INTRODUCTION TO OUR BRITISH AFTERNOON TEA ETIQUETTE COURSE AT THE RITZ HOTEL, LONDON

A traditional British experience suitable for ladies and their friends or family, our Afternoon Tea Etiquette Course within the Palm Court of The Ritz Hotel, London, provides the elegance and charm of a bygone era.

With immaculately presented waiting staff flitting amongst the tables that are topped with pretty chinaware and gleaming silver tea services, the resident pianist plays the soundtrack to accompany it all. The Palm Court is an elegant salon originally destined for glamorous guests from high society, and it remains the quintessential British venue for this delicious pastime.

From the marriage of King Charles II to Catherine of Braganza to Anna Maria Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, you will learn about the rich social history of how this meal came about and how to enjoy each element of this fabulous indulgence.

The menu offers guests a selection of 20 loose-leaf teas, finger-cut sandwiches with traditional fillings, tea cakes and pastries, and warm baked scones with strawberry preserves and rich Devonshire clotted cream.

And if you are still hungry, you can savour the signature Ritz tableside service that includes two generous slices of cake from their guéridon cake trolley!

The Ritz London is the only hotel in the UK with a certified Tea Master, Giandomenico Scanu, who travels around the world to various tea plantations to source their wonderful teas.

 
WHERE IS THE COURSE HELD?

The Ritz Hotel, 150 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9BR.

There is excellent access to transport links; it is conveniently located within a two-minute walk from Green Park underground station, which offers the Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria Lines.

 
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT TO ACHIEVE?

Our two-hour Afternoon Tea Etiquette Course will teach you the history and customs of this beautiful pastime, as well as the etiquette of how to enjoy each element of the meal.

You will also have the opportunity to ask Emma about other British etiquette subjects, and with her experience of cross-cultural diversities, you can also feel assured that she will answer any questions with empathy and knowledge and help you navigate the often tricky and sensitive issues that arise through cultural misunderstanding. 

 
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

This course is suitable for British and International ladies.

COURSE SCHEDULE

Emma will greet you at the reception of The Ritz Hotel, London, at 2.50 PM, with the course commencing at 3 PM. You will enjoy a traditional afternoon tea, including 20 teas on offer, soft drinks, and a glass of champagne if desired.

The course ends circa. 5.00 PM.

THE HISTORY OF AFTERNOON TEA
  • King Charles II's marriage to Catherine de Braganza
  • The Seventh Duchess of Bedford
  • The difference between High Tea and Afternoon Tea
  • The Victorian Tea Rooms
  • How Dress Codes have changed throughout the years
THE HISTORY OF TEA 
  • Black, white, and green tea
  • How to brew steep and serve
  • The importance of loose-leaf tea
  • Milk in first or last?
  • Accompaniments for tea
  • How to hold your cup & saucer
  • How to stir your tea correctly
  • Strainers, teapots, teacups, teaspoons
SANDWICHES, SCONES, & PASTRIES
  • Traditional fillings and shapes
  • Correct layering of your scone
  • Use of the patisserie fork
  • How to eat your finger sandwiches and other savouries
DUTIES OF THE HOST & GUEST
  • Invitations for tea
  • What time should you arrive?
  • Knowing when to start
  • Napkin etiquette
  • Polite tea talk

PRIVATE TUITION

Date: Arranged for a mutually agreeable time

Investment: £625 (inclusive of all taxes)

Group Tuition: Price on request

PLEASE CONTACT US TO DISCUSS AVAILABILITY

Aimee, August 2019

"Emma welcomed us to London and helped to orient our family through the Afternoon Tea Etiquette Course.

Emma is a delightful host. She helped us all to feel at ease and engaged our two teenage daughters as well as my husband and me. We had a wonderful and tasty time while learning very interesting facts and traditions. Highly recommended. Thank you, Emma!"

Elizabeth, February 2017

"Emma has been a great partner with the American Women's Club of London.

She's spoken at one of our monthly meetings about etiquette, and she's held two special events around etiquette while dining.

Our members have loved all of her events, and we look forward to working with her again in the future!

 

PREVIOUS CLIENTS WHO HAVE COMPLETED OUR AFTERNOON TEA ETIQUETTE COURSE: