Description
Saturday 25th July, 3 – 5pm at The Met (M20 2WS)
Join us for a relaxed and intimate Jane Austen Literary Salon & Afternoon Tea inspired by the elegant drawing rooms and lively conversations of the Regency era.
Literary salons were gatherings where readers, writers and curious minds came together to share ideas, stories and conversation over tea. This event brings that tradition gently into the present day, inviting you to step away from the rush of everyday life and spend a few hours enjoying literature, good company and delicious food.
🫖 Afternoon Tea
You’ll be welcomed with a classic afternoon tea: sandwich selection, scones and delicious desserts.
A short form will be sent at least a week before the event so you can share any dietary requirements.
📚 A Literary Salon Inspired by Jane Austen
Our afternoon will be inspired by the wit, observation and gentle humour of Jane Austen, whose novels remind us that society, friendship and conversation are often the greatest pleasures of all.
We’ll begin by introducing ourselves before sharing a short passage from Northanger Abbey to spark conversation:
“Oh! it is only a novel!… only some work in which the greatest powers of the mind are displayed, in which the most thorough knowledge of human nature, the happiest delineation of its varieties, the liveliest effusions of wit and humour are conveyed to the world in the best chosen language…”
From there, the afternoon will unfold naturally with thoughtful discussion, gentle literary prompts and plenty of time for relaxed conversation.
📖 Bring Your Favourite Austen
If you have a favourite Austen novel, you’re very welcome to bring it along. There will be the opportunity to share a favourite passage or quotation if you would like to ~ though quiet enjoyment and listening are equally encouraged. Equally, you’re very welcome to bring a notebook or sketchbook if you’d like to capture any thoughts or inspiration during the afternoon.
🧵 A Relaxed and Welcoming Atmosphere
These salons are designed to feel warm and informal rather than academic. You’re welcome to bring along anything that feels fitting for the afternoon ~ a book, something Austen-inspired, or even a little needlework to enjoy over tea and conversation.
Conversation may wander (as the best conversations often do) from literature to life, friendship, society and the curious rituals of courtship ~ subjects Austen herself wrote about with such perceptive wit.
🍓 A Summer Literary Escape in Didsbury
Hosted in The Met’s beautiful space, this gathering is intended to feel like stepping briefly into another world ~ one of books, tea and thoughtful company.
Hosted by a lifelong Austen reader who studied Comparative Literature at the University of St Andrews and later worked as a Literacy Specialist.
These gatherings are intentionally small to allow for thoughtful conversation, much in the spirit of the traditional literary salons where lively discussion was every bit as important as the tea itself.
Whether you are a devoted Austen reader or simply curious to experience the charm of a literary salon, you will be most warmly welcome.
🎀 Guests often enjoy dressing a little elegantly for these salons ~ something comfortable yet slightly elevated that makes the gathering feel like a special occasion.
🎟 Due to the intimate nature of these events and limited number of places available, tickets are non-refundable.
