The eagerly-awaited Downton Abbey movie opens across the USA on September 20th, and Los Angeles seems to have decided that a standard rolling out of the obligatory red carpet is not quite enough to mark this special occasion. There are celebratory events happening all over town. Ye Olde Kings Head in Santa Monica has two tea parties scheduled, (September 20th and 21st). It costs $35 and includes scones with Devonshire cream, sandwiches, savory bites plus Lord Grantham breakfast tea and a champagne cocktail dedicated to Lady Edith. Visit www.yeoldkingshead.com to book.
One event not to be missed is the Grand High Tea Experience on the Lawn at The Grove hosted by Amazon’s Treasure Truck and Focus Features . On Sunday September 15th the Lawn will be transformed into a Downton-themed garden party, reminiscent of a scene from the English countryside in the early 20th century. Welcomed by staff and actors (including some of our very own Brits in LA members!), dressed in their 1920’s best, guests will be able to indulge in tea-time favorites including scones, biscuits, elegant tea sandwiches, while playing lawn games such as croquet and quoits, and enjoying live music throughout the day. This event is FREE and runs from 12-6pm. Oddly enough there is no mention of it on the Grove website but you can find more details via this link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/amazons-treasure-truck-hosts-downton-abbey-grand-high-tea-experience-tickets-71412810639.
Or just visit www.britsin.la as we will be posting details there too. Tickets aren’t required to gain entry so feel free to just head on over.
We will also be giving away lots of Downton merchandise at both our weekly Breakfast Club at Cecconis’s and at Brits in LA Pub Pub Quiz at the Cat & Fiddle on Tuesday September 17th. We have posters, umbrellas, bags, mints and tons of other goodies including a Downton cookbook up for grabs. Fancy dress is encouraged but not required.
I know that not everyone is able to get to an event but don’t worry we haven’t forgotten you completely…. you can still enter to win tickets to see the film. We have three pairs of screening passes to give away! So if you would like a chance to win them email us at info@britsin.la – winners will be picked at random on September 18th and notified via email. They are valid for The Landmark (10850 W Pico Blvd) starting Mon 9/23/19 through the run of engagement . Between you and me I’ve never seen an episode of the iconic British TV show, but considering the amount of excitement this is generating it seems that I am really missing out. I might have to have a marathon catch-up session the next time I have a free weekend!
I am not sure whether it is a coincidence but Trader Joe’s grocery store have started stocking ‘British Style’ crumpets again. They disappeared off their shelves quite a while back but were obviously sorely missed – if the reaction we got when we shared the news with our Facebook members earlier this week is anything to go by. If you are confident in the kitchen you might prefer to try making your own. I found a fairly simple recipe at
(https://downtonabbeycooks.com/recipe/how-to-make-english-crumpets/) a website run by Pamela Foster, a Canadian fan who became obsessed with the food featured in the show.
If you have a better crumpet recipe please send it over as I would love to try making my own.
You can drop us a line at info@britsin.la. Look forward to hearing from you…
Cheers!
Eileen
