English afternoon tea explained

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.

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.^[1]

See also

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

References

Further reading

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

Notes and References

1. Web site: AfternoonTeaing - The best places for afternoon tea near you! . 2024-04-02 . afternoonteaing.com . en-US.