Sunday 14 April 2013

Tea at Reads: a Madeiran institution

Madeira 29th March
If you go to Madeira, one of the iconic activities is Tea at Reid's Hotel. This is not something that you would do normally in everyday life, and whilst not in the Claridge's league, is still worth a visit.
If you are on an organised tour, then you may be kept away from the proper guests. I was warned not to wear my walking shoes, but in the event, standards of dress have probably slipped.
This is tea in the traditional style and includes finger sandwiches, cakes, scones with cream and jam and tea. One of the boasts that the main menu suggests is that there is a great choice of different kinds of tea, but the one served to organised tours on the day we went was the internal brand, and quite frankly this was not strong enough for British tastes.
Proper guests will sit in very elegant surroundings.
At some point in proceedings the host approached each table asking if there was anything else required. I am sure (even if English was not his first language) that he expected the answer to be that nothing else was required. I decided to put him to the test and requested more lobster sandwiches, which are truly the highlight of tea, in my opinion. These were brought with exceeding good grace and were enjoyed.
If you get the chance, a definite iconic visit and event.




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