Discover the history and etiquette of tea and tea drinking at a new immersive experience which includes a delicious afternoon tea at one of Coventry’s leading historic venues.

St Mary’s Guildhall in Bayley Lane is launching A Taste of Tea - the History and Etiquette of Afternoon Tea on various dates in June and July.

Dating back to the 14th century, the Guildhall is regarded as one of the finest surviving medieval guildhalls in the country with over 700 years of history.

Led by an expert guide in costume, visitors will learn how people prepared their cups of tea from the 1600s until the present, where people could buy tea in Coventry in the 1700s and 1800s and what a Victorian afternoon tea at St Mary’s Guildhall would have looked like.

Moving into the Guildroom of Tales of Tea, visitors will have an opportunity to find out all about tea traditions and etiquette and discover why people used to drink tea from a saucer, how are you supposed to stir a cup of tea, and the perennial question, how do you eat a scone the proper way?

Abi Moore, Heritage and Venue Manager at St Mary’s Guildhall, which is operated by No Ordinary Hospitality, said: “We are so excited to be launching this new offer. It combines the very best of St Mary's Guildhall’s history with our restaurant Tales of Tea to give a unique experience.

“Tea parties were frequently held at St Mary’s Guildhall and were enjoyed by both rich and poor in very different ways including both how and when afternoon tea was taken. This is a great opportunity to share our venue's history with a special tour which is informative and interesting.

“This experience brings those stories to life in an engaging way, from the rituals and etiquette through to the social history of tea drinking in Coventry, including intriguing information about clothing and courtship.

“We wanted to create an event that is welcoming, interactive and memorable for visitors.

“Afternoon teas within No Ordinary Hospitality at Tales of Tea at St Mary’s Guildhall and Coombe Abbey Hotel are really popular and this is a perfect opportunity to enjoy this while gaining insight into Coventry’s past and tea drinking.

“Whether you’re passionate about history, enjoy afternoon tea or are simply looking for a day out in Coventry this summer, there is something for everyone to enjoy at St Mary’s Guildhall.”

To pre-book and to find out availability, please visit: A Taste of Tea - the history and etiquette of afternoon tea

Visitors are welcome to dress up, but it is not a requirement.