DOWNTON ABBEY TEA FOR TWO AT THE WHITBY HOTEL

Do not raise your pinky when you lift up your cup of tea as it is rude.   It actually connotes elitism as cultured people would eat their tea goodies with three fingers while commoners would hold the delights with all five.  Downton Abbey has an extraordinary exhibition in midtown Manhattan and just a few blocks away the British owned Whitby Hotel has paired it with Afternoon Tea. 

Chose from either dining in the Whitby Bar

or the Orangery.  I went with my dear friend Enid Lang due to her getting me hooked on watching Downton Abbey on PBS.  We chose the beautifully decorated and skylight Orangery with its displays of plates, chandeliers and cushiony high backed upholstered chairs. 

The Downton Abbey menu was then placed before us. 

With many tea choices Enid opted for the Rooibos, having it for the first time.  She loved it! This tea comes from South Africa.  It does not contain tea leaves but from a honey bush, which gives its slight sweetness.  Wanting to experience a different type of “tea,” I decided on a marigold flower, which is first placed in a glass.  When you pour the hot water into it, the marigold opens up little by little until full bloom.  A strainer is placed over the glass and the tea is poured into your cup.   All teas are loose and can be used for more than one cup.

Options that come with the $45 fixed price are:  Bespoke English Breakfast Blend – traditional English breakfast with an aromatic honey rose and a deep malty finish; Rare Earl Tea – hand crafted black tea with a pure bergamot oil from southern Italy (to be enjoyed with a lemon zest or milk); and Whole Chamomile flowers, which are caffeine free since it is an herbal “tea.” There is a further list of Specialty Teas for a $2.50 supplement.  

Delights come to your table on a three tier silver platter.  The top layer has the sweet treats of: Iced fruit cake and house made mince pie; Sticky toffee pudding; Chocolate and peppermint opera cake; Spiced orange and chestnut mousse buche de Noel. 

Tea sandwiches (with the crust removed) fill up the middle layer with: Smoked salmon sandwich with mustard cream; Turkey sandwich, cranberry, radish sprouts; Cucumber sandwich (of course), sweet butter, white balsamic; Chickpea hummus sandwich roasted eggplant; Gruyere Gougene. 

The bottom layer has the scones, clotted cream and two different preserves. 

Relaxing, sipping your tea and enjoying each savory bite of the delights are very important.  It may look as if the quantity of the food would not fill you up.  Don’t be surprised if you request a “to go” bag and you can also get a “to go” cup if you don’t finish your tea. 

 

Take a moment to walk around the charming lobby of the Whitby, one of two London based Firmdale hotels located in Manhattan.  The address is 18 W. 56 Street.  I recommend viewing the Downton Abbey Exhibit prior in order to truly set the mood. 

THE OSCARS FILM SERIES
AT THE WHITBY Hotel and crosby street hotel, new york

In the run up to the 90th Academy Awards ceremony, explore some of the most highly anticipated nominations from the comfort of Crosby Street Hotel or The Whitby Hotel's luxury private cinemas.
Or enjoy live coverage of The Oscars ceremony on March 4th, live from the comfort of either hotel's private screening room. Red carpet coverage starts from 6.30pm, followed by the ceremony hosted by Jimmy Kimmel at 8pm.

THE WHITBY HOTEL:

Film Club includes brunch, a three course lunch or afternoon tea in The Whitby Bar followed by the movie of the week for $55 per person. The films will be shown every Sunday at 4pm.

FEB 11 - Victoria & Abdul

FEB 18 - Roman J Israel

FEB 25 - Blade Runner 2049

MAR 4 - Darkest Hour

MAR 4 - The Oscar's 2018 (LIVE) - Coverage from 6.30pm

RESERVATIONS:
To book, please call +1 212 586 5656 or email bar@thewhitbyhotel.com

CROSBY STREET HOTEL:

Film Club includes dinner or cocktails in The Crosby Bar followed by the movie of the week starting at 8pm. 3 course dinner and a movie is $55. Cocktail, bar plate and movie is $35. 

FEB 11 - Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri

FEB 18 - Blade Runner 2049

FEB 25 - Victoria & Abdul

MAR 4 - The Oscars 2018 (LIVE) - Coverage from 6.30pm

MAR 11 - Darkest Hour

RESERVATIONS:
To book, please call +1 212 226 6400 or email bar@crosbystreethotel.com