industrialized Britain, had to wait until they had finished work to enjoy teatime. Tea was served later and consisted of much heartier dishes rather than tea and cake. The after-work meal was usually hot and filling, and to revive flagging spirits was accompanied with a pot of strong tea. This tea was served at the table and workers were seated on high back dining chairs. It is believed that the word ‘high’ distinguishes the two types of tea, as afternoon tea is traditionally served to those relaxing in the garden or on low comfortable chairs in the parlour.

Surrounded by stoves that originated in the 19th century such as the Esse Ironheart, we will teach you how to bake a traditional afternoon tea. Using some original recipes and a few with a more modern twist, we aim to recreate a slice of history which we hope would gain the approval at court of the Duchess of Bedford or perhaps even Marie Antoinette.

You will bake your own traditional Artisan loaf to make finger sandwiches with two types of filling. You will learn how to make blackberry and apple fancies and lemon and vanilla Magdalenes. We will make a traditional tea loaf or fruit cake, some of our signature scones and jam from our Bread and Jam Course. There will always be a little chocolate something to feast on too. So, get the girls (and guys if they like a bake off) together, find a reason to have a day out and book on to this course. You will have a wonderful afternoon tea to enjoy around our farmhouse table after a good day’s baking.

Lunch included
Price: £200 per person
Course limited to 4 people
Enquire with Miranda on 07899665635. Dates must be agreed and booked in advance.