Perhaps we can thank Julian Fellowes for reintroducing the ritual of afternoon tea to modern audiences through his many books and movies depicting the exclusive afternoon pick-me-up formally known as Afternoon Tea, often set in librarious spaces of elegant homes.
Oftentimes, Fellowes’ dramatic depictions of include family attendance mandates and agendas for discussion of topics such as plans for upcoming balls or fiefdom gossip. Historically accurate depictions of afternoon tea portray hostesses in looser-fitting gowns, without corsets, to allow them to more comfortably chow down.
Afternoon tea became part of the American vernacular in the mid 1800’s, with hostesses relying on the service of others, whether paid or enslaved, to create the intricate spread. Over time, the ceremony became less popular and few places, save for antique mall cafés and grand hotels, even offered it.
Fortunately, formal afternoon tea is back in vogue. Though other local hotels and restaurants have offered the service, The Mansion on Turtle Creek’s newly introduced Heritage Afternoon Tea reflects most closely a tea I enjoyed last year at The Manor House in the Cotswolds.
Set in the historic Library of The Mansion, guests can choose from a traditional or plant-based menu, each of which offers the de rigueur combination of savory sandwiches, scones, and sweet cakes. The Heritage menu’s savory sandos are Egg Mayonnaise, Curried Chicken, English Cucumber, and Smoked Salmon. The plant-based menu is equally compelling, with Roasted Beets, English Cucumber, Avocado and Tomato Jam, and Leek Tartine.
Each menu comes with two scones per person, black currant and orange, along with traditional accoutrements, clotted cream and jam. In England, it’s customary to put the cream on the scone first, then top with jam. In Ireland, however, the jam goes down first and then it’s topped with the cream. In Texas, it’s permissible to dip the scone in the cream and jam as if you’re eating chips and queso. Just kidding, don’t do that.
Standouts on the Heritage sweets menu are the Strawberry Roulade cake and the Opera Torte, two technically challenging pastries to make, especially in bite-sized dimensions.
Tea is obviously central to the entire experience, and The Mansion offers 10 varieties of White, Green, Black, Oolong, and Infusions. Servers are knowledgeable and can suggest options. Champagne and cocktails are also offered during tea service.
Queries for where groups can gather for “High Tea” spike during the holidays, but really what they seek is Afternoon Tea. The difference is timing. Afternoon Tea is earlier in the day and includes lighter bites. High Tea traditionally begins in the late afternoon and includes meatier, heavier food.
The Mansion’s tea service runs from Noon until 2:30 p.m. on weekends only and on a recent visit, the Library was filled with a happy, diverse group of guests. Afternoon tea is not only for affluent Caucasians as it’s been romantically depicted in the media, it’s an inclusive, analog experience that still inspires discussion and connection.
Afternoon Tea at The Mansion costs $85 per adult and $45 for children.