Settle in for a relaxing, refined tradition
at Birmingham's Townsend Hotel.

WRITTEN BY JEANINE MATLOW I PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGIE BAAN

Entering the elegant English-style lobby, it is apparent that the beauty is in the
details. Waterford chandeliers, mahogany wood accents and an exquisite fireplace
mantel imported from Italy embraces visitors in opulent comfort. Classical music
plays on the piano while the first-rate staff caters to your every whim. Sound like
a dream? It doesn't have to be. Just head over to the Townsend Hotel in down-
town Birmingham for its traditional afternoon tea.
Unlike high tea, which is a heavier meal closer to dinnertime, or often instead
of dinner, afternoon tea is intended as a light and relaxing midday ritual. It was
introduced in England in 1840 by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, who
would become hungry between lunch and her fashionably late dinner, and request
a tray of tea, bread and butter and cake. She began inviting friends to join her; they
would don long gowns, gloves and hats for their "pause" in the drawing room.

Left: Miniature tea pastries — such as

Fresh Fruit Flan, Chocolate-Covered
Strawberry, Cheesecake with a Raspberry
Garnish and Chocolate Mousse Cup —
create the perfect ending to the light meal.
Above: Tea Director Laura Klein oversees
every detail of tea at the Townsend.

platinum

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MAY 2007

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