So treat yourself to a well earned cup of tea and some delicious sweet treats.

Henry James (1843-1916), the great American author who spent most of his writing life in England, said: “There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” 

Afternoon tea is a time-honoured tradition in Britain. Here at The Elvetham, we serve thousands of afternoon teas each year in our stunning orangery. It has seen a major resurgence in recent years as more and more people discover this relaxing and indulgent way to treat yourself or a loved one. 

In honour of National Afternoon Tea week, we uncover some of the lesser-known facts and discuss the tradition that is afternoon tea…

How did serving up sandwiches, scones and sweet cakes all begin?

The birth of afternoon tea is credited to Anna Maria, the 7th Duchess of Bedford around 1840. At the time, it was usual for people to take only two main meals a day: breakfast and dinner (around 8pm) and Maria is said to have complained of “having that sinking feeling” during the late afternoon. So, the solution for the Duchess was a pot of tea and a light snack taken privately in her boudoir during the afternoon. She then started to invite friends to join her in her rooms at Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire and the tradition became popular within fashionable society.

However, it was thanks to Queen Victoria that afternoon tea came to be the more formal affair we enjoy today. During her reign, tea service became increasingly grand – and enjoying the ritual in the country’s celebrated dining rooms reflected one’s social status.

What is afternoon tea?

Traditional afternoon tea is an elegant affair, comprised of delicately sliced sandwiches filled with tasty (yet never overpowering) fillings, alongside small cakes, pastries or scones with jam and clotted cream. This enticing spread will usually be accompanied by your choice of a pot of freshly brewed loose-leaf tea, usually Earl Grey, Darjeeling and Assam are offered. But increasingly glasses of fizz – Champagne or Prosecco – are becoming the tipple of choice for many to enjoy with their savoury and sweet treats.

What’s the difference between high tea and afternoon tea?

While afternoon tea has traditionally been considered an upscale treat served mid-afternoon, high tea is far more grounded, defined as a working-class dinner or meal which used to be served between the hours of around 5pm – 7pm. High tea is also a more substantial meal than afternoon tea.

Cream or jam first?

This conundrum, is a widely debated subject across the British Isles. An integral part of an afternoon tea experience is the inclusion of freshly baked, warm scones with cream, butter and preserves. Both the Cornish and Devonshire people have a strong view on the order of the toppings. The Devon tradition is cream first with jam spread on top, whilst the Cornish tradition is to slather the jam on and top it off with clotted cream. At the end of the day, it remains a matter of preference.

How should I eat my scones?

It’s rumoured that when HRH Queen Elizabeth II, eats the scone section of an afternoon tea she breaks small pieces off and tops each section with the desired amount of butter, cream or jam eating them individually so as to avoid any social mishaps. This however is a far less observed guideline and some may choose to slice the scone in half and top each section with the desired preserves and cream. There’s also the question of how to pronounce the word scone…

Should I put milk or tea into the cup first?

A hotly debated topic, both schools of thought have notable benefits. If you put the tea in first, then you allow the guest to flavour their own tea to their personal preference.

Putting milk in first apparently offers a better combination of the two liquids and traditionally the cold milk protected delicate china from boiling tea that may crack or damage it. 

What should I wear?

At The Elvetham, we have a relaxed approach to our afternoon tea dress code. However, many use this as an excuse to really dress up and celebrate the occasion.

Despite all of the quaint practices associated with the experience, the important thing to remember is that afternoon tea is supposed to be fun, and you can't let the etiquette get too much in the way of your own personal enjoyment.

Adding afternoon tea to your special occasion

One of the great things about afternoon tea is its flexibility, which allows it to be easily added to a wide variety of special occasions. Everything from a birthday to an anniversary, a promotion to a big house move – there’s no occasion which can’t be bettered with a few delicious cakes and a selection of flavoursome tea.

Indulge in this quintessentially British tradition in the stunning surroundings of The Elvetham and join us for come of the finest afternoon tea in Hampshire. Savour our freshly prepared cakes, scones, pastries and sandwiches alongside a cup of tea or a glass of Champagne.

Find your perfect afternoon tea package here

Why not surprise your nearest and dearest with the gift of one of our Afternoon Tea Vouchers?

Discover more here.