IT’S 4pm and I’m getting ready for the launch of a new concession at Harvey Nichols. It’s a traditional luxury bath and cologne brand calle Penhaligon’s which was first launched in 1872 and is currently enjoying a renaissance among the fashion set as worn by style icons such as Kate Moss and Tom Ford… But first I simply must have a quick cup of tea…
One of our most precious traditions in the UK, is putting the kettle and having a cup of tea. A crisis? Sit down and have a cup of tea. Catching up on the latest gossip? Let’s discuss it over a cuppa. Getting ready to go out? One for the road…
A recent survey revealed that most people in the UK sit down at around 4pm and have a cup of tea. But there is tea and there is tea. I grew up on Earl Grey and Lapsang Souchong, and consequently I am physically unable to drink tea as strong as PG tips or Tetley.
There is, of course, a tea etiquette which took me a while to get to grips with: Firstly the cup it is served in is crucial. Fine china is at the top of the list followed by mugs and finally we have paper takeaway cups. Milk should be served at room temperature and poured before the tea to enable a perfect mix and lemon slices should always be dropped into the blend after it has been served.
For a ‘builders’ cup of tea the rules are totally different: sugar is as essential (lots of it) as tea strength is crucial (if in doubt, go for the ‘doubble bagger’ and let it stew). I discovered this when I offered Earl Grey to a plumber once and he looked at me as if I was from another planet.
Anyhow, I arrive at Harvey Nicks and, as usual, their window displays are a feast for the eyes. I go to reception to enquire about the location of the event, and I am sent to the Fourth Floor where I meet the rest of the party. I sign their visitors’ book and start to mingle.
The concession is very smart, with glass bottles on shelves and a central podium with further products. I am shown around the store which has been recently decorated (inspired by the Royal Pavillion in Brighton), and sniff away at all the fragrances. My favourite is a men’s scent called Blenheim Bouquet, which I later find out is worn by James Bond in the original novel, and more currently by Piers Brosnan.
Suddenly the music is turned down and an announcement is made: to mark this momentous occasion, a cake -designed by celebrity patissier Eric Lanlard — who created Madonna’s wedding cake — is suddenly produced, followed by lashings of the finest champagne. The atmosphere is fun and I meet a number of very interesting journalists and photographers. As I look out through the window, I notice that it’s getting dark outside and it’s time to head back home. The view from the Fourth Floor is stunning: Sloane street to the left and Hyde Park to the right, the city lights are starting to come on and double decker buses are whizzing by full of people on their way home from work. I join them and before I know it I am in Notting Hill where I stock up at my local deli.
Back home, I pick up my messages and instinctively put the kettle on. Time to put my feet up and have a cup of tea…
Laia Farren Graves
n Penhaligon’s www.penhaligon’s.co.uk, Tel: 0800 716 108
