There are very few traditions that are as closely associated with British culture as afternoon tea. With its delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and delicious, sweet treats, it remains a much-loved tradition enjoyed across the country. Afternoon tea is often associated with relaxation, conversation and special moments. This cherished tradition dates back to the 1840s, when it was seen as a social ritual which helped to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner while also creating an opportunity for people to socialise and spend time together.
The tradition of afternoon tea is credited to Anna Maria Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, who began to request tea, bread and cakes in the afternoons to satisfy her hunger in between meals.
What began as a practical solution to satisfy hunger became a fashionable social occasion that brought people together. It remains a well-loved experience today because it is an opportunity for people to relax and spend quality time with others. Nowadays afternoon tea can also be enjoyed as a special treat, with friends and family or as part of a celebration. Afternoon tea often takes place in a hotel or café, but you can also have it in the comfort of your own home.
Fact: Did you know? More than 100 million cups of tea are consumed in the UK every day!
While reasons to enjoy afternoon tea along with its menus have evolved, the key components remain the same. A classic British afternoon tea has three courses: savouries, scones and sweets. Every afternoon tea is unique but there is something to suit every taste. A typical savoury course often features finger sandwiches filled with classics such as salmon and cream cheese, coronation chicken and ham and mustard alongside mini quiches, tartlets and sausage rolls.
Scones are often considered the heart of afternoon tea because they act as a bridge between the savoury and sweet courses. Savoury scones and sweet scones can be served in this course, if this is the case the savoury scones are always eaten before the sweet scones.
Finally comes the sweet course, where cakes, pastries and miniature desserts provide a delicious finish to the experience.
Today this tradition can come in all shapes and sizes. Modern afternoon tea continues to evolve with themed experiences, plant-based options and creative menus becoming increasingly popular. Champagne teas have also grown in popularity, offering people new ways to enjoy afternoon tea. Venues offering champagne afternoon teas will serve a glass of champagne alongside the traditional menu. One reason afternoon tea has remained so popular is its ability to adapt to different cultures and tastes around the world. Many countries have put their own spin on it by using local ingredients and adapting it to suit local tastes and preferences.
In Japan, afternoon tea typically includes matcha served alongside wagashi, delicately crafted sweets which complement the taste of matcha. However, in India chai is the preferred tea instead of English breakfast or matcha. The savouries in an Indian afternoon tea consist of samosas and pakoras alongside sandwiches. The ability to adapt and evolve has helped afternoon tea remain a popular experience across generations.
Over time, afternoon tea became more widely enjoyed and evolved into an important part of British culture. Today, it remains a popular way to celebrate special occasions, catch up with loved ones or simply enjoy a relaxing afternoon. While menus may have changed over the years, the tradition’s focus on sharing food and spending time together remains the same.
At Inspire Catering, we love bringing people together through food. Whether it’s sharing sandwiches and cakes with family, catching up with friends over a pot of tea or celebrating a special occasion, food is one of the best ways to connect with each other. From its origins in the Victorian era to modern day variations, afternoon tea remains a celebration of good food, meaningful conversation and the simple pleasure of spending time together.
No afternoon tea is complete without freshly baked scones so why not give this recipe a try ?
Fruit Scones (BBC Good Food)
Ingredients
- Self-raising flour, 350 grams plus extra for dusting
- Salt, ¼ teaspoon
- Baking Powder, 1 teaspoon
- Butter (cut into cubes), 85 grams
- Caster Sugar, 3 tablespoons
- Milk, 175 millilitres
- Vanilla Extract, 1 teaspoon
- Squeeze Of Lemon Juice,
- Sultanas, 100 grams
- Jam and Clotted Cream, to serve
Method:
1.Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Tip the flour into a large bowl with the salt and baking powder, then mix. Add the butter, then rub in with your fingers until the mix looks like fine crumbs. Stir in the sugar.
2. Put the milk into a jug and heat in the microwave for about 30 secs until warm, but not hot. Add the vanilla and lemon juice, then set aside for a moment. Put a baking sheet in the oven.
3. Make a well in the dry mix, then add the liquid and sultanas and combine it quickly with a cutlery knife ,it will seem pretty wet at first. Scatter some flour onto the work surface and tip the dough out. Dredge the dough and your hands with a little more flour, then fold the dough over 2-3 times until it’s a little smoother. Pat into a round about 4cm deep.
4. Take a 5cm cutter (smooth-edged cutters tend to cut more cleanly, giving a better rise) and dip it into some flour. Plunge into the dough, then repeat until you have four scones. You may need to press what’s left of the dough back into a round to cut out another four.
5. Brush the tops with beaten egg, then carefully place onto the hot baking tray.
6. Bake for 10 mins until risen and golden on the top. Eat just warm or cold on the day of baking, generously topped with jam and clotted cream. If freezing, freeze once cool. Defrost, then put in a low oven (about 160C/140C fan/gas 3) for a few mins to refresh.