English afternoon tea

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.

A tea tray with elements of an afternoon tea

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.

See also

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

References

Further reading

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