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I took a 'Downton Abbey'-inspired fine dining etiquette class. Here are 5 things that surprised me most.

Tufayel AhmedJul 3, 2022, 20:11 IST

Insider's Tufayel Ahmed attended a "Downton Abbey"-inspired etiquette class.Tufayel Ahmed/Insider/Carnival Films

I took a "Downton Abbey"-inspired etiquette class to learn table manners for fine dining.
The class was overseen by Philip Sykes, founder of the British School of Excellence.

I recently got to learn how to eat like a 1920s British aristocrat when taking a "Downton"-inspired etiquette class.

The author about to dine like the aristocrats of "Downton Abbey."Tufayel Ahmed/Insider/Carnival Films

You should seat yourself from the left, and stand up from the right.

Think "BMW" — bread, meal, and water.

A place setting at the etiquette class.James Gifford-Mead

When eating soup, move the spoon away from you.

Eat your soup like the Dowager Countess.Carnival Films

Don't cut your bread, but break it.

Break off tiny pieces of bread — don't cut it.Daniel Day/Getty Images

Don't season your food without tasting, and use salt discreetly.

Instead of a salt or pepper shaker, you're more likely to see a salt cellar (pictured above). Taste your food before using it discretely.Merethe Svarstad Eeg/EyeEm via Getty Images

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