Jane's Super Blog

Well, alright, that might be a slight exaggeration….but only just.  So let me explain how and why I believe that English Cream Tea could save the world:

You see, it’s all about the civilised rapport-building ritual that afternoon tea entails. All the niceties of sitting expectantly opposite someone, anticipating a nice time, then passing and sharing whilst making pleasant small talk and eye contact.  It’s a million miles from grabbing a burger on the run or eating supper in a row on the sofa, all staring at the television.  English Cream Tea is about manners, deliciousness, quality time and being nice to each other.

For a start, it’s a process that can’t be rushed.  Right?  There’s all that passing and clinking of the china plates and offering of the cucumber or smoked salmon or egg mayonnaise sandwiches. It’s about restraint and consideration in not taking more than your share off the communal plate…and then further restraint in not wolfing your crustless sandwich down in greedy chomps like a chip butty.  For this…this isn’t just food, it’s elegant English Cream Tea – and so we play our part by taking dainty bites, putting the remaining sandwich back on the plate between nibbles. 

And then there’s the whole thing about the stirring of the teapot and the pouring of the tea…and if possible, the use of the tea strainer because it’s ideally tea leaves and not a tea bag.   I haven’t actually heard the phrase ‘one lump or two?’ in a few years, but ‘do you take milk?’ is part of the ritual…..as are the bone china cups, which are by nature, so delicate that they force you to cock your little pinky finger, in your effort not to crush the porcelain.

Then whilst you wipe those crumbs from the corners of your mouth with your linen napkin, you’re already eyeing up the cakes and warm scones…and deciding whether to go straight for the scone/clotted cream/jam affair (while it is still warm, you see)….or whether to save that for after the other pastries and cakes. Hmm and Mmm.  For me, it’s scone time next – the inner heat melting the unctuous clotted cream into an even oozier consistency than it already is.  Thus, a forward-leaning stance may by now be required…with jam splodges down the freshly ironed white blouse being so unbecoming.  And then there’s the moment of the first bite and the combination of the warm crumbling scone, cool cream and sweet jam in the mouth.  Give me a moment…..OK, I’m back…but even thinking about that makes me smile!  But truly, if it’s a great scone (and mine are melt-in-the-mouth ones: order them from www.englishcreamtea.com)…then it’s a magical moment to be savoured…and conversation may have to stop for a moment.  I think I might even shut my eyes at this point.

Oh yes, scones are serious business – but so is the enjoyment of the occasion and the person or people with whom you are sharing Afternoon Tea.  Do take a moment, therefore, to notice the laughter, small talk, smiles, nom-nom food-enjoyment noises and the general ambience.  And whether it’s tea with a new business associate or a treasured friend, the whole ritual of English Cream Tea will provide the communication avenue for getting to know each other in a charming and relaxed manner.

So back to my bold claim about English Cream Tea saving the world!  Well, I defy heads of state to truly go through this process together in small cosy environments with inviting armchairs and delicious nibbles – and not end up feeling closer and kinder to each other’s cause.  Not possible.  Therefore, get that kettle on in the Middle East…and wherever else it’s needed…Auntie Janey might be on her way with heavenly scones, cakes and sandwiches to mend those bridges!