What is Afternoon Tea?

Afternoon tea is a tradition that is an iconic part of British culture. The more than 150-year-old custom has historical roots both socially and in culinary culture, and its popularity has spread to many parts of the world.  

Anna Maria Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, is often credited as being the originator of the tradition of afternoon tea. In the mid-1800s, it was common in England to have only two main meals a day: an early breakfast and a late dinner. The Duchess discovered that she often felt peckish between these meals, leading to a mild feeling of discomfort. 

To stave off her hunger, she started inviting friends to enjoy a light snack consisting of tea, sandwiches, and cakes in the afternoon, around 4 pm. In a time where dinner was habitually a more formal affair, afternoon tea soon became a popular social activity among the aristocracy. As the tradition spread, it became an elegant and sophisticated way to enjoy tea and snacks. 

From its aristocratic roots, afternoon tea became a common practice among Victorian families and spread throughout British society. It became an opportunity for people to gather, relax and take a break from everyday life. Not least, it was an opportunity for women, who often did not have the same access to public places as men, to socialise outside the home. 

Tea houses and hotels began offering afternoon tea as part of their menus. In addition, specific rituals and food options were established. It was common to serve black tea with a variety of sandwiches, scones with clotted cream (link to what clotted cream is) and jam, and various types of cakes and pastries. The choice of tea and food became largely a matter of style and personal taste. 

Afternoon tea has gained a significant cultural place in the UK and today serves as a symbol of British hospitality and tradition. The phrase "let's have tea" has become known as an invitation to socialise, both formally and informally. 

In addition, afternoon tea has inspired a number of varieties and adaptations. One example of this is High Tea, which, unlike the more formal afternoon tea, often does not include pastries and cakes but rather more substantial dishes and was popular with the working class. 

Today, afternoon tea has almost evolved into an art form, where style and presentation are just as important as flavour. It has become more common to include Champagne as part of the experience, the inclusion of which is signified by the name Royal Tea. Many places offer themed afternoon tea, with menus inspired by literature, films, or historical events. There is also a growing awareness of sustainability and healthy options, which has led to more tea houses adopting organic ingredients and diet-friendly options.