The Francis Hotel Bath, newly opened following a spectacular £6 million refurbishment as the second MGallery hotel in the UK, has unveiled its own take on the very British tradition of Afternoon Tea.
It’s a pastime which has seen a fashionable resurgence in the past few years with some London hotels reporting a 20 per cent rise in bookings in 2011.
The introduction of the Francis Afternoon Tea will preserve a custom which dates back to the high society homes of the 1800s and still remains popular today at hotels and tea rooms across the country. Francis Hotel’s exclusive late afternoon treat allows guests to experience unrivalled luxury in an exceptional and historic location, in the heart of Bath.
Visitors will be personally greeted by staff, before being taken through to the elegant, warm and inviting lounge, where they can sit back, relax and take in the diverse and opulent décor. Vibrant peacock patterns and impressive gilt framed mirrors adorn the walls, while traditional chandeliers grace the ceiling and high-backed armchairs and settees in sumptuous rich fabrics provide the comfort from which to enjoy Bath’s most delectable afternoon tea.
Taste buds will be truly enchanted by the array of treats on offer. First, a selection of finger sandwiches incorporating everything from the traditional cucumber and cream cheese, and smoked salmon fillings, to locally sourced favourites such as West Country roast chicken and Somerset ham. Next, freshly baked warm scones accompanied by West Country clotted cream and jam. And, finally, the indulgence of an assortment of pastries and cakes which numbers no fewer than 11 bite-sized delicacies, including pink macaroons, mille feuille, lemon meringue shot glass and pistachio fondant, all accompanied by a choice of teas.
Karen Bassett, the Francis Hotel Manager, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the quintessentially British custom of Afternoon Tea at Francis Hotel Bath. To mark our opening as a member of Accor’s unique MGallery collection of hotels we have devised an entirely new menu which reflects the hotel’s current stature as one of the UK’s best high-end, memorable hotels and one of Bath’s historic glories. We look forward to welcoming new guests and old friends to sample the delights of our unique Afternoon Tea which boasts an impressive selection of home-made, fresh and seasonal offerings, incorporating locally sourced ingredients, such as West Country chicken and Somerset ham, wherever possible.”
Afternoon Tea was first introduced to England when Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford and lady-in-waiting to Queen Victoria, complained of “having that sinking feeling” during the late afternoon. At the time it was usual for people to take only two main meals a day, breakfast, and dinner at around 8 o’clock in the evening. The solution for the Duchess was a pot of tea accompanied by bread and butter sandwiches and cake in the late afternoon. The treat quickly turned into a social event as the Duchess invited friends and relatives to join her in her rooms at Woburn Abbey. She continued the practice when she moved back to London and before long the ‘best’ households in London were sending out ‘At Home’ invites and taking it in turns to host the fashionable event.
Following the practice of ‘At Home’ invitations, Afternoon Tea quickly became in vogue at some of London’s most prestigious hotels, with The Langham serving it since 1865 and The Savoy offering it from the day it opened on 6 August 1889.
The Francis Afternoon Tea is competitively priced at £19.50 per person and served daily between 3pm and 6pm, offering guests and visitors alike an unforgettable experience. Champagne Afternoon Tea is also available for £26.50 and Francis Cream Tea at just £8.50.
