Tea at Fortnum & Mason

by Emma Marsden

A concise yet sumptuous guide presenting everything there is to know about the art of taking tea, from the internationally renowned store in Piccadilly that is synonymous with style, elegance, and English charm Celebrating the long-standing British institution, this beautiful pocket book covers everything from the history of afternoon tea drinking to Fortnum's relationship with tea. It also presents more than 45 recipes for all types of teatime delight, as well as guiding the reader through the best types of tea to accompany them. Recipes include Cucumber, Cream Cheese and Dill Sandwiches; Macadamia and Stem Ginger Cookies; Madeleines; Almond and Rose Petal Squares; Honey and Lavender Loaf Cake; and Seville Orange and Whisky Marmalade. Beautifully illustrated with charming vintage tea advertisements and glorious recipe photos, this book is a must-have for tea drinkers everywhere. Metric measurements.

Genres: Cookbooks, Tea, Nonfiction, Cooking, Food, Culinary, Food Writing

128 pages, Hardcover

First published October 7, 2010

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here you'll find everything about tea in a short and concise form. Fortnum & Mason is a legendary shop on Piccadilly Street I regularly go to. They have an enormous tea selection and offer (in my opinion) some of the best tea I ever had (I am very fond of their Earl Greys and English Breakfast). In this book you'll learn about the history of tea, how it was first imported from China and later on primarily from India and Ceylon. Then you'll learn what to eat with your tea. From sweets (like shortbread, scones or cakes) to sandwiches. Excellent descriptions, background knowledge and pictures. Fortnum and their tea is an absolute highlight, a classic. Highly recommended read!

[Marcella Bongiovanni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clearly it's not really a book on tea, but rather on tea "goodies". It's a short booklet, but full of lovely photos of both recipes and FTware. Very British centred.

(BTW,Lemon curd come to mama!)

[Emmett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really elegant, with a few delightful recipes and an informative history on tea.

[Margaret Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best tea books

I collect tea books, and this is my favorite. A brief history and explanation of tea is followed by authentic recipes for tea- time. Fortnum and Mason, one of my favorite places to visit for tea in London, has generously shared some of their delicious recipes in this book. Perhaps if you go to London, you will visit one of their sites. They are a three hundred year old grocery that supplies the Queen. The clerks wear tails, and the doorman has a top hat. There is a wonderful tea salon there. Having this book will help me recreate one of my best tea experiences in London!

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading "Tea at Fortnum & Mason", it provides a really good insight into the history of tea and how important it was to society. I loved the pictures of all the cakes and biscuits, but not sure if I will try any of the recipes, I may just wander into Fortnum's and order a bit of everything. High Tea anyone?

[Stephanie Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really nice read. I've tried the honey, raisins and pecan cake as well as the tea cakes, they were excellent. A keeper !

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and short book detailing the history and trade of tea in general, and tea specifically at Fortnum & Mason’s. Back half of the book contains delicious recipes.

[Charlotte Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book

A lovely book for tea and cake lovers. Beautiful recipes and a great knowledge of Tea history makes this book perfect for any tea lover

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I visited fortnum and mason in London in 2004. And since I love taking tea this s was a delight.

[Rosemary Standeven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was alerted to this book by a Goodreads friend, and his review reminded me of how I would love to take foreign guests to afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason – an experience so quintessentially English, so classy, and so incredibly tasty. I did not go often, but whenever I did, it was a real treat.
This is a really lovely book. Starting with a short history of tea drinking in England – centred around Fortnum & Mason, who for a long time were the main importer of tea to Britain (cases of Fortnum & Mason tea were also involved in the Boston Tea Party!). There are some lovely reproductions of old advertisements for Fortnum & Mason tea, photos of the store and of the old tea clipper ships.
Then comes the recipes – most with sumptuous photos that really start you salivating – of all the wonderful things that you can enjoy at Fortnum & Mason for an English Afternoon Tea, savoury and sweet: sandwiches, scones, small and large cakes, tea breads, and a couple of jam recipes at the end.
Originally, I thought to send this book to a friend as a present – but as I read through it, I wanted it more and more for myself. Maybe, I will buy another copy (or two) for friends, but this one is staying on my shelf, so I will never be at loss for afternoon tea ideas.
Enjoy!

[Sinead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read Tom Parker Bowles book on tea for Fortnum and Masons earlier this year, but saw this on kindle on sale so picked it up. I liked the little bit of history and information on tea throughout the book. The recipes are good and seem very accessible.

[Eleanor · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's fun to read this and know the state of Fortnum's tea department today because it gives a little glimpse into what the company sold almost twenty years ago. But the recipes are a little basic so it's not worth getting if you aren't just gonna borrow it I think.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Haven’t tried any of the recipes. This is just reviewing the writing. The history of tea is OK. The stuff about making tea was more interesting.

[Ty Dykema · Rating 3 out of 5]

First half was an interesting little read about the history of tea and F&M. Second half was basically just a recipe book, but it was the funnest I've had reading recipes so that counts for something. Fortnum & Mason rules.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice overview of the history of tea as well as a tea lover cookbook. Beautiful pictures. Overall a fun quick read.

[Amanda E · Rating 3 out of 5]

insightful into the beginnings and different types and blends of f&m teas

[Teresa W · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice recipes I would like to try