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AFTERNOON TEA IN HAMBURG: A DELIGHTFUL BRITISH TRADITION
Fragrant scones with creamy clotted cream, delicious sandwiches and an exquisite selection of teas - Afternoon Tea is much more than just a meal; it is the epitome of British elegance and conviviality. But you don't have to travel to England for this stylish ceremony - you can enjoy the tradition in Hamburg. In our historic lounge, surrounded by tasteful décor and comfortable seating, you can expect a pleasurable break that pampers all the senses. Read on to discover the origins of this popular tradition and the delicacies that make up a classic Afternoon Tea.
THE HISTORY OF AFTERNOON TEA
The Duchess of Bedford, Queen Victoria's lady-in-waiting in the 19th century, was responsible for the special tradition of Afternoon Tea. The British noblewoman often found herself with a rumbling stomach in the Afternoon, as dinner was served late in the stately salons of the day. So what was her solution? She had a pot of hot tea and a few small delicacies served to her.
What began as a personal habit quickly became a real social event. British high society took up the custom and soon it was common practice to invite guests between 3pm and 5pm to share tea and sweet and savoury snacks. Afternoon Tea became a social ritual, a time for catching up, gossiping and talking.
To this day, Afternoon Tea remains an integral part of British culture, associated with elegance, tradition and socialising.
THE TYPICAL INGREDIENTS OF A BRITISH AFTERNOON TEA
An English Afternoon Tea in Hamburg is much more than just a cup of tea - it follows a loving ritual that originated over a hundred years ago. At a typical British Afternoon Tea, you can expect a perfect composition of the finest tea and delicious food, served in a very specific order.
The centrepiece of every Afternoon Tea in Hamburg is an elegant three-tiered cake stand, laden with a selection of savoury and sweet delicacies. At the bottom are finger-friendly sandwiches, traditionally topped with ingredients such as cucumber, salmon or egg salad. Warm scones, with a golden brown crust and fluffy centre, reign supreme and are a real treat. They are classically served with clotted cream and fruity strawberry jam. Sweet temptations await at the top: colourful petit fours, tartlets and delicate slices of cake are a stylish way to round off Afternoon Tea.
And, of course, the tea. Served on fine porcelain in delicate teacups, it is one of the most important components of this British tradition. Strong black tea, aromatic Earl Grey, fine Darjeeling or fragrant Jasmine - the choice is endless, and often served with a dash of milk or cream in the British tradition.
ENJOY AFTERNOON TEA AT FAIRMONT HOTEL VIER JAHRESZEITEN HAMBURG
Our living room
A traditional Afternoon Tea of the highest quality awaits you in our living room, known as the 'living room of Hamburg' and the heart of our hotel. The stylish Wilhelminian-style interior exudes nostalgic charm and invites you to step back in time. Wood-panelled walls, warm lamps, period paintings and a crackling fireplace create an atmosphere that is both cosy and elegant. Comfortable sofas invite you to linger, while the elegant pattern of the marble floor, ceiling frieze and fireplace tiles is echoed in the artistic ornamentation of our bone china porcelain - a design detail that rounds off the harmonious overall picture.
Tea and other delicacies
While you enjoy the stylish ambience and views of the Inner Alster Lake, we will serve you an exquisite selection of delicacies: freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, fine cakes from our in-house patisserie and artfully filled sandwiches. We also serve high quality tea specialities, stylishly presented on fine bone china.
If you would like to add a touch of luxury to your Afternoon Tea, we serve fine champagne and exquisite caviar with blinis with aromatic tea.
EXPERIENCE A TYPICAL BRITISH AFTERNOON TEA IN HAMBURG
At Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Hamburg, one of the city's most prestigious addresses, exquisite canapés, the finest teas and first-class service await you in a cosy atmosphere. The exclusive tea selection, created by tea architect Lars Frederik Ellerbrock, includes hand-picked highland teas from China, Taiwan, Japan and Ceylon, as well as fine herbal and spice teas from small family farms. Let yourself be enchanted by this special tradition and enjoy a relaxing tea time in Hamburg.