There is no more quintessential British ritual than the ceremony and serving of Afternoon tea. It is believed that credit for the custom goes to Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford in the early 19th century. The usual habit of serving dinner between 8 and 9 pm left the Duchess hungry and with a ‘sinking feeling’ by late afternoon. To stave off the hunger, she would order tea, bread and butter and cakes to be served in her room. Later on she would invite friends to join her at her home and the light tea was such a success the habit caught on.

The Duchess continued the custom on returning to London and soon the “At Home” tea evolved which quickly spread throughout England. Announcements about tea were sent to relatives and friends stating at what hour the tea would be served. Sometimes entertainment was provided but more often it was simply conversation and a little idle gossip over tea and cakes. If “At Home” notices were received the guest was expected to attend, unless of course, regrets were sent. There was at least one person holding an at home each day and social ties were quickly established with women seeing each other so regularly.

The taking of tea gradually spread from the home and out into society in general. Tea Parties became the norm and Tea Rooms, and Tea Gardens quickly sprang up everywhere

The Afternoon tea traditionally starts with savory finger-sized sandwiches filled with smoked salmon, cucumber, or egg and mustard cress. These are followed by scones with jam and cream (clotted cream in Devon and Cornwall), and finally, a selection of cakes served on tiered cake stands. Variations on the menu may include the serving of English Muffins, thinly sliced, hot buttered toast or crumpets.

Alongside of course, are copious cups of tea. The tea is traditionally poured from heavy, ornate, silver teapots into delicate bone-china cups and served with milk or lemon. Now this is some kind of Tea Party!