The Art of British Afternoon Tea

Few traditions are as quintessentially British as afternoon tea. This elegant ritual, which combines delicate sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, sweet pastries, and of course, tea, has been a cherished custom for nearly two centuries. Far more than just a light meal, afternoon tea represents British hospitality, refinement, and the art of conversation.

The History of Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea was introduced in England by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in 1840. During this period, it was common for people to eat only two main meals a day: breakfast and dinner. Dinner was served increasingly later in fashionable circles, leaving a long period of hunger between meals.

The Duchess found herself hungry during these long afternoons and began requesting a tray of tea, bread and butter, and cake to be brought to her room. She began inviting friends to join her for this additional afternoon meal at Woburn Abbey, and the practice became increasingly popular. By the 1880s, afternoon tea had become a fashionable social event for upper-class women who would change into long gowns, gloves, and hats for their afternoon tea served in the drawing room between four and five o'clock.

The Traditional Afternoon Tea Menu

A traditional afternoon tea consists of three courses, served on a three-tiered stand:

Savory: Tea Sandwiches

The bottom tier holds delicate finger sandwiches with the crusts removed. Classic fillings include:

• Cucumber with cream cheese
• Egg mayonnaise with cress
• Smoked salmon with butter
• Coronation chicken
• Ham and mustard

Scones

The middle tier presents freshly baked scones, both plain and with raisins or currants. These are served with clotted cream and strawberry jam. The proper way to eat a scone is a subject of debate between Devon and Cornwall: the Devonshire method is to split the scone in two, cover each half with clotted cream, and then add strawberry jam on top; the Cornish method is to split the scone, spread with jam first and top with a spoonful of clotted cream.

Sweet: Pastries and Cakes

The top tier offers a selection of sweet delicacies, which might include:

• Victoria sponge cake
• Battenberg cake
• Lemon drizzle cake
• French pastries
• Shortbread
• Fruit tarts

The Tea

Of course, tea is the centerpiece of this tradition. The most popular varieties served at afternoon tea include:

• Earl Grey - a black tea flavored with oil of bergamot
• Darjeeling - a light, floral black tea from India, often referred to as the "champagne of teas"
• Assam - a strong, malty black tea
• English Breakfast - a full-bodied blend of black teas
• Lapsang Souchong - a distinctive smoky black tea

The tea is typically prepared in a teapot and served with milk and sugar. The proper way to pour the tea is to add milk to the cup first, then pour the tea (though this is another subject of debate among tea enthusiasts).

Afternoon Tea Etiquette

There are several points of etiquette to observe when partaking in afternoon tea:

Table Manners

• Place your napkin on your lap once seated
• Begin with the savory items and work your way up to the sweet
• Take small bites of food and small sips of tea
• Use the provided tongs to select items from the serving trays
• Break scones with your fingers, not a knife

Tea Etiquette

• Never stir your tea in a circular motion; instead, place the spoon at the 6 o'clock position and gently fold the tea towards the 12 o'clock position two or three times
• Never leave your spoon in the cup; place it on the saucer
• Hold the cup by its handle, not by cupping it with your hands
• When taking a drink, look into the cup, not over it

Variations of Afternoon Tea

While traditional afternoon tea remains popular, several variations have emerged over the years:

Cream Tea

A simpler version of afternoon tea that includes just scones, clotted cream, and jam alongside the tea.

High Tea

Often confused with afternoon tea, high tea was traditionally a more substantial meal eaten by the working classes upon returning home from work, usually between 5 and 7 pm. It included heartier dishes such as meat pies, cold cuts, cheese, bread and butter, and, of course, tea.

Champagne Tea

A modern variation that includes a glass of champagne or prosecco alongside the traditional afternoon tea, adding a touch of celebration to the occasion.

Where to Experience Afternoon Tea in the UK

For visitors to the UK wishing to experience this quintessential British tradition, there are many renowned establishments offering afternoon tea:

London

• The Ritz London - Perhaps the most famous afternoon tea in London, served in the luxurious Palm Court
• Claridge's - A quintessentially English experience in an art deco setting
• The Savoy - Served in the magnificent Thames Foyer
• Fortnum & Mason - Tea at the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in this historic department store
• The Wolseley - A grand European-style café serving a traditional afternoon tea

Outside London

• Bettys Tea Rooms - A Yorkshire institution with locations in Harrogate, York, and elsewhere
• The Pump Room, Bath - Afternoon tea in elegant Georgian surroundings
• The Midland Hotel, Manchester - A grand Edwardian hotel offering a luxury afternoon tea experience
• The Balmoral, Edinburgh - Afternoon tea in the heart of Scotland's capital