Tea Time at the O. Henry Hotel

The O. Henry Hotel, located at 624 Green Valley Road, makes an effort to evoke an era when hotels were much more community centered.  Tea time at the O. Henry Hotel is summer afternoon perfect for locals and visitors alike! Beyond this revolving door is a room full of old-world charm... a social lobby with warm paneled walls, oil paintings, upholstered chairs, cordial attentive staff, and china fit for royalty. Each afternoon from 2-5pm, people stop in for tea and a bite to eat. Is tea at the O. Henry considered "high" or "low" tea? The distinction between high and low tea usually is determined by whether the event is served around "low" coffee tables or "high" dinner tables. Also, the former tends to be served in the 5-7 pm time slot and the latter from 2-5 pm. In the USA, it is not uncommon to center the distinction around level of social formality (reference). 

At the O.Henry, one can enjoy something as simple at tea and scones with clotted cream or as filling as truffled egg salad on brioche and a ham and brie croissant with fig preserves. From $7- $22, there is a price point for most budgets. If you are looking for something to buy the friend who has EVERYTHING, consider the gift of afternoon tea.  And remember, tea, high or low, tastes better with a big splash of friendship.

 

Comments

[Dina]

Table height, time of the afternoon? So THIS is what differentiates high from low tea. I am glad to finally learn this. Thank you .

Your picture is wonderful, of a different world really.

[Janis]

We're always happy when someone learns something, Dina; and even HAPPIER when they let us know they learned something. Yes, we too learn a mighty plenty in our research for these posts!

Have a great rest of the week!

[Leif Hagen]

Man would I like to try that tea time! I get weak in the knees for coffee or tea with treats!!

[Jane Mitchell]

Tea at the O. Henry is indeed very special for the ambiance as well as the dainties served with the tea. The idea of table height determining a high or low tea is new to me too. I always thought it was just for light or heavier fare.

[Janis]

Dear Readers: Mind you, we references a Wikipedia entry for "tea" which is where we learned of the high/low tea variables. It has been our experience that even though Wikipedia is "of the people," it is usually a good source of general information.

If we have any tea experts lurking out there, we'd love some additional insight. Perhaps we can discuss it over tea. :)

[EG Wow]

Looks sooo elegant!

[Jess]

I think you mean buttered "scones" not "sconces." Although butter would surely make light fixtures go down better too! :-)

[Janis]

Thanks, Jess, correction made. That volunteer editing position is still available. LOL! Every time I see errors that egregious, I'm convinced a little gremlin snuck in during the night to play tricks on us!