Have you ever wondered why afternoon tea is such a big deal in the UK? We've all seen those elegant tea parties in movies, but do we really know the story behind this iconic tradition?

Let's dive into the fascinating history of afternoon tea, its origins, and how it became a beloved British custom.

Afternoon Tea: A Relatively New Tradition

In most people's minds, afternoon tea is one of the most quintessential British traditions. However, the history of Brits drinking tea isn't as old as you might think. The tradition of tea drinking in Britain began over 300 years ago. Back in the late 17th century, King Charles II and his wife, Catherine of Braganza (also known as the "Tea Queen"), helped popularize tea in the royal court, and soon it spread through the aristocracy. But the concept of "afternoon tea" didn't actually emerge until the mid-19th century.

How Afternoon Tea Became a Social Event

So, how did this tea tradition evolve into the social gathering we know today? The story is all thanks to Anna Maria, the Duchess of Bedford. Anna, a close friend of Queen Victoria, was one of London's leading socialites at the time. Dinner in her household was typically served at 8 PM, creating a long gap between lunch and dinner. Around 4 PM, Anna often felt quite hungry, so she asked her servants to bring tea, bread, butter, and cakes to her room. Over time, this small snack became a daily ritual for Anna, and she began inviting her friends to join her. This is how the idea of afternoon tea as a social event was born!

Before long, afternoon tea became the height of fashion among the British upper class. In the 19th century, ladies would change into elegant gowns, put on gloves and hats, and gather for afternoon tea between 4 and 5 PM. And when summer arrived, these gatherings were often moved to the garden, where the upper class could enjoy the beautiful weather while sipping tea.

The Role of Afternoon Tea in Displaying Status

Afternoon tea was not just about enjoying tea and snacks—it was also a way for the wealthy to flaunt their status. At the time, tea was a luxury item only affordable to the rich, and people used these tea parties to show off their wealth. Portraits often depicted people with fine porcelain teacups and expensive tea, making it clear that they were part of the upper echelons of society.

Interestingly, even servants began to adopt the afternoon tea ritual, mimicking the behavior of their masters. This trend eventually made its way down to the general population, transforming what was once a private aristocratic activity into a beloved tradition enjoyed by people of all social classes.

The Etiquette of Afternoon Tea

When it comes to afternoon tea, there are some very specific rules, and it's more than just drinking tea. Tea is, of course, the main attraction, but there are two essential components: finger sandwiches and scones. Sandwiches should be cut into small pieces, not the large kind we're used to at meals. They're often called "finger sandwiches" because they're bite-sized and easy to hold. While many different ingredients are used for sandwiches, cucumber sandwiches are a must for a traditional afternoon tea.

Scones are also an important part of afternoon tea, and there's a proper way to eat them. If the scones are large, you should use a tool to cut them, but smaller scones can be broken by hand. The classic toppings for scones are clotted cream and strawberry jam, each served in its own small dish. It's important to spread the cream and jam on the scones in the right order: first the cream, then the jam. And don't forget—never dip your spoon directly into the cream or jam pots!

High Tea vs. Afternoon Tea

You might be familiar with the term "high tea," but did you know that it's different from afternoon tea? The two terms are often used interchangeably, but they actually represent two distinct traditions. Afternoon tea, which became popular due to the Duchess of Bedford, was meant to fill the gap between lunch and dinner. It was never meant to replace dinner.

On the other hand, high tea originated with the working class. For the laborers in 19th-century Britain, tea time didn't happen until after work, and it was accompanied by hearty meals, not just small snacks. High tea was designed to be a substantial meal that provided energy after a long day of work. Today, the term "high tea" often refers to the more substantial dinner served at the end of the workday, while "afternoon tea" remains a lighter, social event.

The Decline and Revival of Afternoon Tea

At first, afternoon tea was an at-home affair, with the host inviting friends and family to gather for tea, cakes, and gossip. But as the tradition became more popular, tea parties moved outside the home to public spaces like tea rooms and gardens. In the Edwardian era, afternoon tea even became an event at upscale hotels and restaurants.

The tradition took a hit during the two World Conflicts, especially when tea was rationed. By the mid-20th century, Brits had developed a love for coffee shops, and afternoon tea became something of a forgotten tradition, only lingering as a tourist attraction.

But guess what? Afternoon tea is back! In the 21st century, the tradition has seen a huge revival. Now, you can find people lining up for a spot at luxury hotels for the perfect afternoon tea experience. From fancy hotels in London to cozy tea rooms in York, afternoon tea is as popular as ever, and it's now considered a chic and relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

Wrapping Up: A British Tradition That Never Fades

Afternoon tea may have started as a simple solution to a hunger gap, but over time, it has become so much more. It's a tradition that represents British elegance, socializing, and indulgence. Even with its ups and downs, afternoon tea has survived the test of time and continues to bring people together. Whether you're in a grand hotel or enjoying a more casual setting, there's something incredibly special about sitting down for a cup of tea, some finger sandwiches, and a freshly baked scone.

So, Lykkers, have you experienced afternoon tea yet? If not, it might just be time to indulge in this delightful tradition and create some wonderful memories with friends or family.