Events
Celebrate National Afternoon Tea Week at home
To celebrate National Afternoon Tea Week (12th – 18th August 2019), Chris Murgatroyd, Head Chef at De Vere Horwood Estate – a charming mansion house hotel in Milton Keynes – has shared his top tips on how to enjoy the traditional British pastime at home.
The perfect blend
Without doubt the most important element of an afternoon tea is the tea itself. A traditional English Breakfast blend is a firm favourite with guests at De Vere Horwood Estate however, you could tempt your guests with something a little more usual such as a power green tea, for the ultimate teatox, filled with antioxidants and nutrients. Or for the more daring, try a chilli chai tea for that fiery kick. On warmer days, try brewing an iced tea using your favourite tea and add slices of citrus fruits for a refreshing twist.
Be experimental
Sandwiches and scones are the staple of a classic afternoon tea however, you may choose to serve something a little different to cater to everyone’s taste and dietary requirements.
Try experimenting with the fillings in your sandwiches and the flavours of your cakes, for example, you could serve Earl Grey-infused tea cakes, sweet scones with lemon curd, savoury scones with cheddar cheese and chorizo or basil macarons.
Food for thought
Although you may be excited to serve your latest flavoursome concoction, make sure that you keep some of those classic ‘crowd pleasers’ on the menu, namely; egg mayonnaise sandwiches; cucumber with cream cheese and smoked salmon sandwiches; macarons; Battenberg; and éclairs.
Make sure everyone in the group is catered for, and provide more savoury foods such as scotch eggs, quiche and sausage rolls, accompanied with drinks for the non-tea drinkers such as a superfood smoothie for the ultimate health kick.
Dietary requirements now play a huge part of people’s lives with nearly ¼ of the UK now eating a plant-based diet. Include items on your cake stand such as vegan macarons or cakes/ brownies that have been made with avocado as the substitute.
Be prepared
It is hard work being the host and the chef, especially if help is limited, so keep things simple to ensure a stress-free day by preparing as much as you can before your guests arrive.
It’s true that nothing beats a warm scone with lashings of fresh strawberry jam and clotted cream, but you can bake them in advance and then warm them in the oven before serving.
Provide a grown-up treat
Our Champagne Afternoon Tea package is extremely popular with guests being served a glass of Lanson Champagne alongside their tea. Or English sparkling wine provides the perfect alternative to complement to your afternoon tea.
Treat your guests to a glass of CHAFOR Vintage Cuvée, an English sparkling wine from the nearby CHAFOR wine estate. With hints of peach and undertones of baked apple and honeyed fig, it’s perfect paired with afternoon tea.
For an added twist, why not serve your favourite tipple with a splash of elderflower or raspberry liqueur.
Get creative
Everyone loves a scone and a finger sandwich but if you want to stand out from the crowd, you need to get creative. How about adding a theme? Or even an American twist on a traditional British afternoon tea can be fun and something different. Ditch the macarons and enjoy mini doughnuts.
Set the scene
Afternoon tea isn’t just about delicious sandwiches and cakes, it’s about the whole dining experience from décor to vintage crockery. Rummage in the back of your cupboards and dust off your best cake stands, finest china tea set and polish your silver teapot.
Why not also head to the garden and pick some fresh flowers for a centrepiece, place tea cosies on the table, hang bunting around the room and perhaps create your own personalised menus to wow your guests?
Location, location, location
Why not make the most of the British summertime and take your tea outside. For the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind, explore the great outdoors and bring your afternoon tea with you on a picnic. Or dine al fresco with an afternoon tea set up in your garden so you’re never too far away from your next fresh pot of tea.
Or just relax and let the experts do the work
If this all sounds wonderful but too much of a headache, why not put your feet up and leave it to the experts? Whether you’re with friends or taking a moment for yourself, De Vere Horwood Estate serves traditional afternoon tea in the stylish setting with freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream as well as finger sandwiches and plenty of sweet treats.
Afternoon Tea is served daily, from 12pm until 4pm and is priced from £19.95 per person.
Excitement is building as Live Nation and top event promoter Cuffe & Taylor announce more amazing artists for the TK Maxx presents Bedford Summer Sessions at Bedford Park. On Sunday, 30 June, the talented Dagny and The Mercians will join headliner Jess Glynne and support act Cian Ducrot for a night to remember.
The inaugural Bedford Summer Sessions are set to be a highlight of the summer, featuring a lineup of world-class artists throughout June and July 2024. Fans can look forward to performances by Avril Lavigne, Tom Jones, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Pete Tong, and James. Tickets, including Weekend Passes, are available now at smmrsessions.com and ticketmaster.co.uk.
Dagny, the Norwegian singer-songwriter known for her hits “Somebody” and “Love You Like That,” is set to dazzle the Bedford Park crowd. With her unique blend of indie pop and Scandinavian charm, Dagny has captivated audiences at major festivals like Lollapalooza and Glastonbury. After an impressive performance supporting Sting in Bedford Park last year, Dagny is back to deliver another unforgettable show.
The Mercians, an indie sensation from the Midlands, have quickly risen to fame in the UK music scene. In just two years, they’ve played iconic venues such as O2 Shepherds Bush Empire and O2 Institute Birmingham, and headlined a sold-out show at O2 Academy Leicester. With over 1.1 million streams on Spotify and 1.5 million views on TikTok, their popularity is soaring. The Mercians’ gritty, relatable tracks have earned them three consecutive number-one hits on the alt iTunes charts, and they’re set to bring their electrifying energy to Bedford Park this summer.
Don’t miss this incredible lineup featuring Jess Glynne, Cian Ducrot, Dagny, and The Mercians on Sunday, 30 June at Bedford Park. It’s going to be a night of fantastic music and unforgettable moments!
This July, prepare to be transported back in time with Music at the Manor, a series of live outdoor concerts featuring some of the world’s best tribute acts. From July 11-14, the stunning grounds of Waddesdon will host four extraordinary evenings of entertainment, set against the backdrop of the beautiful French Renaissance-style chateau.
Dance Through the Decades
Gather your friends and get ready to dance to a medley of hits inspired by music legends like The Beatles, ABBA, Queen, Take That, and Coldplay. Each night promises a unique experience, with a lineup of incredible tribute bands:
- Thursday, 11 July – Bootleg Beatles, supported by Le Freak
- Friday, 12 July – Radio GaGa, supported by Wild Boys
- Saturday, 13 July – Thank You for the Music, supported by Cher: Strong Enough
- Sunday, 14 July – Take That Experience, supported by Ultimate Coldplay
Experience the Best Tribute Acts
Bootleg Beatles will kick off the series, taking you on a journey through the iconic band’s back catalogue, from “Love Me Do” to “Hey Jude.” Supporting them is Le Freak, who will bring the best of disco with tributes to Chic and Nile Rodgers.
Radio GaGa will recreate the magic of Queen, performing hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Don’t Stop Me Now.” Before their set, Wild Boys will have you dancing to 80s classics by Human League, ABC, and more.
Thank You for the Music delivers an ABBA tribute show that promises to make you feel like a “Dancing Queen,” performing beloved hits like “Mamma Mia” and “Waterloo.” The night will also feature Cher: Strong Enough, bringing you the hits of the original Goddess of Pop.
The series concludes with the Take That Experience, immersing you in the boy band’s incredible career, complete with stunning vocals, replica costumes, and iconic dance routines. Highlights include “Pray,” “Relight My Fire,” and “Rule the World.” Plus, enjoy a special solo performance by “Robbie Williams,” featuring favorites like “Rock DJ” and “Angels.”
Fans of Coldplay will also be thrilled by Ultimate Coldplay, delivering a performance that captures the essence of the stadium rockers’ biggest hits.
Enjoy the Festival Atmosphere
Music at the Manor offers more than just music. Enjoy a festival-like atmosphere with a variety of pop-up vendors providing delicious takeaway food and drinks. It’s the perfect way to make the most of the long summer evenings.
Experience Music at the Manor at Waddesdon this July 11-14 with the world’s best tribute acts including The Beatles, Queen, ABBA, Take That, and Coldplay.
Get Your Tickets Now
Don’t miss out on this fabulous series of concerts. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.waddesdon.org.uk/music-at-the-manor. Get ready for an unforgettable musical trip down memory lane at Waddesdon’s Music at the Manor!
