Its tea time at Marriott hotels

What does the Little Black Dress, the classic white shirt and afternoon tea have in common? The answer - they’re all timeless. Britons love tea – always have, always will. No matter how dramatic life gets, problems are shared over ‘a nice cup of tea’. To celebrate this classic tradition, Marriott Gift Vouchers has just launched London’s vintage ‘Afternoon Tea for Two’ - what better way to unleash you inner-snob and celebrate all things British.

The classic British tradition began when Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, couldn’t stand the eight hour wait between lunch and dinner. She finally instructed her butler to bring her a pot of tea, bread and butter at 5pm – and so, afternoon tea was born. The 1920’s fashionable society began drinking tea by the bucket load - it was (and still is!) the perfect surrounding to gossip about men, fashion, family and friends – another favourite past-time!

Julian Bonnett, from Marriott Gift Vouchers, said, “We are renowned as the nation of tea drinkers, a tradition that helps unite friends, families, loved ones and colleagues through the good and bad times. Afternoon tea is part of Britain’s culture – it’s an affordable luxury that will never go out of fashion!”

Brought to you by Marriott Gift Vouchers the afternoon tea experience is the perfect gift and allows the recipient to share it with the person of their choice; their best friend, a loved one, or their mum. What better way to round off a day of shopping or sightseeing round the capital than with a selection of finely cut finger sandwiches, delicious cakes, pastries and scones, all devoured in elegant settings.

The voucher is valid for two people and can be used at four 5* Marriott hotels in Central London – London Marriott Hotel Park Lane, Grosvenor House, London Marriott Hotel County Hall and Renaissance Chancery Court London. Booking ten days in advance is required due to the exclusivity of the Marriott tea rooms. Voucher retails at £55 and can be purchased at marriott.co.uk/giftvouchers.

Not forgetting tea enthusiasts outside of London, Marriott Gift Voucher will be launching a UK wide Afternoon Tea for Two gift voucher in October 2008.