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Fascinating World of English Afternoon Tea The tradition of afternoon tea has been a quintessential part of British culture for centuries. From high-end hotels to quaint tearooms, the English take their tea seriously. But there is more to this beloved ritual than simply sipping on a hot brew with a sandwich or scone. Here are some fascinating facts about this beloved British pastime.
1. It All Started with Anna, the Seventh Duchess of Bedford In the early 19th century, people ate breakfast early in the morning, dined late evening, leaving them with an empty stomach and a long wait period. Initially, Anna used to request a light refreshment to be sent to her room in the late afternoon. This practice evolved into a social event, with friends joining her for tea, sandwiches and other light delicacies.
2. The Historical Significance Afternoon tea has been an essential social event throughout history, with politicians attending and making important decisions over the sugar bowl. During World War II, the government encouraged citizens to participate in afternoon tea as a way of lifting personal morale amidst bombings and other war stressors.
3. Tea, Milk, Sugar and Sandwiches - not the only things served Though tea is the focal point, the spread at an afternoon tea venue is intricate and diverse. As opposed to the express version with milk and sugar, high-quality tea like Darjeeling and Earl Grey is served with delicate finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and cakes, tarts, and pastries.
4. Dress Code and Customs Afternoon tea requires dressing up. Men should wear a suit, while women typically dress in pretty dresses or smart separates. It is considered customary for the tea to be served on fine china, with the host or guests pouring their respective tea in a particular way.
5. Etiquette of Afternoon Tea The correct order of layering bread and cream or jam for scone and cutlery use is essential to follow while indulging in afternoon tea. Holding pinky finger up while sipping tea is not appreciated, as it comes off as affected.
6. New Developments Afternoon tea has been given a contemporary twist, and now people are opting for themed afternoon teas such as Alice in Wonderland, Harry Potter, or even Mad Hatter themes.
7. The Queen and Afternoon Tea In 2014, the Queen described afternoon tea as an important British tradition as well as the perfect occasion to spend quality time with family and friends. In conclusion, afternoon tea is more than just having tea and cakes - it's an age-old British tradition ingrained with rich history, customs and etiquettes. While the pandemic makes it practical to enjoy the experience at home, in-person afternoon tea continues to be a commodity offered by many high-end hotels, exclusive boutiques, well-established tea rooms or even taken along to a picnic. This beloved British ritual is a celebration of good company, good food and good conversation that dates back to the early 19th century.