The Cricket World Cup 2019 at The Milestone

A quintessentially English sport that’s rooted in history on one hand, and the world’s most consumed beverage on the other, cricket and tea are inextricably linked. Celebrating England and Wales as hosts of the 2019 Cricket World Cup between 30th May and 14th July, The Milestone Hotel & Residences is serving a sophisticated selection of bespoke teas and delectable tea-infused cocktails. Sip on Britain’s favourite refreshment in the Conservatory, or cheer the bat-swinging action in Stables Bar with one of Head Bartender Angelo Lo Greco’s limited-edition, tea-inspired takes on classic serves. From competitive international heats to village friendlies, pausing for afternoon tea is an integral aspect of test match cricket. 'If you’ve been to a test match cricket game, you’ll notice that the players always stop for afternoon tea around three o’clock,' says Dananjaya Silva, managing director of PMD Tea, which supplies the bespoke teas for our menus. 'Years ago, tea and scones were even enjoyed on the field.' It’s a popular tradition among spectators of the sport, too. This is the inspiration behind our 2019 Cricket World Cup menus. In honour of the only game in the world that stops for tea, the beverages will be served from 30th May, when England takes on South Africa in the opening match. Pairing each game with a blend that originates from the teams’ home countries, we recommend Planters Afternoon for a traditional British taste or aromatic Rooibos from the Cape as the perfect accompaniment to the inaugural game.Pakistan plays on the following day—an ideal time to sample the fragrant Chai Cinnamon. It’s a lightly spiced aromatic brew that’s favoured on the Subcontinent and in Pakistan. Each choice pairs beautifully with our indulgent afternoon tea, which is served alongside the Cricket World Cup 2019 menus throughout the tournament. There’s plenty on the menu to appeal to those seeking something stronger. Served exclusively during the tournament, Angelo’s sophisticated selection of tea-based cocktails and mocktails are named after famous cricketers and fielding positions. Gayle Storm pays tribute to legendary West Indian batsman Chris Gayle. It’s a bold muddle of PMD’s Pink Oolong Tea with vodka, tonic and Campari, and is the ideal toast to the West Indies’ match day on 31st May. Those with no particular allegiance can enjoy the Chamomile Corner, refreshing citrus and gin-infused tribute to the fielding position by the pitch’s boundary, aka cow corner. An expert in the history of afternoon tea and tea pairings, Silva facilitates the bi-monthly Tea Academy Experience in Cheneston’s Restaurant. Taste teas from around the world and learn what flavours to enjoy them with at our Tea Academy Experiences on 4th May, 27th July, 28th September and 9th November 2019. “When taking afternoon tea at The Milestone, you are not only sipping hand-picked tea, you are sipping the highest quality tea, too. We only use the highest two buds in our teas, as this is where the best flavours and aromas come from,” Silva says. Toast the 2019 Cricket World Cup at Red Carnation Hotels’ The Milestone Hotel & Residences with a sublime menu of bespoke teas and inspired cocktails.