It’s a widely celebrated fact that the English are a nation of dedicated tea drinkers, but there’s more to teatime than just a quick cuppa as Peggy Garrett of local caterer Love Sussex, explains...

Cosy afternoons by the fire or a teatime picnic in a sun dappled spot are a chance to slow down, indulge your taste buds and catch up on some gossip with friends and family. It’s a ritualized ministration to the needs of mind, body and soul. The Spanish may do siestas, but the English have the art of genteel afternoon refreshment quite literally down to a tea. The mere chink of cups and saucers tunes the mind to a state of happy relaxation.

Recently tea time has become popular again as an alternative party theme. It suits every occasion from formal to fun, whatever the weather. The choice of food will set the tone, from the lush frosted cupcakes made famous by New York bakeries, to elegant canapé style snacks synonymous with smart London hotels. But international inspiration needn’t override the wealth of local produce that makes a Sussex tea a unique gustatory pleasure.

Freshly warm from the oven, the simple scone is perfect to showcase the wide range of local fruit preserves available. Stick to strawberry if you must, or ring the changes and try white peach, gooseberry & apple or damson & pear.

Your local cucumber will slice just as finely, and what better fillings to accompany that ubiquitous sandwich than duck egg mayonnaise, wild rabbit in a lightly curried sauce or savoury smoked mackerel pate, all fresh from the Sussex coast and countryside?

And though tea plantations may prefer more sultry climes, for the ultimate in local consideration, there’s even a Kenyan tea blended to suit the Sussex water.

It must have been an Englishman who once observed that bread and water can so easily be toast and tea, and for a meal whose sole purpose is delicate enjoyment, this extra attention will turn a simple brew into a memorable feast.

A range of truly delicious tea time products are available from www.lovesussex.co.uk