You can definitely go to your local supermarket; buy tea, scones, sandwiches and have Afternoon Tea at home, especially during this time of social distancing. I mean why not?
However, I think there is more to the price that makes Afternoon Tea a luxury worth having.
Here are my 3 reasons why:
1. THE LUXURY OF TIME
A restaurant has a simple business model; the more we serve, the more money we make. So they aim to get people in and out as quickly as possible. However, afternoon tea is often an uninterrupted hour or two where you can enjoy the company of others or yourself over a spot of tea.
It's easy to forget that time away from your routine is a luxury.
I find myself planing my day hour by hour trying to see if I can get it all done. So I think it is important to spend time to have a sit down and catch up with people.
Also, any reason to get dressed up and catch up is something that I wouldn't want to miss.
Beas of Bloomsbury
2. THE LUXURY OF VARIETY
There is often 5-10 savory and sweet treats with the range of tea, from fruity tea to simple original tea and for an extra cost some champagne. Even though the portions are smaller than a full meal, this is still a way to indulge yourself with food you may have not thought to try before.
Also, afternoon tea tends to switch up the items, so you may go to same place but the choices may be different.
I often share the afternoon tea package and order an extra pot of tea or champagne, which saves money and we get to share the experience together.
May Fair Kitchen
3. THE LUXURY OF LOCATION
So with the luxury of time and variety of afternoon tea, you'll often get the luxury of a high quality view with beautiful interiors.
Afternoon tea tends to take place in a hotel, sometimes 5*, or in a specialised restaurant, and personally I appreciate the details and effort put into the design of the food and location. Sometimes there are even themed tea, which also adds to the ambiance.
A few of the Afternoon tea locations that have caught my eye, and the price per person (pp)
The Modern Pantry £12.75 pp or £29.75pp or £40pp with champagne
Beas of Bloomsbury £30 pp
Mayfair Kitchen £35 pp or £45 pp with champagne
Mad Hatters, The Restaurant at Sanderson £48 pp or £58 pp for special packages
The Landmark £52 pp or £62 pp with champagne
Sketch range from £59 - £95 pp
Sketch
These 3 reasons make Afternoon Tea a luxury to me, as you take your time to enjoy the company of others, have a variety of food maybe including something you don't eat regularly, and visit beautiful restaurants or hotels.
What do you think of Afternoon Tea? Is it worth it?
Let me know what you think below.
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