December 2009. Do you know your 2nd Flush Assam from your Russian Caravan and your High Mountain Oolong from your Jasmine Pearls?
Challenge and excite your taste buds with the launch of the Pudding Club and Tea Tasting this autumn at Blenheim Palace.
Working with master tea-makers Twinings, Blenheim Palace has launched Tea Tasting as the perfect introduction to the fascinating world of tea. Set in the Indian Room, guests will be treated to a tour of the finest teas from around the world. The teas are paired with specially selected cakes chosen by, and made by, the chefs at the Palace, followed by a complimentary cream tea. The tasting takes place in the beautiful Indian Room.
The Indian Room
In his designs for the Palace, the architect, Sir John Vanburgh intended that the area under The Long Library, currently The Water Terraces Café and the Indian Room, should be a 'grotto'. This was never installed and during the 18th century the area became known as The Stone Gallery. In the 1820's the 5th Duke of Marlborough changed the area considerably and the current Indian Room was described a Drawing Room with a large mural depicting a tiger hunt in India giving the room its' current name. The 9th Duke of Marlborough installed the fine water terraces and fountains which The Indian Room now overlooks. The Indian Room is a truly lovely setting and has wonderful views over the magnificent Water Terraces.
The Ritual of Tea
Anna Maria, the Seventh Duchess of Bedford, is credited with the invention of afternoon tea in 1840. She is said to have experienced what she called a ‘sinking feeling’ in the middle of the afternoon due to the long gap between light luncheon and her evening meal. To relieve her hunger pangs she asked her footman to bring her a pot of tea and a little light refreshment. She enjoyed this ritual so much she began to invite her friends over for tea and gossip about the latest scandal. The ritual caught on and afternoon tea became all the rage among the upper crust.
Soon all of fashionable London was indulging in afternoon tea, and now you too can enjoy this classic British institution at Blenheim Palace.
Tea Tasting costs £19.95 per person and runs from 3pm until 5.30pm on Wednesday, 18th November.
Pudding Club
Pudding Club has launched at Blenheim Palace with the first event taking place on 27th November. Set in the splendour of Blenheim Palace, guests will be welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine before being invited to the table for a light dinner. The highlight of the evening is a presentation of six of the best traditional puddings by the chefs at Blenheim Palace. The puddings include firm favourites including Sticky Toffee Pudding and Queen of Puddings as well as Sherry Trifle and Burnt Cambridge Cream.
The Pudding Club evening is £29.95 per person and runs from 6pm until 9pm.
Blenheim Palace
For over 300 years Blenheim Palace has been the family home to the Dukes of Marlborough and the birthplace to Sir Winston Churchill. A masterpiece of English Baroque architecture designed by Sir John Vanburgh, Blenheim Palace is a World Heritage Site and as King George III said, "We have nothing finer".
ENDS
For more information and to book your place at the Pudding Club and Tea Tasting visit www.blenheimpalace.com, call 01993 813 874 or email sales@blenheimhospitality.com