Fjord Hotel's playful tea party

- "Tipsy Tea is actually classic afternoon tea with a twist. A little bit of oppjazza with tea cocktails," says Hotel Director Therese Malmo.

The event starts at 3 p.m. The seating lasts until 6 p.m., but the atmosphere tends to draw guests towards the bar.

Full house with thin porcelain

The hotel has organised Tipsy Tea twice before. Both times it was fully booked, and it's not hard to see why when the tables are full.

- "We set the table with beautiful porcelain tea sets. It's thin porcelain with personality - bought at a thrift store - and so varied that each cup seems to have its own story," says Helene Refvik Gjerme, Head of Marketing and Events.

Downton Abbey-inspired company

And then there's the food, which in itself is a little piece of theatre in small mouthfuls. Classic British cucumber sandwiches, prawn sandwiches, cheeses, scones with clotted cream and jam, cookies and petit fours.

But it's the drinks that make this different from a traditional afternoon tea. Guests get to taste different types of tea, and the hotel also offers champagne and other bubbles - as well as tea cocktails, i.e. drinks based on different types of tea.

- "We have Earl Grey Gin Fizz, Raspberry Green Tea Fizz, Ginger Spice Mule and our new favourite - Lennarts Lemon Tea," says Malmo.

The director's drink

The latter name doesn't come from a trendy cocktail menu, but from the hotel manager's own favourite drink Lennart, which is usually made with Xanté, lime and lemon soda. Now Malmo has created her own Tipsy Tea version, and she's happy to show you how it's made.

Behind the bar, she is quick and confident in her movements. The ice clinking in the glass, she measures, pours, stirs and tastes. No doubt she's done this before. Finally, she lifts the glass slightly, as if to check that the balance is right - fresh, light, with citrus at the front and tea providing a soft, aromatic finish.

- We're looking forward to serving Lennart with a tea twist," smiles Malmo.

Tipsy Tea hits the ladies

The concept particularly appeals to women in most age groups, says the hotel, but the threshold is low for anyone who enjoys tea, light meals and an afternoon that feels a little more like an occasion.

- There aren't many men who usually come, but they are of course very welcome," says Gjerme.

This year, Tipsy Tea has been scheduled for the same weekend as Women's Day, but the hotel emphasises that this is not an 8 March event.

Book a table now!

To participate, you need to reserve a table, and the hotel customises the tables according to the size of the group - from tables for two to tables for 17.

In other words, whether you're coming for a quiet afternoon with a friend, or you're bringing a whole group of people who want to make the weekend a little nicer - you just have to secure a place here.