Live Like the Crawleys with a Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea Hamper
For devoted fans of the hit series Downton Abbey, the dream of experiencing the grandeur of the Crawley family's lifestyle is a powerful one. While a trip to the Yorkshire estate might not be feasible, a London bakery has found a delightful way to bring a taste of that world directly to your living room. Cutter & Squidge, nestled in the heart of Soho, has launched a range of afternoon tea hampers inspired by the release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.
From Soho to Your Sofa: The Hamper Selection
Cutter & Squidge offers an immersive experience at its bakery, with themed teas held in both an 'upstairs' and 'downstairs' setting. However, for those with busy schedules, their new hampers are the perfect solution. Available to order online, these boxes transform any quiet afternoon into a special occasion. Shoppers can choose from three main options:
- The Larder Treat Box: Priced at £21.99.
- The At Home Hamper: Priced at £29.99.
- The Luxe Hamper: Priced at £62.99, which includes a classic Victoria sponge cake and a bottle of prosecco.
This initiative allows you to curl up on your own sofa, put on your favourite episode, and be transported to the English countryside without leaving home.
A Closer Look at the At Home Hamper Experience
In a hands-on test, the At Home Hamper, costing £29.99, proved to be an ideal choice for a small gathering. The contents were designed to impress and delivered on their promise of a premium, Downton-inspired treat. The hamper included an assortment of freshly tasting baked goods, even though they were not prepared on the same day.
The selection was both generous and delectable, featuring:
- Two Dainty Almond Tartlets
- Two Golden Treacle Shortbreads
- Two Her Ladyship's Blackberry Loaves
- Two Winter Fruit Scones
- Two of The Estate Scones
- Clotted cream
- Gooseberry and elderflower jam
- Breakfast tea
The star of the show for this reviewer were the scones. They were described as flavoursome, buttery, and wonderfully fluffy. They paired exquisitely with the accompanying clotted cream and the standout gooseberry and elderflower jam, which was a delightful first-time discovery served in a generously sized jar.
Another highlight was the Her Ladyship's Blackberry Loaves. Fears of an overly sweet or artificial taste were quickly dispelled. The blackberry flavour was pronounced and natural, making for a sophisticated and satisfying cake. Every item in the box was a success, with leftovers still tasting perfect the next day.
The Final Verdict: A Treat Violet Crawley Would Approve
Overall, the Cutter & Squidge afternoon tea hamper delivers a genuinely delightful and high-quality experience. It successfully captures the essence of a luxury Downton Abbey afternoon, making it a wonderful way to treat yourself or a loved one. The attention to detail in the flavours and the quality of the ingredients makes it well worth the price. One can easily imagine the formidable Violet Crawley giving her stamp of approval to such a refined and delicious spread.
For more information or to place an order for your own taste of Downton elegance, you can visit the Cutter & Squidge website directly.
