Culture File UK: Afternoon Tea - A Very British Tradition

Tea remains one of the most popular beverages in the British Isles. Only introduced in the 17th century, it has since become the nation's staple. 

It is not only a hot drink, taken with milk and sugar, or pure; it is a tradition, a philosophy, a lifestyle. As a matter of fact, coffee has become well-loved over recent decades; even so, tea remains at the centre of everyday life in the UK.

Up to three cups a day are consumed by the average Brit, and the beverage structures people's days, starting with a hearty cup of English Breakfast tea, continuing with a cup at the elevenses, the mid-morning snack, and finally making it into the main afternoon meal.

For the working classes, 'tea' or 'high tea' is the main meal of the day, taken after 5 o'clock when shops and workshops have closed for the evening.

And the upper classes have made their teatime in the afternoon a special occasion. Afternoon tea is among these great British traditions, introduced by the 7th Duchess of Bedford in the early 1800s. Actually a small meal, taken between lunch and dinner, it consists of sweet snacks such as cakes and tarts, savoury snacks such as sandwiches, and scones, of course, which are eaten with jam, marmalade and clotted cream.

Learn how to have your afternoon tea in the correct manner:

Common treats taken with tea are: 

Classic Victoria Sponge Cake

Iced Bun: bread roll with white or pink icing

Cream Bun: soft milk bread filled with vanilla whipped cream 

Flapjack: a baked bar made of butter, brown sugar, syrup, and rolled oats

Scones: made of wheat flour or oatmeal, and baking powder, consumed with fruit preserve and clotted cream

Afternoon tea is a sophisticated tradition, often upheld by the most outstanding culinary establishments: 

However, for people on a more moderate budget, another, very British institution offers opportunities to take one's tea in an equally lovely manner. These are the tea rooms which can be found all across the country, catering to a local and tourist audiences alike.

Often situated in the centre of little villages, occupying village houses or cottages, they offer an authentic experience by serving tea and snacks in lovingly renovated rooms or gardens.

The Trellis Café, Tea Rooms and Garden, Rottingdean, Brighton & Hove

Using traditional china, often randomly assembled, this is where visitors can order the famous 'cream teas', a combination of tea with milk and sugar, and scones.