Take some time out of your daily routine and enjoy an age-old English tradition, you wonât regret it! Afternoon tea is a light meal or refreshment typically served between 3-5pm. Other than a hot cup of tea, this British custom includes tiers of tiny delicacies: finger-sized sandwiches, miniature scones with jam and Devonshire cream and petite desserts. The practice was brought about in the 1700s by Anna Maria Stanhope, Duchess of Bedford. In the past, England only had two main meals a day, breakfast and dinner. The duchess complained of having a âsinking feelingâ midday and thus instigated afternoon tea sessions to remedy her discomfort. As she invited others to join in on her late afternoon meal, it rapidly became a ritual adopted by many other women in the United Kingdom. As the British Empire expanded around the world, the tradition of afternoon tea spread to many of its colonies. Victoria, B. C is one former British North American colony that is known for its outstanding afternoon tea houses. Find out more about the different tea houses in Victoria and discover which one is best for you! White Heather Tea Room Voted as the best place for tea in Victoria, the White Heather Tea Room presents a truly unforgettable tea house experience. Imagine rows of crust-less sandwiches, fresh fruit, rich trifle, velvety Devonshire cream with homemade jams and jellies and not to mention a wide selection of tea. Everything is not only served in a stylish atmosphere with delicate fine china, it is also surprisingly affordable! There are three sizes available to oblige every appetite: the Wee Tea for those looking for just a nibble; the Not So Wee Tea for those seeking more of a meal; and the Big Muckle Giant Tea For Two which may even surpass the appetite of a duo! Abkhazi Garden & Tea Room The grand Abkhazi manor has a number of charming features, among them a magnificent tea room in the mansionâs former sitting room. Ornamented with vaulted ceilings, archival photos and local artwork, the tea room provides the perfect setting for a late afternoon meal. Afterwards, complete your visit with a walk in the lush Abkhazi gardens. Fairmont Empress Lobby Take a step back in time and discover true Victorian class at the Fairmont Empress hotel. For nearly a century the Empress has hosted this well-known English tradition and it continues to impress visitors today. Treat yourself to decadent British treats made by an award-winning pastry chef and take ease in the comforting of the elegantly restored tea lobby. Afternoon tea menu includes dainty finger sandwiches, seasonal berries with cream and an array of decadent house made pastries. Empress availability is constantly filling up, make sure to confirm your reservation at least two weeks in advance. Gatsby Mansion An 1897 Victorian manor, the Gatsby mansion presents a lavish afternoon tea experience with stunning stained glass windows, dazzling chandeliers, elaborate artwork and rich wood paneling, all in the midst of the flourishing Belleville Park. Can you think of a better place for a luxurious afternoon tea? The tea menu includes warm scones with jam and Devonshire cream, finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, miniature desserts and creamy chocolate-Pernod mousses.
You are currently browsing all posts tagged with 'Victoria'
Victoria Lodging – Finest Tea Houses in Victoria
Victoria & Albert Museum
Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone of the Museum on 17th May 1899. The Victoria & Albert has a collection of more than 4 million objects. The Victoria & Albert Museum in London is the world’s largest museum of the decorative arts and has 146 galleries, including national collections of sculpture, furniture, fashion and photographs. It also houses the National Art Library. The Victoria & Albert also manage the Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood, the Wellington Museum at Apsley House and the Theatre Museum in Covent Garden.
The Victoria & Albert is the world’s greatest museum of art and design. The Museum is renowned for the immense diversity of its collections, which embrace furniture, fashion, textiles, paintings, silver, glass, ceramics, jewellery, books, prints and photographs. Housed in magnificent Victorian buildings, these collections illustrate the artistic life of many different cultures, from European to South East Asian, American to Islamic, over hundreds of generations.
The museum has been housed in Aston Webb’s grand building since 1909. The building has a impressive facade and main entrance. As the museum grew new buildings were erected when needed. Many of these buildings were intended to be semi-permanent exhibition halls but all have survived and represent one of the finest groups of Victorian buildings in the country. The Victoria & Albert has around four million exhibits from all periods and areas of the world. The 145 of galleries cover ten acres and are spread over four floors.
The Art and Design galleries are arranged by themes and by place and date, for example the Materials & Techniques galleries are arranged by the type of material. The six-storey Henry Cole Wing holds the Victoria & Albert’s collection of paintings, drawings and prints. In 2001 the restored British Galleries reopened to the public. These cover British art and design from 1500 – 1900 and include James II’s wedding suit and the Great Bed of Ware. The Victoria & Albert, which held its first photographic exhibition in 1858, is also the home of the National Collection of Art of Photography. The Canon Photography Gallery has regularly changing displays.
The fifteen galleries of the Victoria & Albert Museum tell the story of British design from the Tudor period to the Victorian era and display the Victoria & Albert’s unrivalled collection of historic British furniture, textiles, dress, ceramics, glass, jewellery, silver, prints, paintings and sculpture. Every major name in the history of British design is represented, including Grinling Gibbons, Robert Adam, William Morris and Charles Rennie Mackintosh as well as workshops and manufacturers such as the Mortlake tapestry works, Spitalfields silks weaving workshops, Wedgwood, Doulton and Liberty.
The Victoria and Albert Museum, London, has started work on a new jewellery gallery that is planned to open in 2008. Jewels from 2000 sc to the present, drawn from a pool of five thousand, will include an ancient Egyptian hippopotamus, Elizabethan pendants, Marie Antoinette’s bracelet clasps, jewels owned by Napoleon and Catherine the Great, as well as this nineteenth-century English bodice ornament, a diamond bouquet of roses, a carnation, a chrysanthemum and a fuchsia, set on springs so they tremble as the wearer moves.
The transformation of the British Galleries is the Victoria & Albert’s largest project for over half a century and with over 3000 exhibits on display in magnificent new surroundings, the result is a truly exceptional experience not to be missed.
Victoria Harbor – A Charming Spot in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is an eclectic destination, situated on the Pearl River Delta’s eastern side, with Guangdong province and the South China Sea to the south, east, and west. A special administrative region of China, Hong Kong consists of three main areas such as the Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and the New Territories and Outlying Areas.
Hong Kong was once a colony of the British and now presents a diverse range of attractions, all of which are a vibrant mix of scenic natural attractions, incredible temples, soaring skyscrapers, most modern architecture, well-maintained parks, and beautiful gardens. Just few among many of the attractions in Hong Kong are the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Kowloon Walled City Park, Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Disneyland Park, Happy Valley Racecourse, Clock Tower, Space Museum, Jardine House, St John’s Cathedral, Water World, Tiger Balms Gardens, Water World, the Temple of 10,000 Buddhas, the Hong Kong Science Museum, and Kam Tin Walled Village.
Aside aforesaid attractions, Hong Kong is also much famed for its Victoria Harbor, which is one of the most charming spots in Hong Kong. The main harbor in Hong Kong, Victoria is stunningly set against the backdrop of extraordinary mountainous hills and attractive natural scenery.
Victoria Harbor is simply the stretch of water that is located between the Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. Sprawling over an area of about more than 42 square kilometers, the Victoria Harbor is the one of the world’s busiest deepwater ports, and has now become one of the most sought after tourist spots in Hong Kong, with its breathtaking views, excellent transportation network, bustling sea port, and more than a century old ferry services.
The charm and beauty of the harbor is double-folded during night, with the Symphony of Lights, a light and laser show in which building found on either sides of the harbor are incredibly illuminated. The Symphony of Lights is accompanied by fireworks during special holidays. Further, the harbor becomes the focal point of Hong Kong during the second night of the lunar New Year when spectacular fireworks are displayed.
Apart from these, a large number of maritime vessels including fishing boats, container ships, ferries, junks, barges, motorboats, and cruise liners can be seen here. You can also see locals engaged in fishing from the waterfront. One of the most favorite activities among both locals and holidaymakers touring the harbor is to take a ride in the most scenic as well as the most inexpensive mode of transportation, namely, Star Ferry.
With a history dating back to more than 100 years, Star Ferry stands as a symbol of the long interesting history of Hong Kong. The Star Ferry mainly runs on four routes such as between Hung Hom and Wanchai, Wanchai and Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsim Sha Tsui and Central, and Central and Hung Hom. By taking a ride in Star Ferry, you could be free from the hustles and bustles of the city life and could enjoy the picturesque views of the surroundings as well as savor the gentle breeze from the sea.
One could enjoy the breathtaking views of the harbor from the Victoria Peak or the Tsim Sha Tsui, which is a great urbanized area packed with museums, upscale hotels, shopping malls, and sightseeing options. Above all, the area becomes more vibrant and colorful during Christmas when the both sides of the harbor are elegantly decorated. Nearby the harbor is the Avenue of Stars, located in Tsim Sha Tsui, along the waterfront of the Victoria Harbor. Modeled in the form of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Avenue of Stars has been erected to honor the legendary actors in the Hong Kong Film Industry. Among the highlights of the Avenue of Stars are the Museum of Art, Culture Center, Clock Tower, and Space Museum.
With scores of attractions and activities to do, it is not a wonder why Hong Kong is visited year round by people from every nook and corner of the world. Many of them boast of such a location that renders commanding views of the Victoria Harbor. When comes to comforts, majority of them attached with top end facilities and amenities. Further, mostly these hotels are within easy reach of the airport and city center as well as shopping districts.
