SUMMER EVENTS DRESSED WITH HISTORY AND TRADITION

I can't remember a summer in this country which has been so interesting.  It has been a summer of challenges and some conflict with the EU Referendum, whilst at the same time some uniquely British institutions have helped to bring us all together again - I'm thinking of celebrations to mark The Queen's 90th birthday in particular. 

It's a relief that the season has been dotted with much-loved traditional highlights to alleviate some of the tension.  In the business world the schedule may feel to quieten a little in these months, but many of our partners have been devotedly behind this country's summer 'brand'.

Always proud of their expertise in dining etiquette and tradition, our partner Macdonald Hotels has been so particularly this year with the Macdonald Guide To The Quintessential High Tea in readiness for summer and The Queen's birthday.  Since opening its doors in 1866, the five-star Macdonald Randolph Hotel in Oxford has been taking afternoon tea very seriously.  The stunning drawing room is a perfect stage for a small, intimate gathering around this British ritual, served by the white-gloved Salon Manager Tony Sun and his team.  Tony said: "I am often asked what the right way is to take afternoon tea - sweet or savoury first?  Personally, I would recommend starting with a crisp glass of champagne, then satisfy your hunger with sandwiches, whilst the tea brews to perfection.  Then indulge in the scones - I personally eat my scones the Cornish way - smother the scone half with jam first then follow with a generous dollop of clotted cream.  Finally, finish off with sweet mouthfuls of cake.  What a great way to spend the afternoon."

Noting a fashionable revival in the ritual of afternoon tea, an article in this year's Royal Ascot official magazine by Jessica Phillipson traces its history.  The first references to tea drinking in the UK date back to 1658, with diarist Samuel Pepys mentioning it in 1660 as a "China Drink".  Around the time Royal Ascot began to flourish afternoon tea began to take shape and became a 'must-do' event in the nineteenth century.  Anna, 7th Duchess of Bedford and close friend of Queen Victoria, is said to have invented it after suffering pangs of hunger in the long gap between lunch and evening meal at Woburn Abbey, soon inviting friends to join her.  Her influence, on returning to London, helped the event gain popularity with Society ladies.  Tea rooms then sprang up in the late nineteenth century, remained popular through the 1920s and didn't suffer until after WW11 with more women in the workplace and fewer "ladies of leisure".

For our partner Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events, the world's most famous race event from 14th - 18th June is central to their summer calendar and they deliver the finest, unique culinary experience which is the occasion's signature.  Henley Royal Regatta then takes the spotlight on the 29th June - 3rd July.  Dating back to 1839, this prestigious institution is the chance, for once, for the men to take centre stage in their linens, blazers and Panama hats.  The tradition associated with this event is The Champagne & Pimms reception; in fact, lashings of Pimms - our classic British cocktail dressed with strawberries, cucumber and mint.  As I blog, the season is fully in swing and Wimbledon is underway.  Watching the tennis whilst relishing the treat of strawberries and cream stretches way back in the event's history which began in 1877 initially as an amateur pastime.  Enjoying berries in the Victorian era celebrated summer's arrival; they were in season and were a fashionable element of the afternoon tea ritual.  Typically today, 320,000 glasses of Pimms are enjoyed; 40,000 portions of strawberries with 10,000 litres of dairy cream.  If this doesn't appeal then good old fish & chips are a popular alternative.

On the 24th June National Cream Tea Day, launched by the Cream Tea Society, is now celebrated throughout the land.  The majority of our partners engaged in this pleasure with some creating imaginative twists such as Classic British Hotels and their Chocolate Afternoon Tea at Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa.  Here a hot chocolate drink offers an alternative to tea and is served with chocolate macaroons and other intoxicating delights.

Recently VisitBritain published its best ever first quarter figures for inbound tourism: these visits from January to March totalled 7.36 million - up six percent on the same period last year.  In spite of the shaky aftermath of Brexit, VisitBritain is promoting our country as tremendous value at the moment due to currency movements.  They say their priority is to work with businesses, organisations and the Government to ensure people continue to travel here.  Many travellers are drawn here precisely by our culture, heritage and traditions - however eccentric they may appear.

Whether gathering for hospitality at a landmark national event, seeking meeting packages which borrow familiar elements of such historic occasions or throwing a huge team party - in summer the country itself is the prevailing events theme: those particular things we eat, drink, wear, applaud and cheer on, year after year.

(Pictured here are the Rocca, Randolph and Gisborough Afternoon Teas offered by our partner Macdonald Hotels, together with guests enjoying Ascot).