English afternoon tea

A tea tray with elements of an afternoon tea

English afternoon tea (or simply afternoon tea) is a British tradition that involves enjoying a light meal of tea, sandwiches, scones, and cakes in the mid-afternoon, typically between 3:30 and 5 pm. It originated in the 1840s as a way for the upper class to bridge the gap between lunch and a late dinner.

Origins and history

Tea drinking was popularised in England by Charles II of England and his wife the Portuguese Infanta Catherine de Braganza. It was not until the 1840s that the concept of afternoon tea was introduced by Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford. In the 19th century dinner was often served at 9 in the night. Anna who became hungry requested "some tea, bread and butter and cake". The idea became popular throughout the Edwardian era among the wealthy and elite. ^[1] > ^[2]

Afternoon tea gave people the chance to show off the best china and table linen. Upscale hotels and restaurants became popular meeting grounds for patrons of afternoon tea. The concept has lost popularity since the end of World War II, though it has revived in modern times. ^[2]

Menu

• Savory items: Finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg salad, smoked salmon, or cream cheese.
• Scones: Warm scones served with clotted cream and jam.
• Sweet treats: A selection of cakes and pastries, such as Victoria sponge cake, Battenberg cake, scones, or fruit tarts.
• Tea: A pot of freshly brewed tea, such as black tea, Earl Grey, or oolong tea.

Afternoon tea is a social occasion that can be enjoyed with friends, family, or even as a solo treat. It's a great way to relax and unwind in the afternoon. ^[3]

See also

• United Kingdom portal

• English breakfast tea, a beverage
• Irish breakfast tea, a beverage
• Tea (meal)

References

1. Johnson, Ben. "The history of afternoon tea - a great British tradition". Historic UK. Retrieved 17 December 2019.
2. Lesley Mackley (1992). The Book of Afternoon Tea. Penguin. ISBN   978-1-55788-046-8.
3. "AfternoonTeaing - The best places for afternoon tea near you!". afternoonteaing.com. Retrieved 2024-04-02.

Further reading

• Lydia Gautier (26 October 2006). Tea. Chronicle Books. pp. 45–. ISBN   978-0-8118-5682-9.
• Julia Skinner (5 April 2019). Afternoon Tea: A History. Rowman & Littlefield. pp. 154–. ISBN   978-1-4422-7102-9.