The Flair of the Tea Time
“But indeed, I would rather have nothing but tea”
I. The elegant prelude to the ball night
II. English Tea Culture: Ritual & social stage
III. Classic Étagères & the fine art of sharing
IV. The Tea Tasting: A feast for the senses
V. The Café im Paradeis:
A refuge in the baroque heart of Eichstätt
I. The elegant prelude to the ball night
Is there a more consummate prelude to the grand ball evening, than to gather in the afternoon for a traditional Tea Time? The tea hour is the most intimate and simultaneously the most charming prelude to our festivities – a moment to feel like a heroine from the works of Jane Austen or like a noble lady of London society.
Attired in fine day and promenade dresses, our assemblée gathers to let the soul repose, far removed from all haste. With our 'Bon Ton Carte de Visite' you may stylishly arrange to meet your friends and esteemed acquaintances at the tea table, exchange the first cheerful anecdotes, and forge new bonds, before the doors of the magnificent Hall of Mirrors open in the evening.
II. English Tea Culture: Ritual & social stage
In England around 1800, the taking of tea was far more than mere enjoyment – it was a highly cultivated ritual and the most important social stage for ladies. In the fashionable tea gardens of London and Bath, the gentry promenaded, exchanged meaningful glances, and cultivated that fine art of conversation, which makes the Regency era so unmistakable to this day.
At our Tea Time, we revive precisely this attitude to life. Every gesture bespeaks grace, every delicate teacup harbors a piece of lived history, and the clinking of porcelain provides the harmonious accompaniment to witty salon conversations according to the best rules of the true Bon Ton.
III. Classic Étagères & the fine art of sharing
To an authentic Tea Time in the English Victorian style, the étagère belongs inseparably. Across multiple tiered plates tower sweet and fine delicacies, delicate pastries, and traditional dainties, which are communally shared at the table according to ancient custom. The passing of pastries by the gentleman of the table, the joint selection of treats, and the shared enjoyment bind the table society in the most charming manner – a feast for the palate and the eye alike.
IV. The Tea Tasting: A feast for the senses
Entirely in the spirit of Jane Austen's famous quote – “But indeed, I would rather have nothing but tea” – we whisk you away with a multifaceted tea tasting into the world of noble infusions. From the finest White and Yellow Tea to exquisite Green Teas and fragrant Oolong specialties, right through to robust Black Tea and mature Pu-Erh, unimagined nuances reveal themselves. Allow yourself to be enchanted by the aromas and find your very own personal favorite tea for the leisure hours of the weekend.
V. The Café im Paradeis:
A refuge in the baroque heart of Eichstätt
Situated directly on the historic market square, the Café im Paradeis provides the ideal backdrop for our tea society. Eichstätt – that shining jewel of the Rococo – combines short distances with immense elegance. Surrounded by baroque facades and a cheerful flair, the café offers the perfect atmosphere of well-being to linger to your heart's content and capture beautiful portraits in the salon ambiance.
Following the Tea Time, ample time remains for a discreet pause to retire to one's chambers, complete the evening toilette, and don the festive ball gown for the night in the Hall of Mirrors.