Duchess inspires Harvey’s Point Afternoon Tea
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A tradition initiated by the 7th Duchess of Bedford in the mid 19th Century, is becoming a ‘must do’ event at Harvey’s Point Hotel, Lough Eske, Co. Donegal.
The hotel’s new Afternoon Tea is dedicated to Anna Maria Russell, Duchess of Bedford and a close friend of Queen Victoria, who asked to be served tea, finger sandwiches and cake in mid afternoon, because she was experiencing a ‘sinking feeling’ in the long interval between lunch and dinner. Initially she consumed the meal alone in her boudoir, but then began inviting friends to join her. The location was transferred to the drawing room and Afternoon Tea became highly fashionably in London society.
No matter how grand the town houses of Victorian London, they could never match the vista which accompanies Afternoon Tea at Harvey’s Point. Beyond the manicured garden, swans glide on Lough Eske with the shadows of the Blue Stack Mountains dancing on its surface. Inside the Lakeside Restaurant, Victorian tradition blends with Donegal hospitality. Guests are presented with tiered cake stands, plates of delicate finger sandwiches, Eilish’s home-made scones with mix berry jam and clotted cream, Fermanagh roast chicken and mayonnaise, all accompanied by a selection of teas and infusions from India, Sri Lanka and Africa.
Afternoon Tea (€26) is served daily from 1pm to 4pm and there is a special half price service for Young Ladies and Gentlemen.
Anna Russell often followed Afternoon Tea with ‘a walk in the fields’ with friends. The staff at Harvey’s Point encourage guests to linger, but many, simply cannot resist the temptation of a leisurely lakeside stroll…just to whet the appetite for dinner.
