A Birthday Tea - Manchester Teas & Tarts

A recent birthday celebration was cause for a family journey to the Winters Heritage House Museum in Elizabethtown, PA to attend an Afternoon Tea catered by Manchester Teas & Tarts, where they promote 'A Little Taste of Britain'. Once we were seated, our hostess offered a variety of teas including English, Irish, Welsh, or Scottish (a range of black teas differing in strength and intensity) or several fruit flavored blends were suggested. We each selected our own flavor, and were advised that the pots were endless. Sugar cubes and cream were available on the table.

The beautiful Made in England Royal Albert 'Sweet Violets' bone china place settings matched around the table. The colorful teapots came in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Shortly after we poured our tea, individual tiers arrived for each guest. They quickly filled the table with a delicious variety of afternoon tea treats. The bottom tier held tea sandwiches, two of each variety. There was egg salad, cucumber with cream, and a cheddar chutney mix. The sandwiches were all very fresh and tasty.

English Scones, both plain and with raisins, were served with individual tubs of Devonshire cream, lemon curd, and strawberry jam. The dessert tier held a variety of British pastries from a spiced cake topped with candied orange zest to a sponge cake filled with raspberry jelly and topped with an icing swirl, Cambridge Chocolate Fingers, and a miniature Bakewell Tart.

 The owners/hostesses, Melissa and Michelle proudly presented a tiered tray of lovingly decorated jelly filled cupcakes in celebration of the birthday. What a fun and tasty surprise!

                                      (P.S. The August birthday belongs to the photographer.)