Imagine seeking out, tasting, and comparing afternoon tea offerings on a regular basis. That sounds like absolute heaven to me which is why I had to reach out to a woman who was doing just that. Eileen Donaghey is known as the afternoon tea expert. Afternoon tea services are in demand, but it is not always properly executed. This is where Eileen comes in. She visits afternoon tea spots throughout the U.K. to review and offer feedback through a detailed report with the goal of improving this service. She also hosts her own afternoon tea events where she guides attendees through the experience with notes on afternoon tea history and etiquette. At the tea table Eileen shared how she got involved in the world of tea, misconceptions about afternoon tea, her go-to steeps and much more.
The kettle is on and I can hear it about to sing. What tea are you going to steep for us today?
Normally when friends are visiting me at home, I have quite a selection so I can usually offer them a choice but generally I would put on a pot of Darjeeling which eliminates the need for any milk requirements. I find that Darjeeling has a very pleasant flavour which pleases most palettes! And of course, a biscuit (or two!) on the side.
Perfect! Darjeeling was one of the first loose leaf teas I fell in love with. How did your love for tea begin and eventually evolve into the “Afternoon Tea Expert?”
Growing up on the island of Ireland, tea is a large part of our culture and is offered almost immediately when entering someone’s home. I remember when I was younger not being allowed tea because of the caffeine content so whenever I was first given a cup at around age 8 being elated to final drink from the forbidden cup!
The love for tea evolved through attending different afternoon tea establishments in London with my mother and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere in my teens. When I was there, we were offered various types of tea that I had never had before which really sparked my interest. I completed the Tea Champion course with the UK Tea Council which really helped me understand the tea pairings much better so I can incorporate them into my events.
Whenever I started the Instagram account @Afternoontealondon it was ever only intended to be a hobby but the amount of knowledge I had amassed over the years and my love of ‘how to do it properly’ pushed me into making a career out of being the Afternoon Tea Expert.
What are the top 3 teas we would find in your collection today?
I always have a good stock of Assam tea because I need a very strong cup in the morning to get me moving! I have a tendency to lean towards black teas so Darjeeling again. But, as a change and perhaps for an evening tea I would have a good stock of silver needle tea. I try and not drink black tea after 7pm so would swap to a lighter white tea. It goes without saying I always drink loose leaf tea at home!
As you know, “Afternoon Tea” & “High Tea” are not the same thing. Yet, a lot of establishments still market their “afternoon tea” service as High Tea. Why do you think that is? What do you think is another big misconception about afternoon tea?
Traditionally, afternoon tea was invented as a light afternoon snack, usually served in a drawing room or lounge on a low table. On the contrary, high tea is a much more substantial meal and while it contains some elements of afternoon tea you would expect to find at evening meal. Mainly outside of the U.K it is described as high tea and it is my opinion that establishments think this sounds ‘fancier’ and therefore easier to market.
A tip when visiting London – if you see venues advertising ‘high tea’ when it is really an afternoon tea then they could be catering for the overseas market and could perhaps be a tourist trap! Some not all, but make sure you read reviews or contact me.
The biggest misconception around afternoon tea in my opinion is that it is something ‘posh’ or only for a certain type of person. This simply isn’t true. While it is a lovely treat for a special occasion I fully believe that it is accessible to everyone and have had some delicious afternoon teas for £20 – they don’t all have to be £50 and above to be good!
Fortunately, more places are offering afternoon tea and as an enthusiast I have noticed many differences with the food, the atmosphere and even the scones. In your opinion, what makes the perfect afternoon tea?
I have written about good service of the staff specifically before but I normally break it down between, food and tea quality; service; atmosphere and value for money. You could say that for food, quality is much more important over quantity. I dread to see cake stands laden full of food which I know has been created without taste in mind. The key elements are the sandwiches; scones and pastries! And of course these should be accompanied with a good cup of loose leaf tea. If establishments are using tea bags then it should be brewed correctly.
When it comes to service, no matter if you are in a small tea room or a five star hotel, I really do believe that as long as the waiting staff are attentive and pleasant then that is really going to make a big difference to your experience. Knowledge of the menu and being able to explain what each item on the stand is should be included as standard – it’s sometimes hard to decipher which is which!
Speed Round:
Black, Green, Yellow, White, Oolong or Puerh?
Puerh! Generally after dinner.
Hot, Iced or Cold?
Hot – sadly the weather here doesn’t allow for iced or cold very often.
Teapot, Infuser or Gaiwan?
Proper teapot.
Straight, Sweetened or Latte?
Straight.
Cheese or Chocolate pairing?
Cheese.
Cream or Jam first?
Personally, I say cream. However, I know this is a speed round but this now opens a very lengthy debate about what is correct…
If you could only have afternoon tea at one tea room for the rest of your life, which one would that be?
Afternoon tea is an occasion best shared with friends or family. Depending on the occasion or who I am going with, my hot spot can change. Generally in London, I can be found on Park Lane in the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel who are my hotel partner for my afternoon tea events.
Find Eileen Donaghey, the Afternoon Tea Expert:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Newsletter
ABOUT THIS SERIES: Tea tells stories and when connected with humans, more are created. That’s where the idea for this blog series, At the Tea Table, originated. With this series, The Cup of Life asks tea lovers around the world to take us inside their tea lives to share their favourite steeps, spaces, routines and more. Meet some of your fellow tea drinkers here.