My friends Bev and Cheryl and I went out today to “play ladies” for Cheryl’s belated birthday outing at Fitzpatrick’s Inn in Westbury. Not just your ordinary afternoon tea for a latte and caramel slice, but “High Tea” no less. Sounds very sophisticated, and when I saw the dining room decked out in its starched white linen tablecloths and fine china in a multitude of floral designs I wondered whether I should’ve dressed up a little more for the occasion, and if it was necessary to lift your little finger while sipping from the pretty china cups.
No need to worry, all was very low key. Besides Fitzpatrick’s Inn being a B&B and regular lunch and dinner venue, High Tea is a monthly event which offers not only delicious fare but the added treat of local harpist Joanne Michelson. Some book into High Tea for the chance to catch up with friends or celebrate special occasions and enjoy the music, whereas others come mainly to listen to Joanne and enjoy the afternoon tea as a bonus.
Weaving their way between the tables, our hosts delivered finger sandwiches fit for a Queen’s garden party (minus the cucumber), mini quiches, frittatas and other savoury delicacies, traditional scones with jam and cream, a mini melt in your mouth lemon meringue pie to die for, meringues like they’re supposed to be made, cupcakes topped with cream, shortbread topped with hazelnut chocolate and orange, and the list goes on. Sounds like a sugar overload, but with a glass of red or white or bubbly, and done leisurely over two hours with constant chatter and the delivery of tea via silver service to keep us topped up, it was a very pleasurable interlude from the normal routine.
Harpist Joanne Michelson told us a little of her story and it was amazing to hear she has only been playing the harp for little more than five years. Made from walnut and with beautiful decal detailing, Joanne’s new harp from France made its first appearance at Fitzpatrick’s. Though a large and cumbersome instrument which Joanne transports around on a trolley, the sound it produces is so sweet and soothing, haunting and relaxing, that if you closed your eyes it was not hard to imagine you might have been in the Inn in mediaeval times. From the traditional Greensleeves on harp to Danny Boy on pan flute, Joanne entertained us the whole time, a perfect accompaniment to an enjoyable afternoon.
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