I’ve been drinking plenty of tea while in England (at least a dozen cups since leaving the plane), but I’d yet to experience a full and proper British tea time.  So today my flatmates and I had reservations at Bea’s of Bloomsbury for afternoon tea at 2:00.  On our way to Bea’s, which is near St. Paul’s Cathedral, we stopped at St.-Martin-in-the-Fields Church in order to make brass rubbings.  I’m quite happy with my rubbing of St. George slaying a dragon, and might go back to make more rubbings–and to enjoy one of the free concerts held there several times a week.

[caption id=“attachment_113” align=“alignnone” width=“224”]View of Trafalgar Square, as seen from the steps of St.-Martin-in-the-Fields. View of Trafalgar Square, as seen from the steps of St.-Martin-in-the-Fields.[/caption]

 

To someone whose idea of teatime was just tea and scones, the meal at Bea’s felt extravagant. (The price also felt slightly extravagant, so I likely won’t repeat the experience this trip.) We were each served finger sandwiches, tea, cupcakes, scones with jam and clotted cream, and other various sweets. With the exception of the meringues–I don’t particularly care for meringues–it was all delicious. The marshmallows were surprisingly tasty.

[caption id=“attachment_103” align=“alignnone” width=“225”]Self-portrait outside Bea's. Self-portrait outside Bea’s.[/caption]

We took the walk from St. Martin’s to Bea’s at a brisk pace, to make sure we were on time. As we returned along the Strand and Fleet Street, however, we stopped to cross and re-cross the Thames, take pictures, and visit some of the shops. (I was actually stopped for directions by some anxious Briton who seemed to be running late for something; it was flattering to know that–at least before I opened my mouth–I wasn’t obviously a tourist.)

[caption id=“attachment_99” align=“alignnone” width=“300”]The author on Millenium Bridge, which has recovered marvelously from the Death Eaters' attack a few years ago. The author on Millenium Bridge, which has recovered marvelously from the Death Eaters' attack a few years ago.[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_114” align=“alignnone” width=“300”]St. Paul's Cathedral, as seen from the bridge. St. Paul’s Cathedral, as seen from the bridge.[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_123” align=“alignnone” width=“300”]The Globe, where we see Julius Caesar tomorrow night. The Globe, where we see Julius Caesar performed tomorrow night.[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_112” align=“alignnone” width=“300”]London skyline from the bridge. London skyline from the bridge.[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_120” align=“alignnone” width=“224”]'Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd,' whose barber shop was on this block. ‘Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd,’ whose barber shop was on this block.[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_124” align=“alignnone” width=“300”]The British papers may have left Fleet Street, but their names remain (along with many storied coffeehouses and taverns). The British papers may have left Fleet Street, but their names remain (along with many storied coffeehouses and taverns).[/caption]

[caption id=“attachment_116” align=“alignnone” width=“224”]The original Twinings of London, where I purchased some tea (surprise!). Yes, that’s the Twinings of London, where I purchased some tea (surprise!).[/caption]

My sympathies to the poor Brits, who’ve just lost to Uruguay in the World Cup.