Retro dining restaurant Chapter 2 introduced its afternoon high-tea menu on February 16. To mark the beginning of this elegant tea culture, Debanjan Chakrabarti, director, East and Northeast, British Council India, indulged in a conversation moderated by Oindrila Dutt with Jayanta Sengupta, secretary and curator, Victoria Memorial Hall, on how the afternoon tea culture started way back in the year 1840 and how this soon turned into a social event where upper-class women would dress up for afternoon tea. They shared some valuable insights into the history of afternoon high tea and how it started as the British tradition in the mid-1700s as an afternoon meal usually served between 3 pm-4 pm. The speakers also shared their experience of sophisticated English high-tea rituals during their visits to London and how afternoon high tea is still highly practised there with the same elegance.
With its classy English ambience, Chapter 2’safternoon high-tea menu comes with dainty sandwiches, pastries, scones and cookies catering to two persons. The Telegraph gets you the details.
“It was such an incredible experience to cherish the British high-tea while we were on our recent trip to London. A perfect blend between British culture and food, the delectable offering seemed visually striking to us. The sweets and savouries served with premium tea literally won us over, so we wanted our revered patrons to experience the same, right here in the heart of Calcutta. We do hope, this high-tea offering will be a unique experience for our patrons”, said Shiladitya and Debaditya Chaudhury, cofounders, Chapter 2.
Chapter 2 is serving afternoon high-tea in the classic English ensemble, in a three-tiered tray with sweet treats including brownies, rum balls, lemon tarts, assorted cookies and a selection of delectable savoury items like puffs, finger sandwiches and potato wedges served with Darjeeling or Earl Grey tea, freshly brewed as per the choice of the customer.
“It’s an absolutely fascinating tribute to a cultural way of life in the UK which centres around afternoon tea or high tea. It’s a fantastic thing that Chapter 2 has brought this English tradition to Calcutta. As we all know that Kolkata is nominated among the top 11 food destinations in the world, and the afternoon tea in Chapter 2 is a fantastic addition to Calcutta’s storied history of food,” said Debanjan Chakrabarti (left), director, East and Northeast, British Council India. Oindrila Dutt added to this, “I think it’s a wonderful idea because this is something we didn’t have. It’s a great opportunity for the young crowd, especially students as it is pocket-friendly and they will get a chance to experience such a wonderful afternoon tea ritual.”
“I am delighted by Chapter 2’s introduction of British-style afternoon tea, and it was an absolute pleasure to attend the launch when everybody had a gala time with cakes, sandwiches, and other munchies over great tea, conversations and music,” said Jayanta Sengupta, secretary and curator, Victoria Memorial Hall.
More about it
What: English High-Tea Menu
Where: Chapter 2, P-377, Hemanta Mukhopadhyay Sarani, Southern Avenue
Timings: 3.30 pm - 6.30 pm
Pocket pinch: Rs 650-plus