It’s not often that a Halloween event is as charming and atmospheric as an upcoming one in Arklow!.
‘Miss Havisham’s High Society Halloween Tea’ combines the ghoulish and the gracious, with spooky spinetingling tales set amidst the splendid surroundings of an authentic Victorian drawing room.
‘Victorian Tea Times’ in Arklow, is a stunningly authentic salute to all things Victorian and offers guests a truly immersive experience of that bygone era, combining fabulous food with flouncing Victorian ensembles.
Created by well known businesswoman, Audrey Whelan, Victorian Tea Times is a charming ,warm and unmissable experience where guests can enjoy delicious afternoon teas, served by parlour maids in costume and all presided over by a Victorian Matriarch!.
Entering the Victorian Tea Times is a feast for the senses and offers a charming retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern living. Pushing back the delicate lace curtains your eyes rest on rich embossed wallpapered walls, plush velvet couches, ornate candelabras and other wonderful assembled reminders of times past. The beautifully appointed room basks in the flames from the cosy inviting fire, as tables dressed in immaculate crisp linen tablecloths glisten with silver tea pots, three tiered luncheon servers, fine hand painted china and bone handled butter knives. Delicious dainty sandwiches with mouth-watering fillings, freshly baked buttermilk scones with rich cream and jam and pretty little pastries and delicacies, with lashings of tea, all combine to serve up an evocative and captivating experience.
The tea rooms are a labour of love for Audrey who has spent the past two years collecting Antiques and memorabilia to ensure that visitors can revel in the opulence and romance of the Victoria Era.
She says “I am enthralled by the Victorian period, I just love and appreciate history and I set out to create something that is truly different and real, something elegant and memorable. Guests can enjoy delicious Afternoon Teas and have fun in our Victorian Dressing Room as they don beautiful dresses and finery as worn by ladies in that era. It’s like breaking into the play box for adults! I am so lucky that my Granddaughter Karla shares my passion so she and I work here in the Victorian Tea Times.
There is an explosion of interest in period dramas in Films and Television and I am tapping into that interest. We have Opera Nights and Soirees and people just adore the experience. It is so entertaining and so different. We are finding that groups of women, in particular, are making a day out of it and travelling to us from all parts of the country. We are especially popular with wedding parties who want that something different in the run up to the big day, as well as ladies who want to revel in the luxury and the decadence of the Victorian Tea Rooms. They all love listening to the stories from the Victorian era as they enjoy the treats and eats, wear beautiful elaborate clothes and take a step back in time”.
“For our upcoming Miss Havisham Halloween Tea we will be creating a rich, moody and dramatic evening with fabulous stories, food and cocktails and I would urge people to book as places are filling fast. It’s going to be scary …for all the right reasons!”.
Audrey reveals that the premises that houses Victorian Tea Times itself has a riveting history. The 10th Earl of Ormand also know as Thomas Dubh or Black Tom (due to his dark complexion) sold the plot on Main Street to an Edward Cromwell ( No relation to Oliver Cromwell) and Edward became the local Ferryman in Arklow. Audrey’s Grandfather, Patrick O’ Connell, bought the premises in 1933 and so inherited the historic deeds of 1596 which are proudly displayed in the Tea Rooms.
Miss Havisham’s High Society Halloween Tea takes place on Friday 26th October at 7.30 pm. €45 per person.
Anna, the Seventh Duchess of Bedford, the original creator of Afternoon Tea in 1840, would certainly approve of Victorian Tea Times!
Victorian Tea Times 37 A Main Street Arklow.
Bookings essential 089 4285848
Keep up to date on our elegant evenings by visiting the Facebook page Victorian Tea Times Arklow
