Celebrating Afternoon Tea Week

What do you put onto your scone first? The cream or the jam? This week, 7-13 August, is Afternoon Tea Week, the perfect time to decide which side of the scone debate you’re on! 

To make sure we celebrate in the right way, Captain Aseem Hashmi teamed up with the UK’s pre-eminent etiquette expert, Grant Harold for the ultimate afternoon tea masterclass.  

Having been a member of the Royal household of Their Majesties King Charles III and the Queen Consort at Highgrove House in the Cotswolds for seven years, Grant Harrold is the nation’s authority voice on etiquette, service, and protocol. And with Cunard being world renowned for its iconic White Star Service, Grant joined Captain Hashmi aboard Queen Mary 2 to compare notes on royal etiquette and cruise ship dining. 

Grant also shares his top tips on the proper way to stir your tea at sea, the official order one should devour the treats, as well as the most common etiquette mistake that people make, and the one thing you should never do when serving tea…

Grant Harrold said:

“It was a real pleasure to join Captain Hashmi for Afternoon Tea, and as expected, he conducted himself like a true gentleman – he certainly doesn’t need my help. It was a pleasure to share my unique perspective on the British monarchy and its traditions with Cunard guests, especially on ships that boast Queen Elizabeth II, and the Queen Consort, as their godmothers.”