Tea time

"Picture me upon your knee
Tea for two and two for tea,
Just me for you and you for me
A-lone."

Thank you Nanette.  No really, Nanette, thank you.  No, no Nanette.

Ahem.

Taking tea in England is a serious affair, and one must learn the various forms it can take.

Sometimes tea time is a tray of tea with a biscuit.

Sometimes, it's a late afternoon affair, called "high tea" with tiered plates holding cucumber, egg and salmon sandwiches, tiny cakes and scones with jam.
Sometimes it's called a "Cream Tea" which, if it's done well, means freshed baked scones, strawberry jam and clotted cream. 

And if it's done really, really well, it's served outside on a sunny terrace looking at a Devonshire seaside landscape.

Sometimes it's a bit more celebratory and it's called a "champagne tea".  That means it's a tea that may or may not include any of the above, but most certainly includes a glass of champagne.  Even better if it is served in the longest champagne bar in England, running alongside the Eurostar train platform at the beautifully restored St. Pancras station.

And sometimes it's a pot for each person, topped up hot water for as long as you want. This is particularly nice if you are having a visit with a very dear friend. And if an orchestra happens to play in your proximity, well than so much the better.