Anyone for Tea?
Malta to India: High Tea across the Empire
Dar tal-Kaptan, Għasri, Gozo
15th November 2026
15:00-18:00hrs
From Malta to Simla, the ritual of afternoon tea became one of the enduring social traditions of the British Empire. This experience explores the fascinating threads that connect these two distant corners of the empire, where British influence shaped architecture, language, customs and, of course, the way people ate and socialised.
Over tea, we travel through shared histories, discovering how a quintessentially British ritual was embraced, adapted and made their own in both Malta and India—revealing the unexpected connections between two cultures separated by thousands of miles, yet united by a common colonial past.
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A specially curated High Tea Across the Empire, bringing together British afternoon tea traditions with the distinctive flavours and culinary heritage of India and Malta.
A selection of savoury sandwiches and teatime favourites, reflecting the ways British food traditions were adopted and adapted across the Empire.
An assortment of hot and cold Indian and Maltese delicacies, from traditional savoury bites to dishes influenced by centuries of cultural exchange.
A tempting selection of Indian, British and Maltese sweets, celebrating the different ways afternoon tea evolved in each country.
A welcome tipple, followed by traditional masala chai, refreshing drinks and a selection of black and herbal teas.
Stories and conversation exploring how afternoon tea travelled from Britain to India and Malta, how colonial customs influenced local eating habits, and how each culture made this quintessentially British ritual its own.
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Duration: Approximately 3–3½ hours.
Group size: An intimate experience with a limited number of guests.
What to expect: A relaxed, seated High Tea experience combining food, history, storytelling and conversation. You'll enjoy a succession of savoury and sweet dishes inspired by British afternoon tea traditions and their evolution in colonial India and Malta. Along the way, we'll explore the fascinating connections, contrasts and culinary legacies of three cultures brought together through the British Empire.
The food: Our specially curated menu brings together British teatime classics, Indian specialities and Maltese favourites. Expect a varied selection of sandwiches, hot and cold savoury delicacies, traditional sweets and teatime treats, reflecting both shared traditions and distinctive local flavours. Some dishes may vary according to availability and seasonal ingredients.
Drinks: Your experience includes a welcome cocktail, traditional masala chai, refreshing drinks and a selection of black and herbal teas.
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Dar il Kaptan offers accommodation too. If you would like to stay and enjoy Gozo for the weekend, you can book directly at Dar tal-Kaptan Boutique Maison