Langham Pays Tribute to its 147th Year of Afternoon Tea Heritage with its Book - "Once Upon A Tea Time"

HONG KONG, May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- International luxury hotel operator, Langham Hospitality Group celebrates the 147th birthday of its flagship hotel, The Langham, London, with "Once Upon A Tea Time" - an enchanting story book that showcases the history and etiquette tied to tea tradition through the eyes of a six year old girl.

Limited Edition: Langham's "Once Upon a Tea Time" Book

Afternoon Tea was first served at The Langham in London when it opened as Europe's first grand hotel in 1865. This quintessentially British mid-afternoon delight has since been a brand signature at Langham hotels around the world. The hotel group continues to pay tribute to its long standing afternoon tea heritage with this delightful book, following the introduction of specially-created Langham Tea blends last year. 

"As Europe's first grand hotel, The Langham is synonymous with traditions. And we believe no withstanding ritual is as widely celebrated as the exquisite afternoon tea. 'Once Upon A Tea Time' is a story that captures the essence and celebrates the simple pleasures of afternoon tea, in a place where it all began," said Brett Butcher, Chief Executive Officer.

Acknowledged as one of the most elegant and sophisticated of dining occasions, the first afternoon tea at The Langham, London, was served in the Salle A Manger, or general dining room for ladies and gentlemen for the princely sum of 1 shilling 6 pence. Billed as Teas, Plain - the first afternoon tea simply consisted of simple but dainty items including cakes, sweets, scones and jam, and complemented with fine tea.

Today, The Langham offers enchanting afternoon tea in its portfolio of hotels around the world.

About Langham Hospitality Group

Langham Hospitality Group encompasses a family of distinctive hospitality brands which include hotels, resorts, residential serviced apartments, restaurants and spas, located on four continents.

It takes its name from the legendary Langham in London which was opened in 1865 as Europe's first Grand Hotel. For almost 150 years, this flagship hotel has represented sophisticated and gracious hospitality, a philosophy that reflects elegance in design, innovation in hospitality, genuine service and captivation of the senses across all properties.

The brands include the luxurious Langham and Langham Place, the upscale Eaton Luxe, midscale Eaton Smart and the award-winning Chuan Spa.

The Langham is where guests can enjoy service with poise and be enchanted by our innovation and traditions while Langham Place, the fun sibling of The Langham, is about living the 21st century through design, technology and attitude, epitomising stimulating hospitality.

Eaton, a premium member brand, aims to surprise and delight our guests with a value-for-money proposition that delivers a stylish, modern level of comfort with spirited, can-do service.

Currently 31 member hotels are open or in the pipeline across four continents.

Langham Hospitality Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Great Eagle Holdings (Stock Code: 0041) which was founded in 1963 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 1972.

Reservations for either Langham or Eaton properties can be made by logging onto langhamhospitalitygroup.com.

Properties around the Globe

For further information contact:

Sherona Shng
Vice President - Communications and Public Relations
Langham Hospitality Group
Tel: +852-3552-3938
Fax: +852-3552-3902
Email: sherona.shng@langhamhotels.com

Fiona Szeto
Director of Public Relations (Asia)
Langham Hospitality Group
Tel: +852-3552-3846
Fax: +852-3552-3902
Email: fiona.szeto@langhamhotels.com