LEGENDARY INNS NAMED TO "GREAT TEA ROOMS OF AMERICA" . . . HONORED FOR ITS AUTHENTICITY, ATMOMSPHERE AND SERVICE

The Cliffside Inn has been named one of "The Great Tea Rooms of America" by international tea expert and author Bruce Richardson and is featured in the book "THE GREAT TEA ROOMS OF AMERICA," released by Benjamin Press. The "Legendary Newport Tea Service" (served at Cliffside Inn and Abigail Stoneman Inn) is one of only 20 in North America to be selected. The book is the only publication to rank the best places to experience traditional afternoon tea service.

The "Legendary Newport Tea Service" is the only afternoon tea chosen in Rhode Island and one of only two in New England. Some of the other famous tea rooms selected include the St. Regis Hotel (New York), the Fairmont Empress Hotel (Victoria, British Columbia), the Drake Hotel (Chicago), and Windsor Court Hotel (New Orleans).

The "Great Tea Rooms" were selected based upon authenticity, atmosphere and service. The Cliffside Inn has revived the classic art of afternoon tea in the style perfected by the British 150 years ago and introduced in Newport in the late 19th century. Cliffside's "Legendary Newport Tea Service," is a traditional Duchess of Bedford Afternoon Tea as it was served in Victorian Newport at the turn of the 20th century.

DUCHESS OF BEDFORD AFTERNOON TEA  Anna Maria, the seventh Duchess of Bedford and lady-in-waiting to Queen Victoria, is recognized as having created a new and different kind of afternoon tea in England in 1840.

During Victorian times, dinner was served fashionably late and the Duchess would experience a "sinking feeling" around five o'clock. One afternoon, she instructed her servants to bring tea, bread, butter and little cakes to her boudoir. The experience was so pleasant that this soon became a planned daily event and she invited friends to join her. Eventually, after being adopted by Queen Victoria, Duchess of Bedford afternoon tea became a celebrated domestic tradition in Great Britain and North America.

Afternoon tea, in accordance with tradition, is served between two and five o'clock and is always an elegant "snack" rather than a complete meal. The menu usually includes tea, finger sandwiches, scones with Devonshire Cream, handcarfted marmalades and preserves, cakes, assorted pastries, and other sweets and savories. and occasionally a more elaborate layer cake or trifle as a finale. Tea is usually served in a drawing room, living room or parlor with the elegant fare presented with lacey linens, fine bone china and silver teapots.

AFTERNOON TEA -- A NEWPORT TRADITION  In the late 1800's, Newport, Rhode Island earned its place in history as a summer retreat for America's wealthiest families like the Astors and Vanderbilts, who built grand summer cottages on Bellevue Avenue overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Cliff Walk.

As the high society aristocracy -- "The 400" -- worked diligently to out do one another with elaborate parties, the area became known for its grand social mixers and regular daily entertainment. Hosting an afternoon tea became a daily ritual in the social fabric of Newport.

Further down Cliff Walk is the Cliffside Inn, the former home of legendary Newport and Philadelphia artist Beatrice Turner. It was at this residence that Beatrice painted thousands of self-portraits, kept a detailed daily journal and became known as an enigmatic eccentric for her Victorian wardrobe, which she continued to wear well after the styles had changed at the turn of the century.

While few of her diary entries remain intact today, Beatrice kept careful notes of hosting afternoon tea in Newport. It was a daily ritual for the Turners, just as their more socially prominent neighbors.

LEGENDARY NEWPORT TEA TODAY  The authentic Newport tea tradition continues today at Cliffside. Afternoon tea is still served in the Victorian parlor, which is decorated with original works of art painted by Beatrice Turner. The approving spirit of Beatrice can be felt throughout the inn even today as her self-portraits gaze out from the walls of her former home, where the tradition of afternoon tea is a living legacy.

Since Bruce Richardson's first visit to Cliffside Inn, the Legendary Inns of Newport group has grown to include the Abigail Stoneman Inn. Guests at either inn can experience the same complimentary "Legendary Newport Tea Service," which is prepared and served daily at 4:30 p.m. Guests select a tea cup from the inns' one-of-a-kind antique tea cup collection and enjoy a tantalizing assortment of savories, sweets and fine teas in their Victorian parlors.

"Legendary Newport Tea Service" has become so well received by the media and guests alike that the renowned master tea blenders Harney & Sons Tea Company now produce an exclusive, premium tea blend known simply as "Legendary Newport Tea" that is only served at the Inns. It is available for purchase in specialty Victorian tins Each tin makes 50-60 cups of tea and is $14.95.  Learn More About Our Tea.