Everything stops for tea

From Willy Wonka to Wimbledon tennis, Tea-tox to the Roaring Twenties – afternoon tea with a twist is fast becoming the choice for summer-themed inside days out

All down to Anna

The afternoon tea ritual owes its origins to Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford. In the early 19th century it was common to eat only two main meals a day, an early breakfast and late dinner. Instead of suffering hunger pangs, Anna took tea and a snack to her bedroom. Over time she revealed her guilty secret to wealthy acquaintances and tea became a muchappreciated break in the long day.

Local brew

Tea connoisseurs will find 250 varieties of loose teas and teabags at the Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company. New lines for 2013 include Redbush tea Rooibos Oriental Night and Cloud Catcher, a fruit tisane fine tea. Buy from the factory shop at Pivington Mill, Pluckley or online www.tea-and-coffee.com or call 01233 840 265 to make a visit.

Fan-tastic

Take afternoon tea after a wander around the Fan Museum, in Greenwich, home to 3,500 fans dating from the 11th century. Tea is served in the Orangery on Tuesdays and Sundays, with homemade cakes and scones from £6 plus £4 museum admission – booking is essential. Phone 020 83051441 or visit www. thefanmuseum.org.uk for details.

It’s the new coffee

The drink of choice for web gurus is no longer the espresso; it’s a soothing tea harvested from a shaded mountainside half a world away. Digg’s Kevin Rose spends $1,000 a month on speciality tea for his employees. He favours a cup of Pu-erh imported from China. Follow Rose’s tea trail @tea on Twitter.

Political brew

Take a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament and combine 1,000 years of history with modern-day politics, art and architecture - all washed down with a very British tea in the Pugin Room, overlooking the River Thames. The afternoon tea option is an add-on to selected guided tours until Saturday, August 24. Sittings at 2pm, 3.45pm and 5.15pm. Cost £19.95 plus guided tour ticket. Call five days in advance on 0844 847 1672.

Accidentea-l brew

Tea is so ancient, its exact origins are impossible to trace. In one Chinese legend, emperor Shen Nung, who drank only boiling water, discovered tea by accident 5,000 years ago. According to the tale, some dry leaves fell from a bush into the emperor’s boiling water, and the first cup of tea was created.

Voted the best

The Oscars of the tea world 2013 went to the Montagu Arms Hotel in Beaulieu, Hampshire – winning the Tea Guild’s Top City and Country Hotel Award for 2013. In London, the guild bestowed 22 awards, with the Goring Hotel, close to Victoria Station, given the highest rating.