Afternoon tea

If a country can have a “national beverage” then tea is undoubtedly Great Britain’s beverage of choice. Afternoon tea has been a much-loved tradition and important part of daily life in England for over 150 years. Prior to afternoon tea, the British ate two daily meals which included breakfast and dinner. During the mid-1700s, the middle and upper classes changed dinner from midday to the evening. Served at a fashionably late hour, dinner was a feast-like affair.

In 1662, Catherine of Braganza of Portugal married Charles II from England’s House of Stuart. When the newlywed Catherine arrived in Portsmouth, she brought her tea chest and asked for a cup. Soon after, Catherine deigned tea as the official court beverage. Tea was a rare luxury in Catherine’s day for it was scarce, expensive and highly taxed. It took Catherine’s royal influence to make it fashionable. She regularly served afternoon tea to the British court, which made it popular among the wealthier classes. In time, the custom swept across England and by 1700, tea was available in over 500 London "tea houses".

The standard tea menu featured an array of dainty cakes, bread and butter sandwiches, assorted sweets, and tea. Everything was elegantly plated and served on low tables. Hostesses throughout England quickly followed suit, and soon afternoon "low" tea became a social ritual. Today, in the UK, afternoon tea remains a fashionable and graceful event. Tea is served in fine English bone china accompanied by silver serving pieces. Participants enjoy dainty cucumber or watercress sandwiches, delicious scones with Devonshire cream, crumpets, sticky buns and other tasty delights. From Victorian times to the 21st century — teatime remains a tradition to be savored.

To experience the best of the Afternoon tea tradition, indulge yourself with a trip to one of London’s finest hotels or visit or visit tearooms around the counties. On average the British drink 3-4 cups of tea a day, with 70% of the population drinking tea on a regular basis. It must also be acknowledged that the major part of the British market is dominated by sman-leaf teas, which are largely used to fill the nation's teabags. There are also loose or boxed teas too.

Today, even with the birth of a much more health conscious society the British are still consuming great amounts of tea. Commoners might head for a latte instead but traditionally tea is the drink that is associated most with the British.