AFTERNOON tea was the focus of St George s Day celebrations at Oliver Cromwell s House in Ely. Local food historian, chef and writer Alison Sloan gave a presentation about the history of tea in England and how it has become a quintessential part of Engli

AFTERNOON tea was the focus of St George's Day celebrations at Oliver Cromwell's House in Ely.

Local food historian, chef and writer Alison Sloan gave a presentation about the history of tea in England and how it has become a quintessential part of English culture, before the audience sampled a selection of mouth-watering cakes and savouries.

Tracey Harding, tourism and events officer at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "It was a lovely afternoon with a great atmosphere. People drank Earl Grey tea from china cups while eating cucumber sandwiches and potted shrimps. It really was like spending the afternoon in the old English days.

"It was so popular we had to turn people away."

# The next special event at Oliver Cromwell's House is called Flower Power, looking at how flowers have been used in traditional and modern day cooking. This will be on June 12.

INFO: For more information and to book tickets contact the Tourist Information Centre on 01353 662062.