Afternoon tea is one of Britain's best-loved traditions: a pot of tea, delicate sandwiches, scones and cakes, and a good excuse to get out the best china. But have you ever wondered why we drink tea in the afternoon at all?
How afternoon tea began
Afternoon tea is usually credited to Anna Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, in the 1840s. At the time, wealthy households ate a light lunch and didn't have dinner until about 8pm. By late afternoon the Duchess would feel hungry, so she asked for a pot of tea with bread and butter and cake to be brought to her room.
Soon she began inviting friends to join her, and the habit moved from her private rooms to the drawing room. It quickly became fashionable in high society, and afternoon tea was born.
Afternoon tea or high tea? They're not the same. Afternoon tea was a light, social occasion for the well-off. High tea was a more filling evening meal for working families, eaten at a high table after a day's work.
What's served at afternoon tea?
A traditional afternoon tea has a pot of loose leaf tea, a jug of hot water to top it up, milk, sugar and a tea strainer. The food usually comes in three layers:
- Sandwiches: cucumber, egg and cress, or smoked salmon, with the crusts cut off
- Scones: with clotted cream and jam
- Cakes and sweet treats: sponge cake, small tarts, éclairs, biscuits or madeleines
Milk in first or after? People have argued about it for years. If you're brewing loose leaf tea in a pot, pouring the tea first lets you see how strong it is before adding milk.
Which tea to choose
- Black teas such as Assam, Darjeeling or Ceylon are the classic choice. Ceylon and Darjeeling are lighter and go well with cakes and sweet things; a malty Assam stands up to milk and savoury sandwiches. Browse our black teas.
- Green tea has a fresh, gentle flavour that suits lighter food such as cucumber sandwiches. See our green teas.
- Caffeine-free teas are perfect if you're having tea later in the day. Try a herbal, fruit or rooibos tea.
New to loose leaf tea? Here's how to brew the perfect cup.
Discover new teas every time
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