The Langham celebrates: First grand hotel to ever serve afternoon tea

In 1865 The Langham in London was the first grand hotel to ever serve afternoon tea. In celebration of this anniversary, on 10 June all Langham hotels worldwide will serve their signature afternoon tea at the same price it was enjoyed 143 years ago; one shilling six pence.

For New Zealanders this equates to .18c (NZD). Therefore exclusively on 10 June between 12.00 noon and 4.30pm The Langham Auckland will reduce the price of her afternoon tea from $28 per person to .18c per person.

The Langham London was able to establish that she was the first grand hotel to serve afternoon tea after an original hotel tariff dated 10 June 1865 was uncovered showing afternoon tea billed as ‘Teas, Plain’ consisting of simple but dainty items including cakes, sweets, bread and butter and, of course, tea. Other popular afternoon tea establishments such as The Ritz and Savoy were not in existence at this time.

Acknowledged as one of the most elegant and sophisticated of dining occasions, The Langham Auckland afternoon tea consists of petite scones, smoked salmon pinwheels, tomato, cucumber and egg sandwiches, chocolate-coated tuxedo-dressed strawberries, fresh fruit tartlets, lamingtons, English fruit cake, and spice cake accompanied by crème fraiche, strawberry preserve, butter, and of course, tea and coffee.

John Dick, managing director of The Langham Auckland said: "We’re thrilled to be able to hold on to this piece of history and pass it on for Aucklanders to enjoy. We are expecting a phenomenal turn out and it’s wonderful to see the generations all savouring the same experience.”

Reservations are essential as the afternoon tea is expected to full quickly. Please call 0800 61 62 61.

Noble History
The luxurious ritual of afternoon tea was created in 1840 by Anna Russell, 7th Duchess of Bedford, who served it to ward off hunger pangs in the long hours between lunch and dinner. Soon, her personal indulgence grew into an experience to be shared with her friends. As hostesses started to host afternoon tea events, a timeless luxury institution was born.

Authentic Experience
Today, The Langham offers enchanting hospitality in Auckland, Boston, Hong Kong, London, Melbourne and Pasadena.

As the first proponent of afternoon tea in a luxury European hotel, The Langham continues to offer an authentic afternoon tea that is as much about the stately ritual as the luxurious dining experience.

Brett Butcher, senior vice president – sales and marketing of Langham Hotels International said: “In a world where we focus on coffee with heads buried into wi-fi connected laptops, The Langham is taking a step back in time to captivate the senses, restore the art of conversation and indulge in a timeless tradition which is about friends coming together for a genteel afternoon ritual.”