So Where Shall We Book Our Next Champagne Tea?

So Where Shall We Book Our Next Champagne Tea?

June 21st marked our first visit for Afternoon Tea at Fortnum and Mason and, after so many years of faithfully taking Tea at the Ritz, we could not help but make comparisons between the two. We have so many memories of the times we went with Mum to the Ritz, and how kind people were, but during our last couple of visits, we noticed things had changed a bit, with staff retiring and leaving; the Ritz Fine Jewellery closed, with a Cigar Emporium opened in its place, and now the Hotel is under new ownership. I know everything changes, but we all feel we would prefer to keep our memories of the Ritz as it used to be, and when it was in its heyday for us. 

Wendy hit the nail on the head, when she commented that she felt the Jubilee Tea Salon had "more heart," and over the next few days, I was inspired to write a couple of poems about our experience; one sonnet is for the Jubilee Tea Salon, and the other for the shop. 

A DIAMOND JUBILEE TEA SALON SONNET

 

It’s a fine and elegant venue: 

The best place in town to take tea

Named after the sixty great years of her reign, 

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

We’d followed the guidelines, and at last there was cheer

To celebrate milestones we’d marked through the year.

The staff were most charming, and all of one mind,

Fulfilling our wishes, so attentive and kind.

 

With the Steinway piano magnificently played,

Adding romance to the ambience tastefully displayed.

And now family and friends can gather once more,

There’s no better place to meet to ensure

The making of memories, with time to renew

The ties of family and friendship, and love that stays true.

 

Alexandra Wilde

June 2021

FORTNUM AND MASON –

THE ESSENCE OF EXCELLENCE

  

Fortnum and Mason is an iconic store

With selections of tea and biscuits galore

From the moment you step through those sturdy oak doors

You’re in a world-famous emporium with delights on each floor

The windows are inspiring - a sight to behold -

Imagination takes flight, and the subjects are bold 

There are perfumes and silks and so very much more

Special gifts to take home to those we adore.

 

Whilst up on the roof, in Eau de Nil hives

The bees buzz industriously, throughout their short lives

For over three hundred years, Fortnums has stood

For quality, choice, and all that is good

The options are boundless, and rare as pure gold,

Inspired by a world where fine goods are sold.

 

Alexandra Wilde

June 2021

 

I've posted the poems to the management at Fortnum and Mason - it will be interesting to have their opinion! - and I hope they approve. 

Now we are looking forward to Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee, I'm trusting Erato, the muse of poetry, will inspire me again!