Langham Hotels Celebrates The Queen's Diamond Jubilee with a Global Tea Party

Each Langham Hotel will turn back the clock to 1865, when The Langham, London originally opened, and serve signature Afternoon Tea on June 10 for its original price of 1 shilling, 6 pence (or 15 cents).

In the U.S., The Langham Huntington, Pasadena and The Langham, Boston will celebrate the Jubilee Anniversary Tea on June 10 by requesting that guests wear a hat in celebration of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee along with a whimsical touch of pink, The Langham's signature color. Langham Hospitality Group is also thrilled to premiere its new book about Afternoon Tea, entitled Once Upon A Teatime, which guests will be able to enjoy throughout their tea experience.

The Diamond Jubilee marks 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign in the U.K. The Queen came to the throne on February 6, 1952. The original Langham, London, which was opened by the Prince of Wales in 1865, and its sister hotels around the world, are pleased to unveil their special celebrations in June for this occasion.

Anniversary Tea at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena

The Langham Huntington, Pasadena will offer its Jubilee Anniversary Tea on Sunday, June 10 beginning at 12:00 p.m. Advance reservations are required and will be accepted only through the hotel's website. Guests may enter their contact information and the number in their party (parties of 2 or 4 accepted only) for a chance to secure reservations. The hotel will inform guests after May 31, 2012 to confirm if their party's reservation has been accepted. Please note there is limited seating and the event is expected to fill up quickly.

For guests unable to attend the Jubilee Anniversary Tea event on June 10, The Langham Huntington, Pasadena is pleased to continue the celebration throughout the month of June with special tea packages.

Jubilee Tea Package - Book a guest room at our best available rate between June 1-30 for stays through August 31 and enjoy complimentary Afternoon Tea for two in The Lobby Lounge. (Valid Wednesday and Thursday evenings for Afternoon Tea on Thursdays or Fridays, based on double occupancy).

Sip and Spa Package - A special tea and spa package includes a 60-minute Chuan Harmony Massage at Chuan Body + Soul in The Huntington Spa and Afternoon Tea in The Lobby Lounge for $186.50 per person. (Valid Thursdays and Fridays in June, subject to availability.)

To book a package, please dial (626) 568-3900 or visit www.pasadena.langhamhotels.com .

Anniversary Tea at The Langham, Boston

The Langham, Boston will offer its Jubilee Anniversary Tea at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 10, 2012. Decorative hats from local Boston-area boutique, Salmagundi, will also be on display for the occasion. The guest wearing the most unique hat will receive Tiffin Tea for four at the opening day tea at The Reserve, a new dining destination set to open this summer within the hotel. Advance reservations are required and can be made starting at Noon EDT on Monday, May 21, 2012 by calling 617-956-8765. Reservations for the tea event are limited. All reservations made prior to May 21, 2012 will be upheld at the standard tea rates.

Guests unable to attend the Jubilee Anniversary Tea are welcome to continue the celebration throughout the month of June with special tea packages.

Langham "High SocieTea" Package - Offering guests luxurious overnight accommodations in a superior room and Afternoon Tea for two at BOND, as well as a copy of the Langham Afternoon Tea book, Once Upon a Teatime. Package pricing begins at $321.

Sip and Spa Package - Guests can enjoy a 60-minute Chuan Harmony Massage at the hotel's spa, Chuan Body + Soul, and a reservation for Afternoon Tea for $139.00 per person. (18.65% savings).

To reserve either of The Langham, Boston's limited-time tea packages, guests may call 800-791-7761, or visit boston.langhamhotels.com

Additionally, visit the facebook pages for The Langham Huntington, Pasadena or The Langham, Boston to enter our Jubilee Anniversary Tea Photo Contest for the chance to win free afternoon tea for two on June 10!

The Noble History of Afternoon Tea

The luxurious ritual of Afternoon Tea was established in 1840 by Anna, 7th Duchess of Bedford, who served it to ward off hunger pangs in the long hours between lunch and dinner. Her personal indulgence grew into an experience to be shared with her friends, and soon a tradition was born.

In 1865, The Langham, London was Europe's first grand hotel to serve Afternoon Tea. Acknowledged as one of the most elegant and sophisticated of dining occasions, it was served in the Salle A Manger, or general dining room, for the princely sum of 1 shilling 6 pence. Billed as Teas, Plain, the first Afternoon Tea consisted of simple but dainty items including cakes, sweets, bread and butter and, of course, tea.

Today, Afternoon Tea is a brand signature, called Tiffin at The Langham. Consequently, every Langham Hotel around the world offers an authentic Afternoon Tea to celebrate the stately ritual and timeless tradition. Today, Langham Hotels offer traditional Tiffin Afternoon Tea and enchanting hospitality in Auckland, Boston, Beijing, Hong Kong, London, Melbourne, Pasadena (Los Angeles) and Shanghai.

Hotel Profile: The Langham, London