THE TERRACE AFTERNOON TEA MENU

THE TERRACE AFTERNOON TEA MENU

AFTERNOON TEA HOW IT ALL BEGAN The drinking of tea dates back to ancient China and became popular in England during the 17th century. However, the concept of having tea, sandwiches and cakes as a light meal in the afternoon is generally believed to be the invention of Anna Maria Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford (1783-1857), a close friend of Queen Victoria. Dinner time in fashionable circles had been getting later and later throughout the 18th century. By the early 1840s it was firmly established at 8pm, which apparently left the Duchess feeling rather peckish in the afternoon. Her solution was to order a pot of tea, cakes and sandwiches to be served at around 4pm, a practice she found so delightful that she began inviting friends to share it with her. The idea soon caught on in both upper and middle-class households and a great British tradition was born. Front cover image for illustrative purposes only, cakes and pastries are subject to change.

CLASSIC AFTERNOON TEA 24.95 CHAMPAGNE AFTERNOON TEA 34.95 Cucumber, free range egg & cream cheese (v) Smoked salmon & crème fraîche on brioche English ham & tomato on brown bloomer bread Aged Keens farmhouse Cheddar & onion chutney (v) Decadent cakes & pastries (v) A chilled glass of Champagne Cucumber, free range egg & cream cheese (v) Smoked salmon & crème fraîche on brioche English ham & tomato on brown bloomer bread Aged Keens farmhouse Cheddar & onion chutney (v) Decadent cakes & pastries (v) SPARKLING AFTERNOON TEA 29.95 CREAM TEA 11.95 A chilled glass of sparkling wine Cucumber, free range egg & cream cheese (v) Smoked salmon & crème fraîche on brioche English ham & tomato on brown bloomer bread Aged Keens farmhouse Cheddar & onion chutney (v) Decadent cakes & pastries (v) CHILDREN Our special children s afternoon tea for under 12s costs half the adult price and features a smaller serving with Jude s ice cream instead of cakes and pastries. (v) Suitable for vegetarians. Prices include VAT. Cheques are not accepted. Food items described within this menu may contain nuts or derivatives of nuts. If you suffer from an allergy or food intolerance please advise a member of staff who will be pleased to assist you. Discretionary service charge of 12.5% will be added to the bill.

TEA SELECTIONS ENGLISH BREAKFAST This world class English breakfast blend is far from ordinary. Blended with three different Assam leaves, it delivers a well rounded full bodied breakfast tea. Only the finest tea estates are used to select this blend which is truly exceptional. SAPPHIRE EARL GREY This rich, delicate yet full bodied earl grey is given an innovative twist to the traditional recipe with bergamot and blue malva flowers. Sapphire earl grey can be enjoyed at any time of the day. DRAGONWELL GREEN The famous Lung Ching green tea has quickly become one of the most renowned green teas in the world. It offers a smooth, subtle flavour with a slight sweet finish, the mark of exceptional quality. EGYPTIAN MINT This Egyptian mint leaf dating back to the Pharaohs is a hearty caffeine free peppermint. Its refreshing, cooling and flavourful notes are well rounded with no bitter aftertaste. Perfect for cleansing the palate and energising the body after a meal. CITRUS CAMOMILE Since early Greco-Roman period, the calming and soothing qualities of camomile have been well known. This caffeine-free blend of camomile is enhanced with delightful flavour of lemongrass. The result is a mellow citrus delight. WILD ENCOUNTER This caffeine-free herbal blend will send your taste buds reeling. One sip and you will encounter the sweet and tart sensations of fruit and berries. ORGANIC DARJEELING Referred to as the Champagne of teas, this Darjeeling certainly is that! This second flush is the most prized harvest of the year from one of the oldest and smallest tea plantations in India (Monteviot) and delivers exceptional character and exquisite flavour. SPICED CHAI Chai is a blend of robust black Indian teas, combined with exotic spices. Chai is synonymous with Tea in South Asia and to fully enjoy this traditional Indian beverage, add milk and sugar. Its exotic aroma and punchy tea delivers a wonderful flavour, perfect for an afternoon pick me up. ORGANIC JASMINE A floral, aromatic Chinese green tea, delicately scented with jasmine petals. The distinctive, light and smooth flavour has been enjoyed for centuries and remains a favourite. PAI MU TAN Picked in the early morning mist, this white tea is truly one of China s rarest and most famous teas. Pai mu Tan s silver tips are full of antioxidants and polyphenols, resulting in a pale golden colour tea which is fresh, mellow and sweet tasting. PERSIAN POMEGRANATE Capturing the unique flavour of one of the world s oldest fruits, Persian pomegranate delivers a succulent and sweet herbal infusion. Pomegranate is a super fruit which is high in antioxidants, accounting for its recent popularity amongst the health conscious. WHITE TEA, PEAR & GINGER A delicious silver needle white tea blend combined with juicy pear and a hint of ginger zing on the finish, for a delicate and delightful infusion.

SOMETHING SPARKLING COFFEE AND TEA Turn any occasion into something a little more special with our selection of Champagne & sparkling wine 125ml Bottle Medium Large PONGRACZ ROSÉ A delightful salmon-pink rosé that shows delicate yeasty tones, layered with toast and ripe fruit which includes blackberry 5.95 35.00 LATTE CAPPUCCINO MOCHA 3.50 3.50 3.95 3.65 3.65 CHAPEL DOWN SPARKLING This is a blend of the three greatest sparkling wine grapes, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier 6.95 39.00 HOT CHOCOLATE AMERICANO ESPRESSO 3.25 2.50 3.65 3.75 3.50 TAITTINGER BRUT Light delicate and elegant. Dry, fresh and balanced with a green fruit and citrus character 12.00 65.00 TEA 0.33l 0.75l TAITTINGER BRUT ROSÉ A beautiful, delicate salmon-pink colour with flavours redolent of ripe, red berry and summer fruits 12.95 75.00 STILL WATER SPARKLING WATER 1.95 1.95

CHARING CROSS, A BRIEF HISTORY Most people hearing the words Charing Cross will think of the magnificent Victorian railway station that opened in 1864. However, the name of the area pre-dates this famous landmark by several centuries and has its origins not in transport, but in a famous royal love story. In 1290 King Edward I was on a state visit to Scotland, awaiting the arrival of his wife, Eleanor of Castile. On her journey to meet him, she was taken ill and died at a manor house in Harby near Lincoln. In memory of his beloved wife, the grief-stricken King decreed that 12 memorial crosses should be erected at key points on the route by which her body was transported to London. The final one was placed in London s Charing, then a small village between Westminster and the City, now the junction of The Strand, Whitehall and Cockspur Street. The original Charing Cross was demolished in 1647 and the site has been occupied since 1675 by a statue of King Charles I on horseback. In the 18th century the location was officially designated the centre of London. A Victorian replica of Eleanor s Cross, erected in 1865, stands outside Charing Cross station.