The Perfect Cricket Tea
Following the tears of yet another loss for England at the Euros, there is hope for a different English team who, over the next few days, have a chance at a trophy. This time it’s the English cricket team who are hoping to get a win over the West indies at Lord’s. So, let’s swap the scarfs for the sunhats, the face paint for sunglasses and the beer for tea. Fingers crossed for a sunny few day as we delve into the perfect Cricket tea.
Table Talk: The tradition of the cricket tea is thought to have been introduced by Lord Harris, who was the captain of England and later became the governor of Bombay. He was fond of tea and used to have it during the breaks in play. He also invited the opposing team’s captain to join him for tea, which became a tradition and a gesture of sportsmanship. While it still consists of tea and cucumber fin ger sandwiches, many have branched out into something more substantial.
If you are planning your own cricket tea or just want something to accompany the cricket on TV, here are some recipes for inspiration.
The Coronation Chicken Sandwich is a team favourite. Chicken is shredded and mixed with mayonnaise, yogurt, curry powder and chutney to create the ultimate sandwich filling.
A roast beef sandwich with a difference. This one is based on an easy traybake bread, a British take on focaccia with condiments and some of the filling niftily built in, is the basis for these chunky roast beef sandwiches. They’re a fun way to serve a crowd
This Indian-style chip butty from Jamie Oliver is a real crowd pleaser. These spiced, crispy hot potato balls squashed into buns with mango and pomegranate chutney, fresh mint yoghurt and Bombay mix sprinkles are to die for. Ridiculously delicious.
One of the top writers at the sport’s magazine, The Cricketer, thinks you need to go for a traditional hotdog. Our top choice of sausage would be, The Old English Sausage. It’s a succulent Victorian sausage recipe of fresh minced pork, sage, herbs and spices. A mild flavour perfect as a breakfast sausage.
And if you have lots of younger people to feed but want to make sure they are getting something wholesome, then try our Chicken Goujons. They are made from Free-Range Chicken and coated in a Panko and black pepper crumb - perfect for children.
Our home-made Lamb Samosa is made fresh in our kitchen by our skilled cooks. We use fresh minced lamb, peas, carrots, sweetcorn and onions with a traditional curry sauce wrapped in our light puff pastry.
As we cheer on the England cricket team it seems just right to have the aptly named St George Steak & Ale Pie. Made fresh daily in our own kitchen. It contains prime selected grass-fed beef and traditional stout, fresh mushrooms, onions, bay leaves, herbs and seasoning.