East meets West at Albert Cottage Hotel in East Cowes this month with the launch of the decadent ‘Victoria & Abdul Afternoon Tea’.
This Indian-inspired Afternoon Tea celebrates the forthcoming release of the biographical drama film ‘Victoria & Abdul’, which stars Dame Judi Dench as Queen Victoria.
It offers a selection of assorted sandwiches, traditional scones and authentic treats with a tempting twist. A sparkling Champagne or Gin & Tonic option is also available.
‘Victoria & Abdul’ is the first film to ever use the interiors of Osborne as a location and the nearby former home of Queen Victoria can be explored for less with the ‘Victoria & Abdul Afternoon Tea’ including a voucher for 20% off entry.
Quintessentially British, the ceremony of Afternoon Tea has a rich and flavoursome history. This delectable ritual found its raison d’etre in the 1800’s when Queen Victoria’s dear friend Anna Maria Russell, Duchess of Bedford, complained of ‘having that sinking feeling’ during the late afternoon.
The Duchess wanted something small to satisfy her hunger and see her through till dinner time and therefore requested a small meal of bread with butter and petites like biscuits, cakes and other niceties be brought to her boudoir. Anna began inviting her London society friends to her dressing room to share in the meal.
When The Queen learnt of this activity, she instantly loved the idea. Queen Victoria was renowned for having a very sweet tooth and kept the confectionery cooks very busy. She particularly enjoyed having light cake with buttercream and fresh raspberries – later known as Victoria Sponge Cake – to accompany her pot of tea.
Afternoon Tea is served in one of the elegant rooms or outside on the beautiful terrace between 14:00-17:00 and is priced from £19.95 per person – with Traditional Afternoon Tea priced from £15.95 per person.
Booking is highly recommended by calling Albert Cottage Hotel on 01983 299309.
The film is to be released in cinemas in the UK on 15th September 2017.
