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On Tuesday, 14^th April a group of Year 10 Food Catering students were taken to the prodigious Dulwich Picture Gallery to enjoy Afternoon Tea with Andrew Fraser from Chartwells.  

On arrival Mr. Fraser introduced himself and Sandra Simpson to the students. This proceeded with literature on the history of Afternoon Tea including its origins. According to afternoontea.co.uk, tea consumption increased dramatically during the early nineteenth century and it was around this time that Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford was said to have complained of "having that sinking feeling" during the late afternoon. 

It is believed that only two main meals were had during the day, breakfast, and dinner at around 8 o'clock in the evening. The solution for the Duchess was a pot of tea and a light snack, taken privately in her boudoir during the afternoon. Later friends were invited to join her in her rooms at Woburn Abbey and this summer practice proved so popular. The Duchess continued this when she returned to London, sending cards to her friends asking them to join her for "tea and walking the fields."

Students were then given the opportunity to enjoy a variety of teas, scones and cakes offered at Dulwich Picture Gallery during lunch time courtesy of Chartwells.         

The lunch time menu consisted of Earl grey and red berry tea Walnut, carrot cake, scones with clotted cream and jam and Traditional chocolate Brownie. 

Everyone enjoyed this experience and these are the responses from staff and students:

Lisa, ‘The brownie tastes like chocolate divine’

Leah, ‘Carrot cake, I’m speechless The visit to Dulwich Picture Gallery was a different experience and the food was divine. It was a very nice environment.’

Joshua’s response on Berry Tea, ‘Sweet, sweet red tea. The quality of the coffee cake was exquisite because the strong taste of coffee in the cream was delicate and blew my mind.’

Weza on coffee cake, ‘The cake was moist, fluffy and appetising. The visit to the Dulwich Picture Gallery was a very good experience because we were out of our comfort zone and the aroma of the tea and cake was sweet.’

Henry, ‘Carrot cake takes very fruity, crumbly and soft. The experience was very nice as a whole.’

Ms Doamekpor, ‘The Morning breakfast tea was very light and fruit. It was just the right temperature to enjoy on a hot afternoon. The Dulwich Picture Gallery was a fantastic experience. It was also a nice bright sunny day to experience Afternoon Tea for the first time. Students gained the opportunity to experience Afternoon Tea - a cascade concoction of teas and cakes and students conformed and comported themselves beautifully.’

Ms Simpson on Earl grey tea, ‘That’s what I always drink. The carrot cake was good as it was moist, light and the content was visible.’

Mr Fraser, ‘Earl grey tea. I just like the flavour and it’s the only tea I drink without milk, making it healthier.’