Afternoon tea is a delicious British tradition that has been around for roughly two centuries.
The custom of afternoon tea began in the 1840s, when Anna Maria Russell, the Duchess of Bedford, complained of hunger pangs between lunch and dinner. To satisfy her cravings, she asked her servants to bring her a light snack in the afternoon.
Other aristocrats soon began to follow the Duchess’s lead, and before long, afternoon tea had become a popular ritual. The meal typically consisted of tea, bread, butter, and jam.
In the early 1900s, afternoon tea was elevated to an art form by the great British tea companies. They began to market unique blends of tea specifically for the occasion and created elaborate tea menus with cucumber sandwiches and scones.
Today, afternoon tea is still enjoyed by people all over the world. It’s a fun and relaxing way to spend an afternoon, and it’s a great way to enjoy some delicious British food and tea.
The Types of Afternoon Tea
The traditional afternoon tea is a British institution and usually consists of sandwiches, scones, and cakes. The sandwiches are usually served with either cucumber, egg, or salmon, and the scones are served with clotted cream and jam. The cakes might include a variety of flavors, such as chocolate, lemon, or vanilla.
The Royal Afternoon Tea
The royal afternoon tea is a slightly more luxurious version of traditional tea. It usually includes more expensive and luxurious ingredients, such as caviar or lobster. It is often served in a more formal setting, such as a hotel or restaurant.
High Tea
High tea is a type of afternoon tea popular in Australia and New Zealand. It is usually served as a light meal and includes a variety of savory foods such as pies, pastries, and sausage rolls.
The Ladies’ Tea
The ladies’ tea is a type of afternoon tea popular in the United States. It is usually served as a light meal and includes a variety of sweet foods such as scones, pastries, and tea cakes.
The Afternoon Tea Party
The afternoon tea party is a type of afternoon tea that is popular in the United Kingdom. It is a formal event that usually includes a variety of sandwiches, scones, cakes, and tea.
Steps to Serving Afternoon Tea
- Serve tea in fine china teacups and saucers.
- Pour tea from a teapot into the cups.
- Serve sugar and lemon on a small plate.
- Serve biscuits on a plate.
- Enjoy!
Afternoon Tea Etiquette
There are a few key things to remember regarding afternoon tea etiquette. Here are the most important ones:
- When you arrive, wait to be seated.
- If you need to leave before the end of the tea, let your host know.
- Don’t start eating until everyone has been served.
- Don’t fill up on bread and cake. Save room for the tea!
- Use your teaspoon to stir your tea, not your fork.
- Don’t put your cup or saucer on the table. Place them on the coaster in front of you.
- Don’t talk with your mouth full.
- Be sure to say thank you when you leave.
