Houses of Parliament Afternoon Tea: Oplev London på en helt ny måde! (Klik her nu!)

Houses of Parliament Afternoon Tea: A British Tradition in a Historic Setting

Afternoon tea is a classic British tradition that started in the 1840s and remains a popular activity for locals and tourists alike. One place where this tradition is particularly special is in the Houses of Parliament, where visitors can enjoy an elegant spread of tea, sandwiches, and cakes in historic surroundings.

Historical Background of Afternoon Tea at the Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, is the home of democracy in the United Kingdom. The complex consists of two main buildings, the House of Commons and the House of Lords, which date back to the 11th century. Over time, many additions and changes have been made to the complex, including the construction of the iconic clock tower, known as Big Ben.

The tradition of afternoon tea, served with a selection of sandwiches, scones, pastries, and cakes, was started by Anna Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford. In the early 19th century, it was customary for people to eat only two meals a day, one in the morning and one in the evening. The Duchess found it difficult to wait until her evening meal, so she started having a light meal and cup of tea in the afternoon to satisfy her hunger. This became a popular activity among her friends and members of high society, and eventually spread throughout the country as a fashionable pastime.

Menu and Service of Afternoon Tea at the Houses of Parliament

The afternoon tea served at the Houses of Parliament is an elegant affair that includes a selection of traditional finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, cakes, pastries, and of course, tea. The menu changes frequently, but you can expect to find classics like smoked salmon and cream cheese, cucumber and cream cheese, ham and mustard, and egg and cress sandwiches. The cakes and pastries are equally delicious, with options like fruit tarts, Victoria sponge, and chocolate éclairs.

The tea is served on traditional china, with a choice of different blends, including English Breakfast, Earl Grey, and Darjeeling. For a more indulgent experience, you can upgrade to the Champagne Afternoon Tea, which includes a glass of champagne with your tea.

The service is attentive and professional, with staff dressed in smart uniforms. Seating is comfortable, with tables adorned with crisp white linen and fresh flowers. Afternoon tea is served in the ornate Terrace Pavilion, which offers stunning views of the River Thames.

Experience of Afternoon Tea at the Houses of Parliament

Having afternoon tea at the Houses of Parliament is a unique and memorable experience that combines a British tradition with a historic setting. The Terrace Pavilion is a delightful space with high ceilings, chandeliers, and beautiful views of the river. Despite being located in the heart of London, the ambience is calm and peaceful.

The food is delicious and carefully prepared, with an emphasis on quality ingredients and presentation. The finger sandwiches are freshly made and generously filled, while the scones are light and fluffy. The cakes and pastries are beautifully presented on a tiered cake stand, with a range of flavours and textures to choose from.

The service is excellent, with staff who are knowledgeable about the menu and attentive to your needs. Tea is served promptly, with top-ups offered regularly. The overall experience is refined and elegant, making it a perfect treat for a special occasion or a leisurely afternoon.

Practical Information about Afternoon Tea at the Houses of Parliament

Afternoon tea at the Houses of Parliament is available Monday to Friday from 3.00 pm to 4.30 pm. The price is £39.50 per person for the Classic Afternoon Tea, while the Champagne Afternoon Tea is £49.50 per person. Reservations are essential, and can be made online or by phone.

The dress code for afternoon tea at the Houses of Parliament is smart casual, with no sportswear or ripped jeans allowed. It is important to note that visitors will need to go through security screening before entering the complex, so allow plenty of time if you have a reservation.

Accessibility at the Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament is committed to providing access to all visitors, regardless of their ability. There are lifts and wheelchair access throughout the complex, as well as accessible toilets. Guide dogs are also welcome.

House of Commons Visitors Gallery and House of Commons Dining

For those looking for an alternative to afternoon tea, there are plenty of other options to explore at the Houses of Parliament. The House of Commons Visitors Gallery offers a fascinating glimpse into the workings of parliament, with views of the debating chamber and the opportunity to see MPs in action.

For a more substantial meal, the House of Commons Dining Rooms are open to the public for lunch and dinner. The menus change regularly, but you can expect a range of dishes inspired by British cuisine, using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.

House of Lords Tea Room and Houses of Parliament Restaurant

Another option for afternoon tea at the Houses of Parliament is the House of Lords Tea Room. Located within the House of Lords, this elegant tea room offers a similar menu to the Terrace Pavilion, with a focus on quality ingredients and attentive service.

For a more formal dining experience, the Houses of Parliament Restaurant offers a range of menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant is open to the public, but reservations are recommended.

Final Thoughts

Afternoon tea is a cherished British tradition, and having it in the Houses of Parliament is an experience that combines history, elegance, and delicious food. Whether you are a tourist or a local, this is a unique activity that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

FAQs

Q: How much does afternoon tea at the Houses of Parliament cost?
A: The Classic Afternoon Tea is £39.50 per person, while the Champagne Afternoon Tea is £49.50 per person.

Q: Can I make a reservation for afternoon tea at the Houses of Parliament?
A: Yes, reservations are essential and can be made online or by phone.

Q: What is the dress code for afternoon tea at the Houses of Parliament?
A: The dress code is smart casual, with no sportswear or ripped jeans allowed.

Q: Is afternoon tea at the Houses of Parliament accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Yes, the complex has lifts and wheelchair access throughout. There are also accessible toilets available.

Q: What other dining options are available at the Houses of Parliament?
A: Visitors can explore the House of Commons Dining Room, House of Lords Tea Room, and Houses of Parliament Restaurant for a range of dining options.

Tea has been a longstanding tradition in the United Kingdom, and nowhere is this more evident than at the Houses of Parliament. For centuries, tea has played an important role in British politics, and the Houses of Parliament tea is no exception. Danish tea enthusiasts can now experience this iconic beverage firsthand, steeped in history and tradition.

History of House of Parliament Tea

The origins of the Houses of Parliament tea date back to the early 1900s. At the time, the tea served in the Houses of Parliament was a blend created specifically for the House of Commons and House of Lords. The blend was created to provide a strong, full-bodied taste as a refreshing beverage during long debates in parliament.

In the 1940s, the blend was updated with a mix of Darjeeling, Assam, and Ceylon teas, giving it a unique flavor and aroma. Today, the Houses of Parliament tea is still served in the Palace of Westminster and is a popular souvenir for visitors to London.

Tasting Notes

Houses of Parliament tea is a black tea blend with a deep amber color and a strong, robust flavor. The tea has a malty taste with a slight sweetness and a touch of astringency. It pairs well with milk and sugar and is perfect for mornings or afternoon tea breaks.

Where to Buy

Houses of Parliament tea is available at various online retailers and specialty stores. The official souvenir shop of the Houses of Parliament also sells the tea, making it easy for tourists to purchase and take home as a souvenir.

FAQs about Houses of Parliament Tea

Q: Is Houses of Parliament tea organic?

A: The House of Commons and House of Lords commission the tea blend, and it’s not necessarily organic. However, some tea companies may offer organic blends that mimic the taste of the original Houses of Parliament tea.

Q: What makes Houses of Parliament tea different?

A: Houses of Parliament tea is a unique blend of Darjeeling, Assam, and Ceylon teas that gives it its distinctive taste. The blend was created specifically for the House of Commons and House of Lords as a refreshing beverage during long debates in parliament.

Q: Is Houses of Parliament tea caffeine-free?

A: No, Houses of Parliament tea is a black tea blend that contains caffeine.

Q: Can I enjoy Houses of Parliament tea without milk or sugar?

A: Yes, the tea can be enjoyed without milk or sugar. However, the traditional serving method in the United Kingdom is with milk and sugar.

Q: What is the best way to brew Houses of Parliament tea?

A: The best way to brew Houses of Parliament tea is to use boiling water and steep the tea for 3-5 minutes. The tea can be brewed in a tea pot or tea infuser.

In conclusion, Houses of Parliament tea is a beloved and iconic beverage in the United Kingdom, steeped in tradition and history. Danish tea lovers can now experience this unique blend of black tea and the robust taste it offers. Whether enjoyed with milk and sugar or on its own, Houses of Parliament tea is a must-try for those seeking a taste of British culture.

Houses of Parliament Restaurant: Oplev Engelsk Kultur og Køkken i Hjertet af London

Parlamentets restauration, eller i engelsk parlance kaldet The Houses of Parliament Restaurant and Bar, er beliggende i hjertet af London i det historiske Palace of Westminster. Det er en af de mest populære spisesteder i London på grund af dens beliggenhed og den rigdom af engelsk historie, som den afspejler. Dette spisested, som serverer et bredt udvalg af engelske retter, tager dig på en gastronomisk rejse gennem Englands kulinariske historie.

En tur til Houses of Parliament Restaurant and Bar er en chance for at smage autentiske engelske retter, serveret i en autentisk engelsk atmosfære. Maden på menukortet består af alt fra traditionelle engelske retter, såsom fish and chips, shepherd’s pie og bangers and mash, til mere moderne engelske retter, som er inspireret af internationale køkkener. Portionerne er store, og kvaliteten af maden er yderst høj, hvilket gør spisestedet til et populært valg for alle, der vil opleve den bedste mad i England.

Atmosfæren i Houses of Parliament Restaurant and Bar er også en del af dens tiltrækningskraft. Det er en restaurant, som giver dig følelsen af at være en del af det britiske parlamentsliv, og du vil næppe finde en anden restaurant i hele London, der er så tæt på parlamentets bygning som denne. Der er en følelse af historie i luften, og du vil opleve den varme og indbydende atmosfære, som spisestedet er kendt for.

Restauranten og baren tilbyder også gæsterne en storslået udsigt over Themsen og Westminster Bridge, så du kan nyde synet af Londons skyline mens du nyder din mad og drikkevarer. Det er en mulighed for at nyde en unik oplevelse, som færre turister oplever.

Hvis du ønsker at besøge Houses of Parliament Restaurant and Bar, skal du booke et bord i forvejen, da der altid er stor efterspørgsel på dette spisested. Det er et populært valg blandt besøgende og lokale, der gerne vil opleve Englands kulinariske kultur og historie. Du kan nemt booke et bord online, og der er også en mulighed for at bestille en guideret tur i parlamentets bygning, som inkluderer et besøg på spisestedet.

The Houses of Parliament Restaurant and Bar åbner fra mandag til fredag ​​og er lukket i weekenderne. Det anbefales at besøge denne restaurant omkring kl. 12.30, når parlamentarisk debat er afsluttet, og den britiske parlamentsbygning er åben for offentligheden. Det er også vigtigt at bemærke, at alle besøgende skal vise gyldig identifikation for at få adgang til parlamentets bygning.

Event Catering Service

Houses of Parliament Restaurant and Bar er også populær blandt eventplanlæggere, der ønsker at give deres gæster en uforglemmelig oplevelse. Restauranten tilbyder en yderst professionel event cateringservice, som kan levere alt lige fra snacks og drinks til et formelt middagsselskab.

Det er værd at bemærke, at Houses of Parliament Restaurant and Bar normalt kun er åben for parlamentsmedlemmer og deres gæster. Men på visse dage og tidspunkter af døgnet, er restauranten åben for alle. Det er også muligt at besøge restaurante efter forudgående aftale med parlamentet, eller som en del af en officiel rundvisning.

Spisestedet er også kendt for at holde et bredt udvalg af vin fra hele verden, og ølspecialiteter fra de bedste bryggerier i England. Derudover er den engelske creme brulee og kopper te blandt de mest populære retter og drikkevarer på menukortet.

FAQs

Q. Er det nødvendigt at booke et bord på forhånd for at besøge Houses of Parliament Restaurant and Bar?

A. Ja, det er nødvendigt at booke et bord på forhånd for at besøge spisestedet. Det er et populært valg blandt besøgende og lokale, der gerne vil opleve Englands kulinariske kultur og historie.

Q. Kan jeg besøge Houses of Parliament Restaurant and Bar uden at deltage i en officiel rundvisning?

A. Ja, det er muligt, men det er vigtigt at bemærke, at restauranten kun er åben for offentligheden på visse dage og tidspunkter i løbet af ugen. Det er også nødvendigt at vise gyldig identifikation for at få adgang til parlamentets bygning.

Q. Tilbyder Houses of Parliament Restaurant and Bar event catering service?

A. Ja, spisestedet tilbyder en yderst professionel event cateringservice, som kan levere alt lige fra snacks og drinks til et formelt middagsselskab.

Q. Hvad er de mest populære retter og drikkevarer på menukortet?

A. De mest populære retter på menuen er de traditionelle engelske retter såsom fish and chips, shepherd’s pie og bangers and mash. Desuden er den engelske creme brulee og kopper te blandt de mest populære drikkevarer på menukortet.

Q. Hvordan er servicen på Houses of Parliament Restaurant and Bar?

A. Servicen er yderst professionel og højt kvalificeret. Personalet er venligt og imødekommende, hvilket gør oplevelsen endnu mere behagelig for gæsterne.