The Afternoon Tea Club
The tradition of Afternoon Tea goes back to the late 1700’s. In England at that time there were two main meals daily, Breakfast and Dinner. Dinner was served very late in the evening, so it was a very long time between meals.
The Duchess of Bedford(1788-1861) complained about a “sinking feeling” in the late afternoon. Afternoon Tea was her invention to keep her going until dinner. She would invite friends to join her for tea at 5p.m. Other hostesses quickly copied her idea. Food at tea included such things as thin crustless sandwiches, shrimp or fish pate, toasted breads with jams and regional pastries such as scones and crumpets. The emphasis was on presentation and conversation.
A trend of secret afternoon tea clubs is growing rapidly in the UK and Europe with fan groups keeping everyone in touch of upcoming events. Not to be outdone by my fellow country folk, the Gourmet Gannet and a group of NZ Bloggers have decided to begin introducing Afternoon Tea Clubs to New Zealand.
http://supperclubfangroup.ning.com/
Check out upcoming events and pop along for high tea at the Gourmet Gannet and be treated to a glass of bubbles, petite sandwiches, dainty homemade savouries and cakes. Get your ‘pinkies’ out as it will all be served in traditional style on English chinaware. Catch up with some friends, meet some new people, bring a friend or treat someone!
Feel free to don your best frock and hat for the occasion!
The Secret Afternoon Tea Club Calendar
TBA
If you are interested in events in 2012 please email allison@gourmetgannet.co.nz or follow us and become a friend on Facebook: Gourmet Gannet
Menu: Selection of sandwiches, savouries and dainty cakes served with bubbles and a selection of teas
Must be booked on line to confirm a space: www.gourmetgannet.co.nz
Pease Pudding 
Hello! Lovely blog! Plum Kitchen referred me,,,do you still have a spot at the secret afternoon tea? Tried to book on line but wouldn’t work. Would love to come along!
Thx
M:)
The photo is so inspiring my mouth is watering.
I would love to come but unfortunately I cant make that date. Thank you for asking me. Perhaps when you do something in the New Year. Meeting people with the same passion is such a good idea. Have a beautiful day. Cheers
Hi Al. Your whole blog is fantastic. I had a good mooch around today. As I also wanted to get the right one to send to Maureen…..Lots of love to you all. x x x
Great blog, I found you as I was just about to make some pease pudding after clearing out my store cupboard. My mother is a Geordie so I have known about this all my life but have only made it once or twice. The late Annie Jennings of Lymington (Gateshead originally) always used to give me some when she made it.. Pease pudding is lovely with bacon and if you are hungry enough with Bero Puffs (self-raising flour, water, salt beaten to a dropping consistency and fried in the same pan as the bacon).
Hello Alli, would like to come along to your High Tea and introduce a couple of friends and maybe visiting family. I haven’t found your calendar… Louise
Hello i love your blog got it on the cape malay cooking
Thnx
Looks so good. Love your styling and photography and of course the recipes. 🙂