Sipping Through Time: The History of Afternoon Tea

Although drinking tea can be traced back thousands of years to Ancient China, it is widely regarded as a British affair. Thanks to King Charles II making it popular in the 1660s, the British now reign supreme when it comes to anything tea-related, including afternoon tea.

Where did Afternoon Tea Originate?

Although tea drinking has been a popular pastime in England for hundreds of years, the concept of afternoon tea first began in the 19th Century.

The origin of afternoon tea begins with Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford in 1840. She would often get peckish at around 4 pm, and with the evening meal a few hours away, she wanted a light snack to satisfy her hunger. She would ask for a tray with tea, bread, butter and cake in the afternoon and this became her little afternoon tradition.

Being a prominent figure in London, she began inviting friends over for her afternoon tea tradition and after a few years the concept of afternoon tea spread amongst the upper-classes.

The afternoon tea was a fashionable affair where upper-class women would dress in long gowns, gloves and hats and enjoy their afternoon teas in the drawing room. In the summer they would bring the afternoon tea outside into the gardens where the whole household, including the men, would get involved and enjoy the activity.

Over time, as tea became more affordable, the afternoon tea ritual spread amongst the middle classes in Britain as well as America!

Afternoon tea now

Afternoon tea remains to be a popular and often fashionable pastime. However, despite being a regular event in the 19th Century, these days it is saved for special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, social events or just as a one-off treat. It is also popular for people to host their own afternoon teas at home with friends and family using their own teaware.

Wherever or however afternoon tea is had, it’s a perfect time to pause for the afternoon, catch up with friends and loved ones and indulge in some delicious treats. 

What’s the Difference Between High Tea & Low Tea?

Low tea is another name for afternoon tea, so consists of all the ingredients you would associate with afternoon tea. So, if you see low tea on a menu, you’ll be getting an afternoon tea.

You might see high tea being offered at some higher-class events but the origins of high tea are actually associated with the middle and working classes.

Unlike low tea, which is served in the late afternoon, high tea was actually the main evening meal for workers after a long day. This main meal was usually a hearty meat-based dish served with vegetables, rather than the light snacks associated with low tea.

The ‘high’ in the name is related to where the meal was eaten. Instead of having afternoon tea on a ‘low’ table, like a coffee table, the high tea meals would be served at a ‘high’ table, meaning a normal table. As a result, they are called ‘high tea’ and ‘low tea’.

What’s included in an afternoon tea?

Afternoon tea consists of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, a selection of cakes and pastries, and a selection of teas. 

What is a cream tea?

If you see a cream tea on a menu, it’s important to understand the difference between that and an afternoon tea. You wouldn’t want to order the wrong thing, would you?

The cream tea only involves the tea, scone, clotted cream and preserves elements of the afternoon tea. So you won’t be getting any of the finger sandwiches or the other sweet treats. A cream tea would be a perfect snack if you just fancied something sweet, but if you wanted something a bit more substantial, then the afternoon tea is what you will want.

What is a champagne afternoon tea?

Champagne afternoon tea is the same as traditional afternoon tea, but you get a glass of champagne with it. Don’t worry, you’ll still get your tea!

Afternoon Tea at the London Bridge Hotel

If all these afternoon tea talk has given you a craving for a little treat, then the afternoon tea at London Bridge Hotel is definitely one to try. 

We serve traditional afternoon tea, champagne afternoon tea, cream teas and even a cocktail afternoon tea if you fancy something a bit different!

Book your afternoon tea table at our comfortable and welcoming Quarter Bar and Lounge today. We look forward to spending the afternoon with you!