Discover Crumpet, a Catering Company with British Flair, and Meet the Dynamic Duo Behind It

It’s tea time.

As with most Brits, Suzannah “Suz” Longman and Rebecca “Bex” Norris have always enjoyed a proper afternoon tea, complete with fresh-baked scones, preserves and clotted cream. Now living in LA, the duo is sharing that beloved tradition, and others, with their events company Crumpet.

Rebecca Norris and Suzannah Longman

Suz and Bex first met working on the reality singing show, The X Factor UK, back in 2005. They reunited when both of their husbands (who work in the showbiz industry) were relocated here and both women were going through something of an adjustment.

“We both had a great life, friends and career in London and we were really evenly matched with our husbands. It’s a really strange thing to leave it all behind and start again,” says Bex, who worked as a top-tier publicist in London before moving here seven years ago. Now, along with her husband and two small children, she calls Studio City home.

“I started down this road a few years ago when I was asked by the London-based concierge service Quintessentially to put together a proper English tea service, doing the flowers and making everything look beautiful,” says Bex.

The idea for Crumpet came together when Suz, a professionally trained chef, moved to LA with her husband in 2016.

Bringing their different skill sets to the mix, the two joined forces, making a conscious decision to integrate a bit of the relaxed SoCal vibe into Crumpet events.

“It’s very important for us to keep things traditional but not too stuffy,” says Suz, a former food editor for Good Housekeeping UK.

Crumpet’s afternoon tea always features homemade scones with berry preserves alongside real clotted cream, which Suz makes from scratch—a meticulous 16-hour process.

And with another nod to SoCal, they also offer homemade vegan and gluten-free options.

“After many tests I have finally mastered the gluten-free version of the Victorian sponge cake that’s light, buttery and melts in your mouth. We’re also proud to include our delicious vegan scone, which pairs perfectly with our clotted coconut cream,” comments Suz.

“We of course have finger sandwiches but add our own twist on the fillings like mango chutney deviled egg, and cucumber, cream cheese and mint,” Suz goes on to say.

They also offer evening roasts served family style alongside all of the traditional fixings: roast beef with Yorkshire pudding and horseradish sauce; chicken with onion and sage stuffing, roasted potatoes and gravy; or the very popular lamb roast served with mint sauce and sweet red currant jelly.

While clients include those who simply enjoy British culture, many are British transplants, just like Suz and Bex.

“The response has been so lovely,” says Suz. “It’s like giving those little homesick hearts a hug, and it helps us feel grounded in our new lives too.”

To learn more about Crumpet visit crumpetla.com and on Instagram @crumpetla