Now it may well be B******s that only the lower classes put milk in first; but it is an established class thing. I think it appears in "U and non-U" Certainly I know the expression "MIF" to mean just that.

I am one of those who 'discovered' clotted cream late in life. I have never experienced tea in Harrod's or any hotels in UK, but British Airways serves 'afternoon tea' during the flight from London to Chicago (Flt 297). I have had clotted cream several times in the flight without knowing what I was eating. Individually, they don't taste good, but after I 'learned' how to 'put together' correctly from a passenger (Brit?) sitting next to my seat, I discovered it is very tasty. The last time I had it (about two weeks ago in the same flight), my teenage daughter was with me and asked me about the contents (nutritional) of the clotted cream. Her contention was, 'if it is so good, it must be loaded with fat and high calories.' Does anyone know how much fat/calorie it contains? I don't want to hijack this 'tea discussion', but I am curious about the fat contents.

I've heard the same thing as Caitlin, regarding the "milk in first" situation - years ago, fine bone china was extremely thin (for lack of a better word) and that the hot tea would crack it. Enjoy your trip, Marlo.

Tom, clotted cream contains 55% fat, compared to 35% for whipping cream. <BR> <BR>enjoy

I went looking for the answer to the MIF mystery. <BR> <BR>Check this out <BR> <BR>http://www.patriciastearoom.com/LadysArchive.html

regarding catching the waitperson's eye at a classy tea shop, I think the previus is incorrect. <BR> <BR>13. If you run out of tea, don't bang your cup on the table to signal for more. <BR> Discreetly signal the waiter/waitress with a small motion of your left <BR> forefinger. (Use of the middle finger has no status in refined tea emporiums. It <BR> just isn't done.) <BR> <BR>I had better results using my fore and middle fingers extended with the palm of my hand towards me. My bill was presented promptly and they even helped me on with my coat.

To Beth from Chicago <BR>I had tea a few years ago at the Four Seasons on Michigan Ave. It was one of the best ever. Have fun trying it out. They have lemon curd which is a real treat and for me a measure of how good the high tea experience is!

Diane - <BR> <BR>Thanks for that tip. I'm going to take a walk next week and give the Four Seasons a try. No one should notice my absense from my desk for an hour or two! <BR> <BR>Beth

topping for Lu B

Sheila..thanks for 'topping'! This thread was interesting and helpful! ~~~Lu

Everything you ever wanted to know about clotted cream....and then some:

https://www.roddas.co.uk/

shall we have the "cream first or jam first" debate again?

PS - the cornish garden we visited today actually produces tea - the only place in the UK [adn possibly europe] to do so.

http://tregothnan.co.uk/tea-plantation-bar/

were any of you offered this "english" tea anywhere? it's vey expensive, so would go well at Harrod's and fortnum's i should think.

This is a 12 year old thread that Denese found and topped.

Tea is also grown on San Miguel in the Azores.

"<i>This is a 12 year old thread that Denese found and topped</i>" . . . to advertise her B&B in San Diego . . .

OMG!! A blast from the past!

All the great posters of days of yore--Beth Anderson, Sheila Richie, Elaine, and Elvira!

Tschuss,
pepper

"<i>Beth Anderson, Sheila Richie, Elaine, and Elvira!</i>" some of whom are still posting . . .

Times have certainly changed from "it isn't done" and thank God.