A Champagne Tea At Fortnum and Mason

A Champagne Tea At Fortnum and Mason

It all went off beautifully!

It was particularly good for us, because we were celebrating 3 significant birthdays - this year, Al turned 25 and Bob and I both celebrated our 75th birthdays - not to mention my recovery from the big open-heart operation in February! 

Obviously we were very cautious. Having already cancelled the June jaunt up north, we were following all the guidelines, but in the end we felt we needed not to have worried so much. 

Walking through the oak swing doors into the store, it wasn't crowded, and once we got up to the fourth floor, to the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, the staff were terrific. The way things were arranged made us feel very safe indeed, and it felt wonderful to be “back in the swing” of happy social life again. 

It is a beautiful venue, and I remember back in 2012, seeing photographs of the Queen visiting Fortnum and Mason, dressed so appropriately in Eau de Nil, to open the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon. 

The pianist at the keyboard of the Steinway grand piano played “Falling In Love Again” for me, from The Blue Angel, one of the songs I still sing and hope to perform again!

We were all impressed by the way the staff paid such attention to detail; they were so charming and attentive. My special request for (very!) plain white bread and butter and cucumber sandwiches was fulfilled, along with more butter for me (for extra to spread on the sandwiches, and I also like butter on my scones, not cream! - strange person that I am), and we enjoyed ourselves so much. 

Our waitress took some photos for us, so we have a visual record of our visit - I think we all look so happy and relaxed, and it bodes well for the future, and more visits.

After we finished tea, we had time to do some shopping, stocking up with packets of Fortmason Tea - Wendy's favourite - ginger shortbread biscuits, and specialist chocs for Wendy. I had also pre-ordered a couple of mugs for her - both featuring cats, and we collected them as well. 

It really could not have been timed better; we walked back to the underground car park, having used up nearly all the time we had booked for, and drove home. Al then had to get off straight away to return to Portsmouth, but it was wonderful to have had this special family time together. 

Tea in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon

(I still need to replace the lost 4 kg!)