Afternoon tea at the Ritz

The Ritz Hotel is one of the most famous hotels in London and one of the things it is best known for is - afternoon tea. In this edition of London Life we talk to Gerrie Pitt who works at the Ritz. She explains why 'taking tea' is a very English custom and describes what you would be able to eat at one of the Ritz's famous teas. Before you listen to the programme look at these comprehension questions. You can hear the answers in the programme.

1: What is the Ritz Hotel celebrating this year?

2: How do you make a proper cup of tea?

3: How would you describe tea that is bitter and very strong?

Vocabulary from the programme

centenary – the 100th anniversary (the Ritz is 100 years old);

piping hot – very hot;

stewed – very bitter and strong;

ritzy – expensive and fashionable;

traditional – something that has been going on in the same way for a long time.

Christmas at the Market

Christmas shopping on the high street can sometimes be very uninspiring if you're looking to buy unusual or special gifts. But London's markets can offer a solution. This week, we visit one London market which is famous for selling original and interesting products.

Try to answer these questions as you listen

1: What does Emily like about the market?

2: What kinds of Christmas decorations is Gary offering?

3: List three things that Diana likes about the people there.

Vocabulary from the programme

to be creative – to be able to come up with different ideas;

comes to the fore – becomes noticeable, important;

festive times – times when people are celebrating - in this case, Christmas;

Christmas decorations – pretty objects that people put up at Christmas to make their houses look festive;

reindeer – large deer with big horns which live in northern countries and are said to pull Father Christmas on his sleigh on Christmas Eve (the night before Christmas Day);

sassy – stylish, chic, dressed to party!

Slow London

Many people love the excitement of living in a big city such as London. But for others, things happen a bit too fast - people seem busy and stressed all the time. A group called 'Slow London' wants everyone in the city to slow down and take some time to relax. But what do people living in London think about all this? Is life in the capital really too fast?

Vocabulary from the programme

to rush – to go somewhere or do something as fast as you can, without taking time to relax;

he can't cut it – he's not strong enough to cope with it;

I make it a part of my daily schedule – I give myself some time every day to do it Example: I make swimming part of my daily schedule;

the pace – the speed at which things happen Example: The pace of life in the city is much faster;

at a snail's pace – very slowly;

'me time' (informal) – time you give to yourself to relax, do things you enjoy and take a rest from work, family or other obligations that take up your time Example: I've been so busy this week, I could really do with some 'me time';

it's all too much for me – I can't cope with it.

Date: 2015-12-17; view: 1039