Sunday, March 27, 2011

TEA IN ENGLAND (SPRING IN HISTORIC BATH PART 1)


A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit England for 8 days. This was my first trip to the 'Sceptered Isle" and to say it was perhaps the most spectacular destination I’ve ever visited would be a vast understatement. For, as an unapologetic Anglophile, being there at least once in your lifetime is as necessary to existence as the water you drink or the air that you breathe. To take advantage of any trip there is a must, no matter how long or short the duration.

After spending a few exciting days in London, it was destination, Bath, where I was able to visit a wonderful tea room which is what this post will concentrate on. Of course, Bath is known for its Roman influence and exquisite Georgian architecture but it should also be noted that this city has many wonderful tearooms and specialty shops. It seems that I stumbled upon one at every turn. I only wish I had several more days to explore this breathtaking city and partake of each and every one. Hum…I’m thinking a tea room tour of Great Britain must be in the future works. Anyone care to join me?

The three most significant activities that were enjoyed by the privileged in Bath during the Regency era, in which it’s so well known, were dancing, gambling and tea. It is also said that if one spent any less than 6 weeks there, you would have certainly held no social significance whatsoever. To do so would have been considered bad form, indeed. After all, Bath, during Jane’s time was second only to London in prestige and fashion- ability, though that would change some years later when it would become much less chic.

Upon first arriving and embarking on the adventure of navigating the maze of one way streets in the city, our first destination was the Jane Austen Centre. The centre offers a museum of period clothing and displays which have been designed to give a glimpse into what life would have been like during the Regency era. It also houses a nice gift shop with everything Jane-related.

The tour at the centre was very informative. It was filled with information about the Austen family especially in reference to the time they spent there. It is often said that Jane grew weary of Bath, but the guide at the centre seemed to feel that she did in fact have a fondness for the city, at least at certain times in her life. Of course, Jane devotees will be quick to point out that Bath was the setting of two of Austen’s beloved novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, the former being my favorite of the two.

Now, for the tea experience: I had researched the Tea Room at the centre a bit before my trip so had great expectations. For instance, it is housed in a Georgian townhouse on historic Gay Street and adorned with décor faithful to the era. This certainly makes for perfect ambiance. But of more importance, this particular tea room, known as The Regency Tea Room, has been granted the Tea Guild’s esteemed “Award of excellence” and “Tea rooms with distinction” award. One sip of the perfectly brewed selections offered here and it’s easy to see why. I opted to sample two blends from their offering of 15. My first was the Jane Austen Blend; a mixture of delectable China black teas, in keeping with what was more easily available during the Regency period. The second was Russian Caravan. The latter is a blend of China blacks with a smokier flavor- Very satisfying. Of course, I came away with loose leaf bags of both, along with a charming silver tea strainer. As for tea fare, I chose “Tea with Mr. Darcy.” I ask you, how could one resist ordering that when there is a charming portrait of Colin Firth, in the role that made him famous, holding a position of honor just above the mantle? And what exactly was included with this “Tea”? It consisted of a two tiered offering of cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches, fresh baked scones (one plain, one with currants) with Dorset clotted cream, strawberry jam, lemon curd, apple tartlets, delectable meringue shells with fruity filling, and cream stuffed buttery cookies-topped with a drizzle of chocolate.

And what did all this result in? Well, an afternoon of absolute bliss, of course!

Now, make sure to check back soon for “Part 2” of Bath to see the rest of what this exquisite English city is known for.














11 comments:

ZipZip said...

Oh, what fun!!!!

Your photos are so evocative; cannot wait to hear more.

So glad you had a wonderful time, Rebecca. Now, if only the stomach bug would leave you in peace.

Very best,

Natalie

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Yes, yes!
A fabulous place for tea!!
I'm so glad you got to visit England!

Donna and Miss Spenser said...

Okay, I am a whimp...I had to shed a tear of joy for you as I read your note...and a tear of sadness for me...of a dream yet unfilled!! (ha). I am loving the posts...keep it coming!! HUGS - D

Rebecca said...

Donna, you'll get there and will love every minute of it.:)

Hugs to you, too.

Polly Singer said...

I shed a tear of happiness for you too upon reading this blog. I am so happy for you. And yes, a tea tour of England would be most fine with me. Isn't Bath just heaven on Earth?

Can't wait to hear more.

ChaChaneen said...

Sigh... This was truly fun to read and I'm thrilled you made such a lovely memory! Tea with Mr. Darcy looked delicious! Mmmmm

Did you take some pictures for future sketching?

Rushd Lady said...

Oh, a dream of mine has been to visit the UK. Both my parents have visited there on two separate occasions, but I have yet to go. If only I could have squeezed into their suitcases. sigh!

Michael said...

"and to say it was perhaps the most spectacular destination I’ve ever visited would be a vast understatement"

Whoa. you definitely get it, that;s for sure, dear Rebecca. What an amazing time you had adn of course you did! how could you not in such splendour. I knew you'd love it. Jsut the air alone is so incredible, no?

I love the tea bit of course. :) Perfect. Adn yes, sign me up for the tea tour. Wouldn't that be fab? Divine really.

OK, I've got 10 mins left before this day is done so let me quickly say I wish you and your family a very happy Easter adn Easter Monday!

Have you canceled everything for Friday for the big day? I think I will take a holiday like the rest of teh country (in UK) to watch the wedding...even if just on my computer. Ha.

Michael said...

"and to say it was perhaps the most spectacular destination I’ve ever visited would be a vast understatement"

Whoa. you definitely get it, that;s for sure, dear Rebecca. What an amazing time you had adn of course you did! how coudl you not in such splendour. I knew you'd love it. Jsut the air alone is so incredible, no?

I love the tea bit of course. :) Perfect. Adn yes, sign me up for the tea tour. Wouldn't that be fab? Divine really.

OK, I've got 10 mins left before this day is done so let me quickly say I wish you and your family a very happy Easter adn Easter Monday!

Have you canceled everything for Friday for the big day? I think I will take a holiday like the rest of teh country (in UK) to watch the wedding...even if just on my computer. Ha.

Rebecca said...

Polly, indeed...can't wait for a return visit :)

Janeen, I have some great photo references now for future projects...narrowing them down will be the hard part.

Rush'd Lady, welcome! Keeping seeing it happen. It will.

Rebecca said...

Mmm,

Spot on as usual! The air...oh, the air...It's so hard to put into words what that means but I know exactly what you're referring to.

Happy Easter Monday!

Of course you know that Friday is marked on my calendar. I will be up bright and early to watch it live...:) When in London, I had the wonderful experience of taking communion in the nave at Westminster Abbey. This Anglican could not pass that up? :) It was a contemplative, quiet, beautiful service. I was so pleased that the other tourists were so respectful and kept very quiet. Can't wait to return there again. I guess television will just have to do, until I can make that much anticipated return "home".

Oh, absolutely loved St. Paul's too. ((sigh))...