Shops specializing in British goods see spike ahead of royal visit

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VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Prince William and Kate Middleton arrive in Vancouver Sunday as part of their Royal tour. And local merchants specializing in British goods have been experiencing an uptick in business over the last few weeks.

“We have, and they’re particularly looking for teas and biscuits and cakes,” says Kathryn Davenport, who owns The British Butcher Shoppe in North Vancouver.

She says though it’s not as crazy as it was during the Royal wedding five years ago. Back then, people couldn’t stop talking about the impending nuptials, holding all-night tea parties the day of the wedding.

But there is definitely a buzz in the air among most customers, many of whom are relatively new. “Yes, they do. When I asked my staff, it was like ‘oh yeah, everyone is talking about it.'”

She adds it’s not roast beef and Yorkshire pudding people are after. “They’re looking for British teas. They’re particularly wanting the loose format versus the tea bag because that’s the traditional British thing.”

It seems everything to hold the perfect afternoon tea party is a hot commodity.

“Banbury cakes, which are very particular type of cake. That’s very popular as well,” says Davenport, describing the traditional dessert that dates from the 1500’s.

In Vancouver, The Diner, which serves traditional British grub, is holding a special afternoon tea, where Will and Kate have an open invitation.

“We’re waiting for them. We’ve got the best china out and we’ve got the best silver tea pot and everything. It’s traditional English tea. And they can bring the children, we’ll let them,” says Stella Shurety, who operates the West Broadway restaurant.

Everything is 100 per cent authentic, and Shurety assures people, there will be a prize. “But I’m not going to tell you, you’ll have to come in.”

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