The Langham Toasts World Tea Master

MEDIA RELEASE
The Langham Toasts World Tea Master with Special 21st Afternoon Tea Party for 21 Guests

(Auckland – 10 February 2009)

Very special cups of tea were savoured today at The Langham by 21 lucky guests who won a competition to take tea with the renowned tea master, Merrill J Fernando, in celebration of Dilmah’s 21st year.

Merrill and son Dilhan Fernando (whose name forms the first half of the Dilmah brand name, and his brother Malik the second part) are currently visiting the country on a national tour to mark the 21st anniversary. Tea parties will be held in Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Invercargill and Christchurch, but the first high tea was held at The Langham featuring the hotel’s award winning, signature afternoon tea.

Merrill J Fernando said: “Today we celebrate my Dilmah’s 21st year with a special Dilmah Tea Party at The Langham, Auckland. Tea has been my life for 60 years now, so it is with pride and pleasure we share this double celebration with today’s special guests.”

Mrs Valerie Duncan, one of the 21 delighted winners selected to attend, said it was a great honour to meet and to speak personally with members of the Fernando family after being a dedicated Dilmah tea drinker for “too many years to tell”. “Today is an absolute treat for me and it’s an event I will remember for quite some time,” said the 85 year-old Mrs Duncan.

The Langham has over 19 hand picked boutique Dilmah t-series teas on its menu in The Winery, and the hotel is delighted to have such a well respected tea available to guests to enjoy with its delectable afternoon tea. Alastair Mead, Food and Beverage Manager, said that guests are often overwhelmed by the sheer variety of tea that the hotel offers which means that even if guests’ have a favourite type of tea – they are always spoilt for other choice.

“We pride ourselves on our signature afternoon tea experience and have recently been very pleased to have the event recognised with an award for ‘Best High Tea in Auckland’. Having Merrill J Fernando here today to enjoy the signature afternoon tea for himself is also a great honour for The Langham,” said Mr Mead.

A photo exhibition of the charitable work carried out by the Merrill J Fernando Charitable Foundation in Sri Lanka will also be on display at The Langham until 17 February to commemorate the 21st year of the Dilmah brand.

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