LOCAL EVENTS

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DIARY DATES

Don’t miss a new mul-tea cultural culinary treat this spring!

The renowned tradition of Afternoon Tea was originally credited to Anna, Duchess in Bedford in 1840. Faced with the long wait between lunch and the late 8pm dinner, she invited her friends to join her, for tea, butter, bread and cake at 4pm. This elegant practice gained popularity in the late 19^th century, with women changing into their finest attire to enjoy tea in the drawing room, solidifying it as a cherished tradition.

In contrast, legend has it an ancient Indian King cured his difficulty in remaining alert during long, challenging court sessions by boiling tea leaves with water and spices. This sweet, milky masala chai soon became a staple for workers and was often served with toast as an afternoon snack.

150 years later and Sussex is about to witness a captivating and innovative interpretation of Afternoon Tea, as the Gurkha, celebrated for its Himalayan charm, collaborates with The Mug Tree Tea Room, a quintessential English treasure. These two independent powerhouses gracefully weave Nepalese spices into England’s traditional finger sandwiches and wraps, adorn homemade scones with a delightful fusion of chai and tangy mango with lashings of clotted cream, while bitesize cakes undergo a harmonious transformation with an infusion of Indian flavours. This dynamic and creative twist on the traditional Afternoon Tea experience guarantees a blend of Eastern and Western expertise which shouldn’t be missed from these independent, award-winning establishments!