Indulge In A Classic British Tradition With Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is a long-standing British tradition that offers a delightful respite from the day’s hustle and bustle. This refined experience involves sipping tea and nibbling on finger sandwiches and sweet delicacies in the mid-afternoon hours. Though afternoon teas have their origins in 19th century British high society, they remain a popular pastime for both locals and tourists exploring the United Kingdom.
Exploring the Origins
The custom of afternoon tea began in the early 1800s with Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford. At the time, it was fashionable for the upper class to follow a schedule of only having two main meals a day - an early breakfast and a late dinner in the evening. The Duchess often felt hungry in the late afternoons. To bridge the gap, she started requesting light bread, cakes, biscuits and tea to be brought to her rooms in the afternoons. This practice soon became a habit amongst her friends as well, quickly spreading through British high society.
By the late 1800s, many respectable hotels across England offered afternoon tea service in beautiful tea rooms. Scones with clotted cream and jam came after savory foods like finger sandwiches and miniature cakes on tiered stands. This afternoon meal offered both nourishment and social gathering. Afternoon tea's elegance and refinement established its status as a signature British pastime.
Delightful Places to Experience Afternoon Tea
From world-renowned London hotels to countryside tea rooms, visitors can indulge in afternoon tea across England, Scotland and Wales. Some noteworthy spots include:
- The Palm Court at The Langham London - An opulent experience inside a glass atrium with musicians performing on a balcony above. Their tea menu is extensively curated.
- Afternoon Tea Experience in Yorkshire - You and up to five others can enjoy a delightful afternoon tea experience that harkens back to a bygone era.
- Lanesborough Hotel - Ultra-luxurious afternoon tea in London with Dom Perignon champagne pairing options. Impeccable service in richly decorated spaces.
- Signet Library at The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh - Stunning historic library setting with enormous windows and unparalleled views of Edinburgh Castle. A visual feast with the tea.
These iconic destinations allow visitors to follow in British aristocratic footsteps while partaking in a refined, tasty tradition.
What to Expect at a Typical Afternoon Tea
An afternoon tea experience generally lasts 90 minutes to two hours. Most venues offer a regular afternoon tea along with seasonal or themed offerings that change throughout the year. Here’s what patrons can expect:
- A selection of premium, loose leaf teas - Usually a wide variety including British favourites like English Breakfast as well as herbal infusions, green, oolong and more.
- Tea sandwiches - Finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg salad, smoked salmon, ham, roast chicken and more. Presented in multiple pieces on a tiered serving tower.
- Scones - Fluffy, toasted scones served with thick clotted cream from Devon or Cornwall and fruit preserves.
- Pastries & desserts - An assortment of delicate sweets like fruit tarts, chocolate truffles, macarons, sponge cakes and petit fours. Often crafted in ornate designs.
- Optional glass of Champagne - Many venues offer champagne pairings for added luxury.
The tiered stands brimming with goodies create temptation for eyes and taste buds alike. Attention is given to flavours, textures and timely service for a polished experience clients won’t soon forget.
Immerse Yourself in an Iconic Tradition
For the best afternoon tea experience all over the UK, visit WonderDays, an experience day gift provider in the UK. It presents a delicious opportunity to slow down and savour a historic British custom marked by elegant service, delightful structures, and scrumptious baked treats, with a spot of tea, of course. Afternoon tea allows even the most seasoned British guest to feel like royalty.