The History of Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is a tradition that has been deeply ingrained in British culture for centuries. The practice of taking tea in the afternoon is said to have been popularized by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in the early 19th century. At that time, it was common for people to have just two main meals a day – breakfast and dinner. The long gap between lunch and dinner left the Duchess feeling peckish, so she began requesting tea and snacks to be served in her room in the late afternoon.

The idea caught on quickly, and soon afternoon tea became a fashionable social event among the aristocracy. The custom of serving tea, scones, sandwiches, and pastries in the late afternoon spread throughout England, and eventually made its way to other parts of the world as well.

What is Afternoon Tea?

Afternoon tea is a light meal typically consisting of tea, sandwiches, scones, and pastries. In a traditional afternoon tea service, the tea is usually served in a teapot with a side of milk and sugar. The sandwiches are often made with delicate fillings such as cucumber, smoked salmon, or egg salad, and the scones are typically served with clotted cream and jam. The pastries may include items like petit fours, macarons, and cakes.

There are several variations of afternoon tea, including cream tea (which includes only tea and scones with clotted cream and jam), and high tea (which is a more substantial meal that includes hot dishes like quiche, pies, or sausages).

Etiquette of Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is a formal affair, and as such, it comes with a set of etiquette rules that are expected to be followed. Some of the most important rules include:

Dress Code

Guests are typically expected to dress smartly for afternoon tea. While there is no strict dress code, it is common for men to wear smart-casual attire and for women to wear dresses or skirts.

Seating

Guests are usually seated at a table with a properly set place setting, including a teacup and saucer, a side plate, a napkin, and cutlery. The host or hostess will typically pour the tea for the guests.

How to Eat

When eating afternoon tea, it is customary to start with the sandwiches, then move on to the scones, and finish with the pastries. It is polite to use a fork and knife to eat the sandwiches and pastries, and to break the scones in half with your hands before spreading them with cream and jam.

Modern Afternoon Tea

While the tradition of afternoon tea remains popular in Britain, it has also evolved to suit modern tastes and lifestyles. Many hotels and restaurants now offer themed afternoon teas, such as a “Gin and Tonic” tea or a “Chocolate Lovers” tea. These modern variations often include unique tea blends, creative sandwich fillings, and innovative pastries.

Afternoon tea has also become a popular social activity for special occasions like birthdays, bridal showers, and baby showers. It provides a sophisticated and elegant way to celebrate with friends and loved ones, and is a great opportunity to enjoy delicious food and good conversation.

Conclusion

Afternoon tea is not just a meal, but a cultural institution that has stood the test of time. It embodies the British tradition of civility and hospitality, and provides a delightful way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether enjoyed in a grand hotel or a cozy teahouse, afternoon tea is a beloved ritual that brings people together to savor the simple pleasures of tea, sandwiches, and sweets.

So, next time you find yourself feeling peckish in the late afternoon, why not indulge in a spot of afternoon tea? It’s a time-honored tradition that is sure to leave you feeling refreshed, satisfied, and a little bit more British. Cheers!