Afternoon tea is a very British tradition that has been around for a long time. It’s said that the tradition of taking afternoon tea was first started in the early 19th century by Anna Maria Russell, the Duchess of Bedford. She started having tea and light snacks in the afternoon because she found she was getting hungry between lunch and dinner. Her friends soon started joining her, and the fashionable tradition of afternoon tea was born.

At first, afternoon tea was only for the upper classes. It was a way for them to show off their wealth and social status, and to demonstrate that they were able to afford the luxury of free time when lower class people were busy with work. It was considered a social occasion, and the ladies would dress up in their finest clothes and eat delicate cakes and sandwiches together. 

As afternoon tea became more popular, it became more elaborate. The menu was expanded to include sweets such as scones, clotted cream, and jam. Today, afternoon tea is enjoyed by people all over the world and it is no longer just for the upper classes. People of all ages and backgrounds enjoy getting together for a leisurely afternoon tea and it’s a tradition that is here to stay. 

The delightful tradition of afternoon tea

These days, afternoon tea is a beloved British tradition that has become extremely popular all over the world. Typically served between 3:00 and 5:00pm, it is a light meal consisting of tea, finger sandwiches, scones, and cakes. The tea is often the star of the show, and is usually a black tea blend, Earl Grey, or green tea, and can be served hot or iced depending on where it is being served and the season. Let’s take a look at some of the most important and popular additions to an afternoon tea.

Finger sandwiches

Finger sandwiches, often made with white bread and various fillings such as cucumber, cheese, salmon, and egg salad, are a staple of afternoon tea. They are small, bite-sized sandwiches that are perfect for snacking. As more establishments serving afternoon tea recognise the need for sandwiches that meet specific dietary requirements and preferences, you can expect to see a range of modern and cultural fillings such as falafel and hummus, or shredded duck with plum sauce. 

Scones

Scones are small round cakes made with flour, butter, sugar, and eggs, and are traditionally served warm with clotted cream and jam though there are savoury versions which are often made with cheeses. They are the perfect combination of sweet and savoury, making them a must-have for afternoon tea, and they are always extremely popular with those looking for an authentic Rosewood afternoon tea experience.

Cakes

Cakes are also extremely popular options to give a sweet finish to a traditional or contemporary afternoon tea. There are many different types of cakes that can be served during afternoon tea, including fruitcake, chocolate cake, and sponge cake, though regional variations can be found which serve local and cultural cakes and sweets. They are a sweet indulgence that adds a touch of luxury to the experience and are a part of the afternoon tea tradition that you’ll love if you have a sweet tooth. 

Other foods served with afternoon tea

Other foods that may be served during afternoon tea include pastries and chocolates. Pastries are small sweet cakes made with flour, butter, sugar, and eggs and there are hundreds of different types that would be a wonderful addition to an afternoon tea. 

Some of the most popular and best loved pastries for an afternoon tea are croissants, pains au chocolat, profiteroles, palmiers, canele, and fruit tart. They are perfect for those with a sweet tooth, though many pastries are traditionally less sweet than cake and so are a lighter choice. Chocolates don’t tend to be a main attraction for afternoon tea, but can be a pleasant addition. 

Try something new this spring

Afternoon tea is a delightful way to relax and spend time with friends or family, or to indulge in a leisurely meal alone or with your partner or spouse. Whether you are a fan of traditional finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, or decadent cakes, there is something for everyone to enjoy during afternoon tea. If you have not yet had the pleasure of enjoying afternoon tea, it is an experience not to be missed and is the perfect way to spend a balmy spring afternoon.