Afternoon Delights

Rhiannon Pulling finds the perfect vintage look to wear for an afternoon tea party

With the sun finally showing its face, an afternoon tea makes for the perfect treat here in Brighton this spring. The afternoon tea is no longer reserved for the elderly – just as ballroom dancing has seen a surge in popularity thanks to Strictly. For Mother’s Day, hen parties, birthdays, or simply a catch up with friends, all ages can enjoy a good tea party. Delicious cream cakes, mouth-watering sandwiches and refreshing cups of traditional tea – it’s an indulgant treat that makes us hungry just thinking about it.

Incorporate a vintage twist to your afternoon tea and our British heritage will be applauding with delight. No tea party is complete without a Victorian sandwich or scones, filled to the brim with strawberry jam and fresh cream in one hand, and a dainty cup of tea of your favourite blend in the other. So, will it be one sugar lump, or two?

Channel your inner Alice in Wonderland and vintage fashion style and treat yourself to a cake or two! Brighton has a host of vintage flea markets and shops in the North Laine and The Lanes, where you can shop for the part to your heart’s content! If none of this is making your mouth water yet, just take a look at these accessories and clothes to help you look and feel the part at a vintage afternoon tea.

These glitzy, 1940s-style earrings are a simple, yet elegant design which will add a little sparkle to anyone’s day.

Monsoon has created a beautiful and on-trend playsuit which is flattering for most body shapes and always leaves room for those extra cakes! Add a subtle shimmer to your outfit with this satin clutch. Use it to keep your vintage butterfly compact safe and you’re all set for an afternoon in style.

Paperchase Secret Garden Compact Mirror, £8, www.paperchase.co.uk

Earrings, £28 from www.glitzysecrets.com

Monsoon Patsy Vintage Playsuit, £46, uk.monsoon.co.uk

It’s Vintage Darling, champagne satin clutch, £25, itsvintagedarling.com

Terre à Tier Tea

Terre à Terre, Brighton’s favourite vegetarian restaurant, has launched its ‘Terre a Tier Tea’, served between 3pm and 6pm daily. The afternoon tea is all about that wonderfully indulgent time between lunch and dinner where we can all eat what we like – but especially cake!

Terre à Terre has created an afternoon tea menu that caters for all tastes and budgets – including big appetites, small appetites, vegans and gluten-free options. The impressive range of afternoon teas offers everything from a small plate of treats, to a multi-tiered feast.

Of course, afternoon tea isn’t all about sweet treats; savoury tiers of light bites are offered, including toasty Sussex cheddar rarebit laced with Sheep’s Nose cider and mustard grains, as well as steamed rice buns stuffed with marinated halloumi. On the gluten-free front, enjoy sticky almond and lemon cake, mint chocolate meringues with cream and berries, and delicious tea soaked sultana scones served with clotted oatmeal cream and Terre à Terre’s own jam.

Alongside the food is a vast selection of single-estate organic fine loose teas and infusions to suit every taste.

Experiment with something different, such as the heavenly Jasmin Gold Dragon and the fruity Peacock, or stick with a good old English breakfast. It’s up to you! Afternoon tea at Terre à Terre ranges from £4.95–£25 per person.

Terre à Terre, 71 East Street, Brighton, BN1 1HQ
01273 729051
www.terreaterre.co.uk
Pic: Pic: James Pike(jimpix.com)