Tea and Pleasure Gardens

Tea Gardens were the first social environment that allowed for mixed-company of both the sexes and the classes.  It was in these open-air gardens, that men and women, upper and lower class, were allowed to mingle without censure.

Pleasure Gardens and the less elaborate tea rooms sprung up around London in the 18th century, attracting patrons of all socio-ecomomic classes with their open-air atmosphere.  Here orchestras played, fountains splashed, ladies could walk unaccompanied, colored lights covered the walkways, and sometimes firework displays were held.  The gardens provided a backdrop for listening to the latest concerto and songs from popular composers like Hyden, Handel and Hook. 

In addition, these locations provided a place for drinking tea and having pleasant conversation.