QE2 is well known for her “white-gloved afternoon tea” service. In the run-up to 4.00 pm, waiters from all restaurants of QE2 appear, taking it in turns to help with afternoon tea. Tables are set in the Queen’s Room, in the Lido and the Pavilion -- green table cloths, cutlery and crockery, and a white cotton napkin for each seat. Trays weighed down with dainty sandwiches, with cakes and scones, are brought into the Queen’s Room and laid out on a central table. The harpist or pianist set up their instruments in readiness for tea.
Passengers drift in and, by the time 4.00 pm is reached, everyone is ready -- the passengers to eat (after all, it is by now two hours since lunch!), and the crew to bring food and drink. White gloves are on, and staff move from table to table, from group to group, while the musician plays and conversation flows. Quite often, the Queen’s Room is already decorated for an evening event, and the coloured garlands and balloons may add to the atmosphere.
We have always taken afternoon tea after embarkation in Southampton. Sitting down on the comfortable chairs while the tea service is going on, is somehow the height of luxury, and allows the fact to sink in that, after months of looking forward to a voyage, we have finally arrived. Also, of course, we are hungry after an early-morning start!
Afternoon tea is also particularly welcome when we return on board after a lunchtime excursion, with a good appetite. Twice on this voyage have I sat down for afternoon tea, on such occasions, when it was almost 5.00 pm, and have been made to feel that my presence was particularly welcome, despite my late arrival. A full pot of tea arrives, a tray of sandwiches to choose from (six delicious varieties), and another tray of cakes and scones. My plate is filled, and I tuck into all those delicious flavours, filling my teacup several times before the pot runs dry.
As 5.00 pm approaches, tables are cleared all around me, trays are taken back to the kitchen, tables and chairs are rearranged into their neat patterns, and the Maître d’ responsible for the Afternoon Tea collects the white gloves, says an individual word of thanks to each of the waiters on duty, and makes sure that everything is cleared away fast, so that preparations for the next event can start. On both occasions, I was told to take my time, not to hurry, and was left to finish my tea undisturbed, while work swirled around me.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prondis_in_kenya/2886137527/Curtains are drawn, coloured lights are switched on, music begins to play, crew members appear and take their positions, for instance for a Captain’s Reception. The whole operation runs smooth as clockwork, or like an orchestra playing in harmony, each knowing their part and each reacting with friendliness to the others. A masterpiece! Even when not sitting down for tea, cakes and sandwiches, I love observing this ritual. Cunard at its best.
More Day 11 diary photos here :
https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=forum11&w=55206992%40N00&m=tags
