Afternoon Tea is a quintessentially tea-related English ritual, usually taken between 3 and 5pm. However, these days, many hotels and restaurants offer it from noon until early evening. You don’t have to stick to the rules if you want to have it earlier or later.
The Afternoon Tea ritual involves three courses and there are apparently the “proper” way to partake of afternoon tea.
It begins with a serving of sandwiches – there are usually smoked salmon and cream cheese, ham and mustard, egg mayonnaise and cress, chicken and mayonnaise, cucumber and cream cheese, cheese and chutney.
They are to be eaten with fingers – NOT cutlery.
Next, the warm scones – a choice of raisin or plain, served with clotted cream and jam.
Now, we didn’t know that the scones should be broken in half by hand, not with a knife! Oops!
And the great debate of which is the correct way of spreading the cream or jam. The Cornish way – jam first and the clotted cream on top. The Devon way is cream first and then jam on top. We do it the Cornish way!
And whichever way you prefer, each half are to be eaten separately – NEVER sandwich them together.
After the scones, Mum is usually rather full – evenbut the next course are the cakes! And this is where it gets creative.
As for the tea, do you put the milk first? Or after?
Tea should be stirred back and forth, not in circular motions! (LOL!) The tea cups should be held with one’s thumb and index finger meeting in the handle and the handle resting on your middle finger. Fingers should not be hooked through, and saucers never lifted from the table. (source: VisitBritain.com)
Oh blimey! Who knew?!?!?!
May’s comment: Afternoon Tea Week (9-15 August) celebrates a quintessentially British tradition. The partaking of Afternoon Tea was introduced in Britain in the early 1840s. It began as a mini meal to stem the hunger and anticipation of an evening meal at 8pm.
Throughout the week, venues across the UK will run a selection of exclusive discounts and exciting events to pay tribute to the nation’s favourite pastime. When you call to book, ask if they have an exclusive discount for the week.
These are some of our favourite Afternoon Tea places. Our full list of where you can enjoy in our Dining Directory.
Belmond Cadogan Hotel – Afternoon Tea by Adam Handling was winner of best contemporary afternoon tea in the 2019 Afternoon Tea Awards. Served in the bar area of the hotel, it is inspired by childhood memories of delicious dining at his grandmother’s house. Experience a perfect blend of history, nostalgia and show stopping technique.
During the summer months, hotel guests may also request to have Adam Handling’s Afternoon Tea in the Cadogan Gardens across the street from the hotel. 75 Sloane St, Chelsea, London SW1X 9SG
The Lanesborough serves themed Afternoon Teas in the light and elegant Withdrawing Room or in The Library where dogs are welcomed. The current themed tea “It’s A Little Bit Mad” – paying homage to Disney’s icon Cruella de Vil. Large dog and small dogs are all welcome – and they even brought us our own doggy biscuits. The hotel is at Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
The Rosewood Hotel – A contemporary Art Afternoon Tea is served in the exquisitely designed Mirror Room, “a jewel box of a dining room.” Since the 20th May, they’ve launched a brand new Art Afternoon Tea inspired by the upcoming exhibition at the Tate Modern – ‘Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirror Rooms’. Executive Pastry Chef Mark Perkins have combined unique Japanese flavours with traditional French pastry and patisserie, to express Yayoi Kusama’s contemporary works.252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN
We have to include the next venue as it is the only place we know that serves the famed doggy afternoon tea.
Egerton House Hotel – A five-star boutique London hotel set on a quiet street in a red brick 1843 townhouse. Close to Knightsbridge shopping and South Kensington tube station, traditional afternoon tea is served in the lounge. Charming and a great place to bring out-of-towners for something very English. 17-19 Egerton Terrace, London SW3 2BX(Doggy Afternoon Tea at Egerton House Hotel)
And something different …
Cinnamon Bazaar – A diversion from the quintessential Afternoon Tea, Chef Tamal Ray, runner up in BBC’s Great British Bake Off 2015 in collaboration with celebrity chef, Vivek Singh have created a modern Indian-inspired version. There is also a vegan version. 28 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7JS
