Strings of miniature Union Jacks fluttered in front of Tea & Sympathy, West Village’s own British teahouse, as Americans and immigrants gathered on Saturday to cheer on Queen Elizabeth II and the record 70th anniversary of her reign.
“Where else would a Briton be in New York?” London-born Amanda Rodriguez asked as she waited for her holiday tea. “No other monarch in history has served 70 years. There is no other like her. “
The partygoers ate sandwiches with fingers and fish and chips while a jazz band played in front of the Greenwich Ave teapot.
The queen herself even appeared – in the form of a life-size cutout, which the patrons posed next to the selfie.
Essex-born Sophie Hayes, a 34-year-old Brooklyn photo retoucher, wore lavender, an exquisite and festive ornament often adorned the heads of royal wedding guests.
“Platinum is a big deal,” she said while having tea with her fiancé Chris Hart, 37, and her Australian friend Michael Hayden, 34. and muffins with clotted cream from a three-tier tray.
Amanda Rodriguez and Tea & Symphony owner Nicki Perry are celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s platinum anniversary. BRIGITTE STELZER Tristan Leighton and Millie Gibbons, both from England, are celebrating the big weekend. BRIGITTE STELZER
“When we decided to do this, I said I had to wear a hat,” Hayes added. “It’s an English tradition.”
Jess Lucas, 25, of North Wales, took a break from his job as an assistant in Westchester to celebrate the Queen’s Big Day.
“She’s such an icon, isn’t she?” She always looks good, “Lucas said. “Seventy years of reign are a long time. It has run for so long and brings so much tourism to the country. ”
Lucas, whose brother was a Welsh guard at Buckingham Palace, was aware of the joyous deeds beyond the lake.
“Everyone at home has street parties,” she said. “It’s nice to see all the decorations… It’s nice to see everyone join. I hear British accents everywhere.
The partygoers enjoyed the afternoon at Tea & Sympathy. BRIGITTE STELZER Jess Lucas celebrated the anniversary by taking a break from his job as an assistant in Westchester to celebrate the Queen’s big day. BRIGITTE STELZER People loved to eat finger sandwiches and fish chips. BRIGITTE STELZER.
The restaurant boosted the celebrations with special Union Jack dresses for female employees and the participation of Flotilla, a well-known drag queen in a long psychedelic dress who serves as a judge in the “Queen for a Day” competition.
Hayes and her lilac lid won the title, claiming a belt and a sequin flag.
“It’s an honor for me,” she grinned. “I felt great.”
“Today is another example of our city’s multiculturalism,” said State Senator Brad Hoyleman (D-Manhattan), who stopped by for a glass of champagne and a sandwich with a Cornish chicken.
“It’s always nice to have a little bit of Britain on Greenwich Avenue.
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