British literature is rich with culinary traditions that reflect the culture and history of the time. From the hearty meals of Victorian England to the sophisticated soirées of the 20th century to the small chops of the live roulette wheel, food plays a significant role in setting the scene and developing characters. In this article, we’ll explore some of these customs through the lens of beloved literary works, including Sherlock Holmes and James Bond. So fans of these legendary characters can dive right in!
1. Victorian Feasts and Sherlock Holmes
Food remains a constant backdrop in the adventures of the world’s most famous detective. Victorian England was known for its elaborate meals, so it’s no wonder Holmes’ stories frequently mention hearty breakfasts and elegant dinners. For instance, in The Adventures of the Naval Treaty, he enjoys a rich meal of hams and eggs — basically a staple then. These meals, apart from sustenance, also indicated social status and hospitality.
If you’d like to have fun with some culinary Victorian traditions, hosting a Sherlock-themed party can be a delightful way to start. Invitations could mimic confidential files with cryptic messages, and the decor could transform your venue into 221B Baker Street with antique furniture and brass candlesticks. On the menu, you could have Victorian delights like sumptuous stews, finger sandwiches, and classic desserts like scones with clotted cream and treacle tart.
2. Mr Bond’s Sophisticated Soirées
Ever the epitome of sophistication and style, it’s no surprise that James Bond often finds himself at glamorous parties and high-stakes casinos. These are the perfect settings to showcase British culinary elegance; the books take full advantage of that. A James Bond-themed party could feature a sleek black-and-white colour scheme, reminiscent of Bond’s iconic tuxedo and a menu that includes martinis (shaken, not stirred), caviar, and other luxurious hors d’oeuvres.
While this is obvious, it’s worth mentioning that the James Bond series doesn’t only showcase cooking excellence but also the thrilling world of espionage and gambling. Intrigue and luxury are the primary themes at Mr Bond’s parties. Consider hiring actors serving as MI6 agents to welcome guests and decorating the venue with casino tables and legendary Bond movie posters.
3. Afternoon Tea in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
One of the Brits most iconic culinary customs is afternoon tea, vividly depicted in Lewis Caroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The Mad Hatter’s tea party may be a whimsical and chaotic affair, but it highlights the significance of tea time in British culture. Afternoon tea typically includes a variety of sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of cakes and pastries. This tradition, which began in the early 19th century, was a way for the upper classes to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner, and it has since become a beloved ritual for many.
Luckily, planning an event that incorporates this tradition is a piece of cake, compared to a Bond party. All you need is a spread of traditional tea-time treats that guests can munch while trying out fun activities inspired by the book, such as croquet or a game of riddles.
4. Gentlemen’s Roulette Addiction
From James Bond’s adventures, we can surmise that gambling has a storied history in British culture and literature. It was a common pastime in the 19th and 20th centuries, depicted in literature as a thrilling and destructive habit. That’s because the allure of the game, coupled with its potential to pay out huge amounts within minutes, was too powerful to resist, resulting in wins and heavy losses.
This phenomenon has been covered in many famous books, including Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale and The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo by Robin Quinn. There’s also Catherine Cookson’s The Gambling Man, which follows a young man’s life as he tries to escape poverty through betting.
5. Hearty Meals of Great Expectations
If you’ve read Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations, you must have a glimpse into the hearty and often rustic dishes of 19th-century England. The novel features numerous descriptions of foods in an accurate portrayal of social and economic conditions at the time. Take, for instance, the Christmas dinner at the Gargery household, which included a lavish spread of roast meats, vegetables, and pudding.
With the festive season fast approaching, a Great Expectations-themed party may be the way to go, since the book captures bringing together people to share the bounty of the season. In addition, it’s pretty easy to organize: the standard meals are roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, and mince pies.
Explore British Culinary Customs From Your Favourite Literature With Ease
Food has always been a vital part of British culture, and this is aptly represented in famous books across history. Whether it’s based on espionage, investigation, or fantasy, these titles sufficiently cover culinary interests. What’s more? These are books from different eras, yet the culinary theme is constant!
