Pat Mizell and Linda Sosbee enjoy afternoon tea at the Dorchester The sun was shining brightly the day Pat and I left our flat in Chelsea to catch the bus to take us to tea at the Dorchester. We got off the bus near Hyde Park and took a leisurely stroll to Speaker’s Corner situated within the park.

Speaker’s Corner was established in 1872 when the government recognized the need for a place of public assembly and free speech. Anyone may mount their soap box and address the crowds regardless of creed, color, or persuasion as long as the speaker does not blaspheme or incite a breach of the peace.

On this particular afternoon there were nearly a dozen speakers. Most of them expounded on Christianity, Islam, or Marxism. I heard one saying over and over that the world should be thankful for the United States.

South African waiter, Riann, holds the incredible dessert tray Just before we reached the Dorchester, the rain began to pour. Inside, we headed first for the ladies room to dry off a bit and freshen up. We then sat in the lobby of the Promenade to await our appointed time.

Soon the Promenade host guided us to a low tea table for two. We were promptly greeted by Riann our waiter, a handsome young man from South Africa. Like all of the other waitstaff, Riann was dressed in morning suit – coat with tails, vest, striped pants, and a gold silk tie. Very elegant.

We each chose our own tea from a very nice selection of 22. Soon after our pots of tea arrived, Riann brought a large silver tray of tea sandwiches. Tomato with egg mayonnaise, cucumber with cream cheese, smoked salmon with cream cheese, chicken with mustard mayonnaise, and picallily (a relish) with smoked cheddar. They were all delicious. We continued to be offered sandwiches until we declined.

Next were the melt–in–your–mouth scones, plain and with sultanas. They were served with butter, cream, and strawberry jam which Riann pointed out was “made on the premises.”

The final course was truly a sight to behold. A large silver tray with rows of the most beautiful and scrumptious petit pastries you can imagine. Apple almond tartlets, strawberry mille feuilles, lemon cheesecakes, berry crumble tarts, strawberry–yogurt pyramids, banana–caramel–chocolate slices, and raspberry financiers. We ate at least a portion of each of these delectable pastries. And, we were two very satisfied women.

You have arrived at a propitious moment, coincident with your country’s one indisputable contribution to Western civilization – afternoon tea.

Hugo Drax, villain of Moonraker to James Bond

lindas@sc.rr.com