Yesteryear's price in celebration of afternoon tea

Thursday, 15 May 2008

• Howick and Pakuranga Times

The Langham Auckland, 83 Symonds Street, Auckland Central. Ph: 379 5132.

Today’s rampant coffee culture may have most New Zealanders in its grip but at The Langham in Auckland afternoon tea is a still tradition after it was started at The Langham London 143 years ago.

At that time it cost one shilling and sixpence (18 cents) to indulge in ‘Teas, Plain’ consisting of cakes, sweets, bread and butter and of course, tea. Now, to celebrate The Langham being the first grand hotel to provide this genteel custom to patrons, the Auckland hotel will serve its regular afternoon tea on June 10 between 12noon and 4.30pm but charge only 18 cents per head – the equivalent of the 1865 price tag.

What’s more, this afternoon tea ritual, normally $28 per head and still served daily, is a far cry from that of yesteryear. Guests receive a feast of petite scones, smoked salmon pinwheels, tomato, cucumber and egg sandwiches, chocolate-coated, tuxedo dressed strawberries, fresh fruit tartlets, lamingtons, English fruit cake and spice cake accompanied by crème fraiche, strawberry preserve, butter and, of course, tea (coffee too if that really is your preference).

Interestingly, the afternoon tea habit has its roots amongst the English gentility. It was 1840 when Anna Russell, 7th Duchess of Bedford, first indulged in afternoon tea to ward of hunger pangs in the long hours between lunch and dinner. It didn’t take long for others to catch onto the idea especially once the Duchess began sharing the experience with her friends. Other women began hosting afternoon tea events thus launching a timeless institution, which is now followed by people from all walks of life all over the world.

• The June 10 celebration at The Langham Auckland is expected to be hugely popular so if you are keen to join the event waste not a minute – phone 0800 612-261 to book a spot.