Tea Time

by Monica Hernandez

LONDON -- Afternoon tea is a popular custom in England. Being a tourist in London, having tea was on the to-do list. As my friend and I explored the city, we stumbled upon a tea room, the Richoux.

We turned to each other with a smile and knew we were in agreement. We walked inside the elegantly decorated room and were in awe. On the ceiling was painted like the sky with birds flying around, beneath hung a glass chandelier. The walls were red with an elaborate design. And the pastry counter had fresh cakes topped with fruit or dipped in chocolates.

We sat and ordered Richoux own blend which was recommended by our waitress. Before she took our menus I noticed “afternoon tea” was listed at a much higher price than the tea we had just ordered.

Using the internet, I found that afternoon tea is not something that you typically order on the spot. You have to make reservations ahead of time. Not knowing what afternoon tea entailed, my friend and I returned the tea room days later to ask the supervisor, Envr Hodolli, what exactly is afternoon tea.

Hodolli explained that afternoon tea is a tradition in the United Kingdom. He said it is typically served after 2 pm. Afternoon tea at the Richoux consists of two teas, two cakes, two scones, two strawberries, and two fruit cakes. Having multiple pastries with tea reminds me of American tea parties. But he made it clear that it is not like tea in America.