As a way of apology, the mortified chef presented the gentleman with yet ANOTHER slice of cake, especially made for him. Full of photographs and quotes from Downton characters, with this book you can recreate the rich traditions and flavours of Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea time and time again. What I like in these Downton cookbooks is that there is always a short historical introduction for each recipe. Serve them for breakfast, coffee time, tea time, anytime spread with butter, preserves, lemon curd and, if desired Devon, clotted or whipped cream. You need to book a table months before if you intend to go at a weekend, otherwise you can phone them during the week asking if someone has canceled…which worked for us.

This charming cookbook also features a detailed narrative history and extols the proper decorum for teatime service, from tea gowns and tearooms to preparing and serving tea. The cookbook gives a brief history of English tea and notes that the first tea to arrive in the 17th century was green tea from China.As with everything, we were very early, so we decided to have a quick drink at the (aptly named) Rivoli Bar before meeting my aunt and uncle for ‘afternoon tea’. Some other options are ham and cheese, chicken, or fish if you want to make something different

I’m going to be posting the recipes in the next week or so, so make sure to come back for more recipes. It’s full of wonderful pictures and quotes from the TV series Downton Abbey, mouthwatering pictures of delicacies and recipes, and lots of information about the British Afternoon Tea. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool in their tins for 5 minutes before turning the cakes out onto a wire rack. Alfred has for some time been showing a slither of interest in the kitchen, helping Daisy to rescue a béchamel sauce or whipping up a cake or two for Mrs Patmore, but what proceeds is a test and trial in the kitchens of The Ritz in London – how on earth did THAT happen, I’m not entirely sure?Arrived in the morning to visit the gardens and enjoyed a lovely walk through the stunning grounds followed by a tour of the house where we spent time in the rooms so recognisable from Downton Abbey. This comprehensive guide in official partnership with the hit TV series Downton Abbey is a lavish celebration of the elegant institution of afternoon tea, filled with recipes, historical facts and etiquette guides. You will need to present your ticket at the Main Castle Gate, and again upon arrival at the Coach House. While every attempt is made to deliver goods within the estimated time, some delays are inevitable due to unforeseen factors. Apparently, as a child, Queen Victoria wasn’t allowed sweet things very often, but during her reign a taste for teatime developed and a little sweet something to sustain the Queen and her guests in the late afternoon became “de rigeur”.