Time For Tea: Tea the Twenty-Second

A man who wishes to make his way in life could do no better

than go through the world with a boiling tea-kettle in his hand.

Sydney Smith

The Old Government House, St Peter Port, Guernsey - Saturday 24th August

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Tea Takers

Sarah Ryan

Paul Ryan

Olivia Ryan

Bronwyn Henderson

Philip Henderson

Agnes Henderson

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An end-of-summer visit to the lovely Henderson family to pay homage to its newest member, provided the opportunity for a Channel Island tea. Back in February, a birthday scroll from Bronwyn and Philip had invited us to tea at The Old Government House, so this has been long anticipated.

Guernsey is a great place to visit and we have enjoyed several trips and much entertainment since Bronwyn came here in 2005, including a rather fabulous wedding in 2011 and now the excitement of meeting Miss Agnes. Bronwyn and I have been friends since she arrived at King's, Bruton in January 1999, and tea has always been an important feature of our socialising - she is one of those people around whom I visualised the whole 'tea odyssey' concept so it is particularly good that, at last, we are taking tea together.

The Old Government House (Guernsey's only five star hotel - Philip's tourism fact) began life, in the late 18th Century, as the residence of the Governor of the Bailiwick. It was only 1858, however, that it became a hotel, and so has now been such an institution for around three times as long as it had its Government House function. An interesting hotch potch of buildings, inside it is elegant and comfortable, and we had a well-appointed corner for our enjoyment.

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Tea was of a highly creditable standard. It was generous in proportions and there was a wide range of both cakes and sandwiches.

Paul felt the sandwiches lacked daintiness, but especially enjoyed the chicken, almond and mayonnaise number, which was cut in a pleasing roundel.

The scones were a very nice flavour, but a little chewy and not as light as some. Olivia felt they would have benefitted from being warm, but the clotted cream and jam were plentiful and they were a very enjoyable tea staple.

Service was pleasant and initally swift, but might have been a little more attentive over the time we stayed - we had to request fresh tea, etc, and whilst they were happy to bring a box for us to take away cakes we were left to fill it for ourselves.

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Additional Liquids

Bronwyn and I opted for the augmented 'Bellini tea' and respectively enjoyed our peach and strawberry Bellinis.

Agnes opted for a more milk based repast.

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Agnes May Jessie Henderson

Born on 4th June 2013, Agnes is not only the youngest of the tea takers to date but also the only one who wasn't even born when the odyssey began.

Even very small ladies dress up for tea - getting ready is half the fun...

She is, of course, the primary reason for this visit to Guernsey, as the daughter of very dear friends. We were so delighted for Bronwyn and Philip when she arrived and then deeply honoured and very joyful to be asked to be her Godparents.