Afternoon Tea in London
Last updated on March 19th, 2024
One longstanding tradition in Britain is afternoon tea. One of the top to-dos on most people’s lists when visiting the UK is to partake in afternoon tea, but many aren’t sure how it works. If that’s you, don’t worry! I will be diving into the history of afternoon tea and giving you some helpful tips for afternoon tea in London.
The History of Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea started back in the mid-1800s with the Dutchess of Bedford, Anna Russell, during the reign of Queen Victoria. The idea behind this meal was to allow for a small snack before dinner. Dinner was usually served around 8 or 9 pm in Europe at the time. The idea became very popular among the upper class at the time, turning into a social gathering. Over the years, afternoon tea has become widely popular amongst all social classes and in most British households.
When is Afternoon Tea?
Afternoon tea is usually served anywhere between 3 pm to 5 pm, a perfect mid-point between lunch and dinner. However, many places will begin serving tea even earlier as some people like to replace their typical lunch with it. Unlike when the concept first started as a “light snack”, teas are now served with enough food to supplement a meal.
What Should you Wear?
Traditionally, afternoon tea was only for the upper class and, therefore, a more formal affair. Now, your outfit will depend on where you are having tea. Most of the time, you will want to dress “smart casual”. Men will want to wear collared shirts and slacks, and women wear a dress or skirt. Unless you are in a very casual environment, you will not want to wear jeans, shorts, or flip-flops.
Tips for a Perfect Afternoon Tea
What Tea is Served?
Earl Grey is a staple in any British tea house or restaurant. It is also one of my absolute favorite teas! Camomille and Darjeeling are other classic flavors that you will find on most menus. Nowadays, you can find dozens of flavors, from traditional black and herbal teas to fruity, spicy, and floral flavors.
What is a Typical Afternoon Tea Menu?
Today’s afternoon teas consist of large portions of food that can substitute any meal. The food is displayed on a three-tiered tray and eaten from the bottom tier to the top. Most trays consist of finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries, which are considered the three courses.
Sandwiches
The bottom tier contains sandwiches, which you eat first. Cucumber sandwiches are a tradition to any afternoon tea, but you will find several other fillings that are all delicious.
Popular Tea Sandwiches:
- Smoked salmon and cream cheese
- Coronation chicken
- Egg salad
- Carrot and raisin
- Roast beef
Scones
Scones are my personal favorite part. They are on the second tier, which you eat after the sandwiches. The best way to eat them is with clotted cream and jam.
Scone Flavors:
- Most Afternoon Tea will come with traditional English scones, however, there are many other flavors you could try. If you would like a twist on the traditional recipe, try adding lemon or lavender.
Pastries
Lastly, there will be an assortment of pastries, cookies, and cakes on the top tier that you eat last. If you have room!
Popular Pastries:
- Chocolate mousse
- Teacakes
- Fruit tarts
- Macaroons
- Crumb cake
- Madeleines
How Long is Afternoon Tea?
When you make your reservations for tea, you will usually be given a designated time frame. Two hours is a standard amount of time for many places. Depending on where you book, it could be longer or shorter. Very formal teas can even be several hours long if you would like.
Afternoon Tea vs. High Tea
This was one of my biggest questions when I booked my first tea experience. It is also important to know the difference between the two. Afternoon tea was meant for upper-class households to be served around 3 pm each day. Tea was served with a light meal, much like the one I mentioned above, of finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries. Afternoon tea is also known as “low tea” because it is served on low tables earlier on in the day.
In the 1800s, high tea was the servant’s meal that they ate later on in the day. The meals were larger and served family-style full of warm, filling dishes. Some dishes could include meat pies, savory pastries, and other heavier dishes. Many people think that “high tea” is more formal, but the name came from the high tables that the working class used to eat at after a long day’s work.
In modern days, you can order either whenever tea is served. Most people opt for afternoon tea, but high tea is a great choice as well!
Other Savory Afternoon Tea Ideas:
- Salmon Croquette
- Mini Quiche
- Scallop Canapes
- Beff Wellington Bites
Proper Tea Etiquette
1. Strain your tea leaves
Most teas are served with loose leaves and require a strainer so that the leaves do not get in your cup. You will hold the strainer over your cup with one hand and pour the tea through it to catch the leaves. Next, put the strainer back on its holder and enjoy! The rule of thumb is never to put the strainer on the tablecloth.
2. Keep the saucer on the table
The proper way to drink tea is to hold the cup by the handle and leave the saucer on the table. It is seen as “improper” to hold both the saucer and cup unless you are not seated at a table.
3. Don’t stir too much
The standard stir is from 2 o’clock to 12 o’clock up and down motion. You are really “folding” the tea instead of stirring it. Make sure not to make noise when doing this or to over stir.
4. Hold your cup by the handle
The proper way to hold a teacup is by using your index finger and thumb to hold it by the handle. You do not want to wrap your hand around the cup!
5. Scones are not sandwiches
The way to eat a scone is to break it into two with your hands. Then, take your knife to add the desired amount of clotted cream and jams to each half. The most important thing is to eat each half at a time in small portions. Scones are not supposed to be eaten like sandwiches.
6. Add the tea first
The standard procedure is to add the tea to your cup first, followed by cold milk if deserved. Some people also like to add some sugar to their teas as well.
7. Eat the food in the proper order
Like I stated earlier, there is an order to your meal. Start with the lower tier and sandwiches and work your way up to the desserts.
8. Don’t point your pinkie
Despite what most people think, it is actually against etiquette to point your pinky finger out when drinking tea. Make sure to keep it tucked in!
Best Afternoon Tea Spots in London
Now that you have learned how to have the proper tea etiquette, it’s time to test those skills out. Here is a list of some of the top-rated places for afternoon tea in London.
- Brown’s Hotel: This exquisite hotel restaurant has seen many famous guests over the years, including Queen Victoria herself. Still in business today, the drawing room has won several awards for its exceptional afternoon tea.
- The Goring: Open since the 1840s The Goring is one place where you will experience a truly traditional afternoon tea.
- The Langham: Known as the first hotel to ever serve afternoon tea, the Langham is still one of the best places to go.
Conclusion
Afternoon tea has been a tradition for many years and is still part of many people’s routines today. I hope this guide to afternoon tea will help you during your adventures abroad. Know of any other popular places in London for tea? I’d love to hear about it!
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1 Comment
I have many fond memories of tea time. morning, afternoon or nighttime, decaf. In the rain, in the sun, anytime any where. I even used to give large and small tea parties. There is the warmth of my grandparents and tea even in the grass. The ambiance, softness and comrade ship . Or the wonderful silence alone with warmth from the sun, hot tea, fire, or heart. And then the beauty of all out tea or even single alone in the comfort of a quilt or book. I lived a while in Canada and tea there was 3-4. I lived in Winnipeg. Wonderful amazing adventures there. I have always tried to have tea. Even as a kid in the mud and with my kids sometimes in the mud. Strongly Re-instituted after living in Canada. Dressing up is more fun also. I am 77 and disabled. But I still try to have tea in a pretty tea cup and tea pot and sometimes a treat on a pretty plate. I enjoy watching the swirling designs the cream makes… When someone comes and we agree to tea, I have the pretty decorated sugar cubes. It creates a gentle spot during the strife of today to meditate, laugh and love. I love being reminded of all the pleasures of tea that wars were once fought over. Thank you.