Tag Archives: afternoon tea

Fairmont Tea: Fast Facts

Date:
Author:
Categories: hotel news

fairmont tea, tea pots

*  The Fairmont Empress serves Afternoon Tea to approximately 100,000 guests each year, which amounts to approximately 500,000 cups of tea.

*  After water, tea is the most largely consumed beverage in the world.

*  Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy (John F. Kennedy’s mother) made her social debut at The Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston, attending traditional tea dances.

*  The Savoy uses more than 1,000 kilograms of Savoy Blend English Breakfast tea per year.

*  The Fairmont Empress serves 15 tons of fresh berries and six tons of Devonshire cream to about 100,000 people annually as part of its traditional Afternoon Tea service.

*  Metropolitan Tea, responsible for producing Fairmont’s signature collection of tea blends, was North America’s first member of the ETP (Ethical Tea Sourcing Partnership), an industry-based association that sets standards regarding operations at the estate level.

*  Did you know that during the Prohibition era, Sir Winston Churchill was secretly served his favorite brandy in a china teapot at The Fairmont Empress?

*  Did you know Fairmont Le Château Frontenac offers a children’s tea for youngsters ages 5-12 led by Madame Rose, a famous lady of the Château who is dressed in full period attire?

*  Fairmont buys about 15,000 kilograms of tea annually or enough to make 6 million cups of tea. If this quantity of tea was served in cups that were 4 inches in diameter it would stretch for more than 380 miles or nearly 600 kilometers.

*  Did you know F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, features characters Nick Carraway and Jordan Baker having a conversation in the tea garden at the Plaza Hotel?

*  Fairmont’s 1907 Centennial Blend combines tea leafs from Assam (which is where tea was first planted in the mid-1800’s) Sri Lanka, Nilgiri and Keemun.

*  Did you know that a wet teabag can be used to soothe sunburns and reduce swelling of puffy eyes?

*  To this day, the Jasmine Lounge at Shanghai’s Fairmont Peace Hotel continues with a popular 1930′s tradition of hosting Tea Concerts with live performances by the hotel’s three resident orchestras, as well as cabaret and dance interludes.

*  A cup of black tea has half the amount of caffeine than a cup of coffee.

*  The Fairmont Empress’ 1908 Blend was created specifically for local water conditions. This particular blend was made from teas that were complementary to the local water and the percentage of each tea was adjusted to reflect this local variance.

*  All tea comes from the same plant, Camellia Sinensis and this plant can produce tea for 50 years.

Fairmont Tea: Fast Facts is part of Get Steeped with Fairmont, a celebration of everything tea. Festivities will go on around the world and include everything from discounts for wearing fancy hats at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and signature “Tea-quila” cocktails at The Fairmont Dallas to a multi-cultural tea celebration at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui.

Afternoon Tea, Fairmont Royal York

Date:
Author:
Categories: hotel news

Afternoon tea has been an essential part of the Fairmont Royal York Hotel since its opening in 1929. More than 80 years later, the hotel’s dedication to British tradition still prevails with the Library Bar’s Afternoon Tea service.

A tradition centuries old, culturally vast and full of rich history, tea drinking has been enjoyed and celebrated in many different ways.

Now a sign of elegance and class, this tradition originated as a secretive routine by the Duchess of Bedford in 1839. The Duchess began to order an assortment of tea, sandwiches and cakes to fill the lengthy gap between her light lunch and dinner. Wanting to share this indulgence, The Duchess began to invite friends to enjoy this trendsetting treat. More than 120 years later, afternoon tea is a still a social occasion enjoyed by many around the world.

In addition to its rich history, tea has become quite the trend. Recently, tea has been the focal ingredient in many cocktails, food and even skin care products.

However, this trend is not limited to these categories, as tea has stirred up the business world as well. As an alternative to the traditional lunch or dinner meeting, it is common for colleagues to discuss matters over afternoon tea. Accepted by most cultures, this relaxed business setting is an ideal way to begin a meeting with a common tradition.

Similar to the traditional business lunch, participants should follow certain etiquette. For example, one should never extend a pinkie finger when holding a teacup or clink their spoon to the cup. Both these actions are viewed as a sign of rudeness. Finally, though napkins are provided, one must handle with caution. Napkins are to be placed on the table only once the host has done  so – this signifies the end of the tea service.

Despite many steps and formalities surrounding afternoon tea, it is a very enjoyable experience. When indulging in Afternoon Tea with the Fairmont Royal York, guests can be sure to feel steeped in welcoming service. With certified tea sommeliers on hand, guests will be served a carefully selected, perfectly steeped tea. Sommeliers have been educated on how climate, geographic location and the picking process all affect the tea leaves and will ensure that each guest leaves more knowledgeable of the tea experience.

Afternoon Tea Fairmont Royal York  is served in the Library Bar complete with fine china, sandwiches and pastries. This time-honoured tradition is available Saturdays from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

To reserve, call 416-860-5004 or email: festive@fairmont.com.