Surprisingly enough, Afternoon Tea, that most English of rituals, is a relatively new tradition. Although the custom of drinking tea in China dates back to the third millennium before Christ and was popularized in England in the 1660's by King Charles II and his wife, the Portuguese Infanta Catherine de Braganza, the concept of Afternoon Tea only arose in the middle of the 19th century.
Afternoon Tea was introduced by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in 1840. The Duchess always seemed to get hungry around 4 o'clock. In her household, the evening meal was served quite late, at 8 o'clock to be exact. So many hours between lunch and the evening meal would make anyone hungry. So the Duchess starting asking that a tray with tea, bread, butter (by this time, the Earl of Sandwich had already come up with the idea of placing a filling between two slices of bread) and cake be brought to her room in the late afternoon. This became a habit, and soon enough she started inviting friends to join her in this ritual.
This tea break became a hip, social event. In the 1880's, the upper class ladies stepped out in long dresses, gloves and hats for Afternoon Tea, which was served in the salon, or sitting room, between 4 and 5 o'clock.
The traditional Afternoon Tea includes a selection of fine breads and scones served with clotted cream and jam. Cakes and pastries are also served. Tea is carefully poured from silver teapots into delicate porcelain teacups.
Your wonderful day in the historical and cultural heart of Bruges would not be complete without a delicious Afternoon Tea. Either on the terrace with a view of the canal, watching the swans swim by majestically, or in the stately dining room decorated with portraits from the 17th and 18th centuries, enjoying your afternoon Tea with luscious scones is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Afternoon Tea is served every day from 14:00 until 17:00. Reservations required.
Which Afternoon Tea formula tempts you the most?
Please note that these formulas all contain gluten.
Cream Tea at The Orangerie €20
Two freshly made scones with clotted cream and various artisanal jams,
accompanied by coffee or one of our fine teas.
Classic Afternoon Tea at The Orangerie €30
Two freshly made scones with clotted cream and various artisanal jams, accompanied by
a selection of mini-pastries and finger sandwiches and coffee or one of our fine teas.
Champagne Afternoon Tea at The Orangerie €40
Two freshly made scones with clotted cream and various artisanal jams, accompanied by a selection of mini-pastries and finger sandwiches and coffee or one of our fine teas and, of course, a glass of bubbles.
* RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.
