What is Afternoon Tea?

Afternoon tea, or simply ‘tea’, is a meal originating in England in the mid-19th century. According to legend, the tradition was created by Anna Maria, Duchess of Bedford, a lifelong friend of Queen Victoria. The Queen embraced and popularized afternoon tea, preferring to dine on a sandwich cake filled with jam that became known as the Victoria Sandwich.  

Tea-taking was primarily an aristocratic event until the famously charitable Queen Alexandra, wife of King Edward VII, decided to sponsor a series of tea parties for working class women in 1902. Thousands of domestic workers participated, enjoying a rare afternoon off from their duties. The campaign was an enormous success and endeared afternoon tea to a generation of ordinary folk.

What is the difference between afternoon tea and high tea?

As afternoon tea became a common meal, variations emerged. Cream tea is a West Country tradition consisting of scones, strawberry jam, and clotted cream. High tea was often eaten at high tables following sporting matches. Compared to traditional afternoon tea service, high tea usually contains simpler, heartier dishes, such as meat, bread and butter.

Where was afternoon tea served?

By the 1930s, afternoon tea had made its way around the world. Afternoon tea was served on ocean liners, in trains, and at the grand hotels that greeted visitors at their destinations. Afternoon tea, especially in its more extravagant forms, would decline in popularity during WWII and the ensuing post-war austerity period. Shortages and strict rationing as well as the advent of convenience products like teabags meant most Brits would settle for a solitary cup when they found the time.    

What can I eat at afternoon tea?

Nowadays, afternoon tea is considered more of a special occasion. It usually consists of a variety of finger sandwiches, cakes, and scones drawn from all the different tea traditions of the United Kingdom and its former colonies. It is also common for elements of French patisserie, such as macarons or eclairs to be included.