and thank you for stopping by.
2025 is shaping up to be quite a year, as
we bring the story of the 19th-century governess who wrote about extraordinary
women concealed in a man’s world—alongside the tale of the fashion designer who
stumbled upon her diaries during the 2020 lockdown—to a wider audience.
Through events set in splendid historic
locations across England, from the Limehouse Library Hotel in London to the
Monkey Island Estate in Bray, and the Royal Windsor Flower Show, we’ve had the
chance to connect with fellow lovers of historical fiction over fine tea.
Our signature tea Victorian Black was shortlisted by the British Allied Trades Federation (est. 1947) for their
2025 Gift of the Year Award in the Food & Drink category. Now in its 45th
year, this prestigious award recognises the very best new British products and
we were honoured to be among the finalists.
And the story continues: in September,
we’re off to Mansion House in the City of London on a very special invitation.
Hosted by the Representative Lady Mayoress in support of the Lord Mayor’s
Appeal, this private event will offer guests a taste of our artisan tea blends
and a live staged reading from the novel. Then, in November, we’ll mark the
30th anniversary of Windsor Library with a dedicated Elizabeth Ascot cream tea
event open to the public. Tickets will soon be on sale through the Royal
Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Libraries.
We invite you to visit the Events tab above
to discover an ever-expanding list of upcoming literary teas, readings by
actors, and the chance to meet author Agnes Fernandes in person. These
gatherings aren’t just book events, but immersive time travels, Victorian tea
parties, and delightful escapes into the world of fashion and romance, designed
to be as memorable as the story itself. They are rich in history, too, as they
celebrate the remarkable women of Victorian Ascot who served as the inspiration
behind the characters in our novel series.
Starting now, the first book and gift
box in the series are available for online orders not only in the UK, but
internationally. This represents still a very limited release for the series
that will eventually comprise five books, each accompanied by a unique tea
blend.
To everyone who’s been with us from the
beginning: thank you. Your early support, kind words, and shared excitement
mean the world to us. With every new reader, this dream grows stronger—and the
journey toward establishing Elizabeth Ascot as a British heritage brand becomes
truly wonderful. It is your encouragement that fuels our passion. Thank you!
Elizabeth Ascot
August 2025