Great British Tea Party

21/04/2026

Happy 100th posthumous birthday to Queen Elizabeth II (1926 – 2022)

Remembering a life of unwavering duty, quiet strength, and enduring elegance.
A century of legacy that continues to shape British identity and tradition.

Images: Royal Collections Trust

21/04/2026

Etiquette: The Blue Book of Social Usage by Emily Post, first published in 1922.

Preparing Breakfast Tray

(original extract)

The advantage of having one's guests choose breakfast up-stairs, is that unless there is a separate breakfast room, a long delayed breakfast prevents the dining-room from being put in order or the lunch table set. Trays, on the other hand, stand "all set" in the pantry and interfere much less with the dining-room work. The trays are either of the plain white pantry variety or regular breakfast ones with folding legs. On each is put a tray cloth. It may be plain linen hemstitched or scalloped, or it may be much embroidered and have mosaic or filet lace.

Every bedroom has a set of breakfast china to match it. But it is far better to send a complete set of blue china to a rose-colored room than a rose set that has pieces missing. Nothing looks worse than odd crockery. It is like unmatched paper and envelopes, or odd shoes, or a woman's skirt and waist that do not meet in the back.

There is nothing unusual in a tray set, every china and department store carries them, but only in "open" stock patterns can one buy extra dishes or replace broken ones; a fact it is well to remember. There is a tall coffee pot, hot milk pitcher, a cream pitcher and sugar bowl, a cup and saucer, two plates, an egg cup and a covered dish. A cereal is usually put in the covered dish, toast in a napkin on a plate, or eggs and bacon in place of cereal. This with fruit is the most elaborate "tray" breakfast ever provided. Most people who breakfast "in bed" take only coffee or tea, an egg, toast and possibly fruit.

Image: Taken from the 1940 re-print edition

21/04/2026

21/04/2026

Happy National Tea Day! Whether it’s a strong builder’s brew in a mug or delicate Darjeeling in a china tea cup. In every sip, tea is a mixture of comfort, connection, and tradition.

National Tea Day is celebrated annually on 21st April. It was founded in 2016 by The Tea Group. Aiming to elevate the humble cup of tea to its rightful place of honour.

21/04/2026

From the 1964 film My Fair Lady, directed by George Cukor.

A celebrated Ascot afternoon tea scene unfolds as Mrs Higgins hosts Mrs Eynsford Hill and Freddy, before Eliza makes a striking entrance with Pickering in white, punctuated with red.

Her careful, almost precise speech begins to slip, to Higgins’ quiet horror. Freddy, however, is captivated, calling it “the new small talk”.

Then comes the moment that nearly breaks the illusion. As the horses thunder past, Eliza cries out
“Come on, Dover. Move yer bloomin’ arse!”

Costumes by Cecil Beaton defined the scene. Over 400 individually designed gowns were created, drawing on Edwardian references, personal accounts, and the black mourning elegance of the 1910 Ascot season.

One of Beaton’s Ascot dresses later sold for $3.7 million, securing its place in fashion history.

21/04/2026

GBTP Exclusive Experience
Afternoon Tea aboard the British Pullman

Last Chance to Book!

Join me on Sunday 26th April 2026 for an exceptionally Afternoon Tea experience aboard the British Pullman luxury train. This is the only date available this year!

Departing London Victoria at 12.00 and returning at 16.00, this four-hour round-trip journey is a considered return to the Golden Age of travel. Where elegance, ritual, and indulgence define the experience. From arrival, guests are discreetly welcomed onboard and guided through the train’s bespoke lounge before being escorted to their seats.

Each meticulously restored Art Deco carriage is a study in craftsmanship: polished marquetry, brass luggage racks, silken lampshades, and tables dressed in crisp white linen and bespoke fine china. As the train glides through Greater London and the rolling landscapes of Kent, the Garden of England, you’ll enjoy a traditional afternoon tea created by Chef John Freeman and his team.

The menu features refined savouries, delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and an exquisite selection of cakes and pastries, accompanied by fine teas, coffee, petit fours, and half a bottle of Champagne per guest. Served with the quiet precision and warmth for which the British Pullman is celebrated.

The train itself is a living archive of European travel history. Its carriages, dating from the 1920s, were once part of the legendary Wagons-Lits and Orient Express services. Each carriage has its own name and story, lovingly restored to evoke a time when travel was not merely functional, but an event to be savoured.

This is an immersive experience where heritage, gastronomy, and effortless glamour converge. An experience designed not to be rushed, replicated, or forgotten.

So get out your hats and join me! I can’t wait to share this very special day with you.

**DM for Booking Information**

Sending hugs ❤️❤️ Claire

21/04/2026

I love my loyal Australian fans.

So it feels only right that GBTP arrives in Sydney!

GBTP X Sydney bringing you ‘Harbour, Heritage & High Society’

1–3 October 2026
An exquisitely curated experience.

Message me “Sydney” if you’d like to be included.

I’m so excited. See you there and sending big hugs ❤️❤️ Claire

21/04/2026

Hazelnut Latte Fingers from Anna at Flower & Sugar

If you’re looking for something a little special for your next afternoon tea, these hazelnut latte fingers are such a lovely option.

Soft, coffee-infused cake fingers are topped with a silky hazelnut icing (with a touch of Nutella for extra flavour) and finished with a gold-dusted hazelnut for an elegant, five-star style finish.

They’re simple to make but look beautifully refined, and thanks to a couple of secret ingredients, they stay soft and moist for days—perfect for entertaining or making ahead.

You can find the full recipe now on the Flower & Sugar website click here to view https://flower-sugar.com/hazelnut-latte-fingers-for-afternoon-tea/

20/04/2026

A gentleman tips his top hat to a group of ladies, 1920s.

A small gesture, yet rich in meaning and once an essential act of social grace as a mark of respect and recognition. Rooted in centuries of etiquette, it evolved from knights lifting their visors to show peaceful intent, into a defining mark of gentlemanly conduct.

An act of courtesy, confidence and chivalry that elevated simple everyday encounters.

20/04/2026

Earl Mountbatten of Burma (1900 - 1979) and Lady Edwina Mountbatten (1901 - 1960) walking in the grounds of Broadlands, their Hampshire home, with their dog.

According to royal biographer, Philip Ziegler, in his 1985 book, Mountbatten: The Official Biography, Mountbatten once admitted: “Edwina and I spent all our married lives getting into other people’s beds.”

Mountbatten was born in 1900 at Frogmore House, Windsor as Prince Louis of Battenberg, a title he lost when he and other royals dropped Germanic names during World War I.

He was the uncle of Prince Philip and second cousin once removed of Queen Elizabeth II (the Queen and Prince Philip were related, both great-great-grandchildren of Queen Victoria). Dickie as he was known to family and close friends, was instrumental in their marriage and also, in the event of the Royal Family taking the Mountbatten name. A British naval officer, he was Supreme Allied Commander of South East Asia during World War II and the last Viceroy of India.

An unforgiving social climber, he was also not without much political controversy. Specifically in relation to the failure of Operation Jubilee during WWII which was at a big cost to Allied lives and the botched process of the Indian Partition which saw the death of more than a million people and the displacement of 15 million citizens.

He married heiress Edwina Ashley (1901-1960) reportedly one of the richest woman in England at the time. An unconventional marriage, they both openly embarked on multiple affairs and it was rumoured that Mountbatten or Dickie as he was known to close friends, was bisexual. Edwina famously had an affair with the first prime minster of India, Jawaharlal Nehru.

The union between Mountbatten and Edwina produced two daughters, Patricia Knatchbull, 2nd Countess Mountbatten of Burma and Lady Pamela Hicks.

In her memoir, Pamela describes Edwina as a detached, rarely seen mother who preferred travelling the world with her current lover to mothering her children.

Edwina died in her sleep in 1960 and Mountbatten was assassinated by the IRA in 1979. Before he was able to see through the arranged marriage of his grand daughter Amanda Knatchbull and Prince Charles.

Photo by Slim Aarons/Getty Images

20/04/2026

I’m delighted to share from Flower & Sugar, the Afternoon Tea at Home Checklist, with all recipes created by the delightful Anna. She says,

“Whether you’re planning a simple catch-up with friends or a beautiful tiered stand celebration, my printable checklist has all the equipment, servingware and extras you’ll need to host a memorable Afternoon Tea at Home. “

Visit the Flower & Sugar webpage to download your free copy https://flower-sugar.com/afternoon-tea-checklist-for-easy-entertaining/

20/04/2026

Annabel’s in Mayfair, London

The original Annabel's was opened in 1963 by entrepreneur Mark Birley who named the members only nightclub after his then wife, Lady Annabel, daughter of the 8th Marquess of Londonderry. It was the place to be and said to be the only nightclub Queen Elizabeth II ever visited.

Annabel’s was sold to British entrepreneur Richard Caring in 2007 who moved it to a Georgian townhouse a few doors down the road. It still has a basement nightclub but it now includes three floors and a roof terrace. A Picasso hangs in the entrance lobby.

Annabel’s garden terrace features a retractable roof and is modeled after an 18th-century Georgian orangery with trees and plants throughout. Rain or shine, members can drop in at this verdant retreat in the sky for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.

Private clubs have a strict “no photos” policy.

Image: Annabel’s