All You Need To Know About Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is not something we sit down and treat ourselves to everyday, but it’s so much more popular now in 2023 than it ever has been. You can treat your Mum or Nan or simply enjoy it on special occasions. But what exactly is it made of. Afternoon tea with a twist, Strawberry afternoon tea, afternoon cream tea the list of afternoon teas to enjoy is endless. If you don’t often indulge in afternoon tea then it’s hard to fathom what exactly it should include.
There are obviously similarities between every type of afternoon tea, but there are also some differences. If you’re wanting to recreate your own afternoon tea then keep reading and we can share a little insight into making your afternoon tea delightful.
Afternoon Tea
Well we can thank the Seventh Duchess of Bradford for complaining she was hungry at 4pm for the delight that is afternoon tea. It’s no surprise that this all stemmed from royalty, once she had a taste for a small snack every afternoon she started to invite friends and family round to enjoy her delightful tea and snacks with her. As afternoon tea has become somewhat more popular in recent years it’s no longer just associated with the higher class although it’s still a gentle delicate way of enjoying a cuppa tea and slice of cake or sandwich these days. Sandwiches and cakes are usually served on a tier tray with small finger foods , always make sure sandwich crusts are cut off of course.
Of course you can’t have afternoon tea without TEA usually served in tiny little china cups and saucers, tea should be served on arrival and throughout the sitting.
High Tea
Whilst afternoon tea originates from the higher class, high tea originates from those with a little less fortunate background. More so the good old working class family typically enjoyed whilst sitting on the sofa chit chatting with friends and family. High tea is usually taken at dinner time rather than a quick simple snack. High tea is made up of foods a little bit more substantial such as sausage rolls, pork pies, cold meat bread buns and tea cakes still served with a nice hot brew just a strong hearty dark cuppa. As the delicate stuff wasn’t available to the working class at the time.
As the years went by afternoon tea and high tea were brought together, as the higher class branded their own variety consisting of salmon, pigeon and fruit. High tea tends to be served in pubs and restaurants, even though cakes and sandwiches are still on the menu they easily interchange high tea & afternoon tea.
Cream Tea
Unlike other teas, cream tea only includes scones, jam and cream, clotted cream and not forgetting the main even a nice cup of tea. Cream tea is often popular with uk holiday makers served at tourist attractions and little local cafes. Cream tea is one of the most popular among us British, and of course the same argument always comes in to play jam or cream first?
As the years went by afternoon tea and high tea were brought together, as the higher class branded their own variety consisting of salmon, pigeon and fruit. High tea tends to be served in pubs and restaurants, even though cakes and sandwiches are still on the menu they easily interchange high tea & afternoon tea.
