THE GREAT BRITISH CONSTITUTION OF AFTERNOON TEA

Last Updated on 23rd October 2022 by Bejal

Afternoon tea, I’m sure you’ll agree is one of the most quintessential English customs even though the custom of drinking tea originated in the third millennium BC in China. It was made a popular tradition in England during the reign of King Charles II in the 1660’s and his wife Catherine de Braganza. Although it took until the mid-19^th century to become conceptualised!

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In England Afternoon tea was introduced by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford in 1840 at Belvoir Castle as she would often become hungry around four in the afternoon. The Duchess would request a tray of bread, butter (the idea of adding a filling between the bread was introduced by the Earl of Sandwich) and cakes to be taken to her in the afternoon, which soon became a daily occurrence and invited her friends to join her.

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In the 1860’s upper class and society women would dress in gowns, gloves and hats for their afternoon tea, usually taken in the drawing room between the hours of four and five o’clock in the afternoon.

The traditional afternoon tea would include dainty sandwiches with their crusts cut-off, one would always include thinly sliced cucumber, scones would be served with clotted cream and preserves together with cakes and pastries. Traditionally tea grown in India or Sri Lanka would be warmed in silver tea pots and poured into delicate bone china cups.

The Difference Between High Tea & Afternoon Tea

High tea is not really such a fancy affair like afternoon tea and includes more substantial fare such as meat, fish, egg dishes as well as breads and desserts. It’s taken in the early evening and can be referred to as more of a supper. You would also sit at a high table such as a dining table to enjoy a High Tea. Afternoon tea or ‘low tea’ is traditionally taken at a low table, like a coffee table.

Of course in England the great British constitution of afternoon tea is famously linked to the Palm Court of the Ritz or the Promenade at The Dorchester, which I have enjoyed, however there are many alternatives and twists of the classic. Here are some of my favourites from over the years…

The Best Places to Experience Traditional Afternoon Tea

The Berkeley Hotel, London

Enjoyed in the Collins’ Room of the Berkeley is the fashionista inspired Couture afternoon tea known as Prêt à Portea. Think of all your favourite designers from Burberry to Dolce & Gabana to Jason Wu and many more. Their most famous couture items inspire this tea. The pastry work is incredible with a Burberry mac biscuit, Manolo Blahnik’s Hangisi pointed toe stiletto in a classic ginger biscuit and so much more, The tea changes designers and items seasonally. Be sure to make it a Couture Champagne tea and add some pink fizz!

• Address: The Berkeley, Wilton Pl, London SW1X 7RL
• Tel:  020 7107 8866
• Website: The Berkely Afternoon Tea
• Reservations: Essential
• Dress Code: Smart Casual
• Price Range £££

Related Post: The Berkeley: Prêt À Portea Fashionista Afternoon Tea

The City Rooms, LeicesterT

This Grade I listed Georgian building and former Barrister’s home is now a stunning events venue with bedrooms and hosts some beautiful afternoon teas in its grand ballroom. One such tea is the Indian Afternoon Tea. The room is decorated with drapes and Mango lassi’s are served as welcome drink and even has the traditional masala chai to be enjoyed with the food. The tea has more of savoury selection such as Dhokla, open pav bhaji sandwiches, pizza samosas and bhajias with sweets, such as barfi, monthar and ginger biscuits.

• Address: The City Rooms. 16 Hotel St, Leicester LE1 5AW
• Tel:  0116 251 5337
• Website: The City Rooms
• Reservations: Essential
• Dress Code: Casual
• Price range: ££

Related Post: Indian Afternoon Tea at The City Rooms

Raffles Hotel, Singapore

One of the most beautiful afternoon teas in the famous colonial hotel, Raffles in Singapore. The great British constitution of afternoon tea can simply not be overlooked at the colonial Raffles hotel in Singapore. The beautiful Grand Lobby is the perfect location with its grand Victorian pillars to host some exquisite scones, sandwiches and a fine tea collection. Oh, and bone china enthusiast, eat your heart out!

• Address: Raffles Hotel Singapore. 1 Beach Rd, Singapore 189673
• Tel:  +65 6337 1886
• Website: Raffles Hotels
• Reservations Essential
• Dress Code: Smart
• Price Range; £££

Mrs Bridges Tea Rooms, Leicester

Mrs Bridges is a Leicester City Centre constitution. It’s most definitely a home away from a home and brings back all the nostalgia from Grandma’s house – for a pot of tea, great sandwich options and the best home cooked cakes ever. They do a couple of High Tea options, a cream tea (scone with clotted cream, jam and a pot of tea) a tooth fairy tea (miniature cakes with a pot of tea) and an afternoon tea with what I can only describe as the works. Delicious!

• Address: Mrs Bridges Tearoom. 17 Loseby Ln, Leicester LE1 5DR
• Tel: 0116 262 3131
• Website: Mrs Bridges Tearoom
• Reservations: Essential
• Dress Code: Casula
• Price Range: £

Chatsworth House, Peak District, Derbyshire

You can indulge during the summer with an alfresco afternoon tea at Chatsworth in the garden, as well as the classic luxurious afternoon tea experience in The Flying Childers served on beautiful Wedgwood teaware.

The tea at Chatsworth is all about showcasing local produce, as well as the talents of its bakers who have created an array of delicious cakes and pastries, for the ultimate English experience.

• Address: Chatsworth House. Chatsworth. Bakewell Derbyshire DE45 1PP
• Tel: 01246 565300
• Website: Chatsworth House Afternoon Tea
• Reservations Essential
• Dress Code: Casual
• Price Range: ££

The Farmacy, Notting Hill, LondonT

One of my first tastes of a plant-based afternoon tea at the famous Farmacy in London. Even the cocktails are vegan. Great selection of cakes, sandwiches and pastries made with plant-based alternatives in a leafy and laid back super trendy environment. Think popcorn caramel cookies, smoked carrot lox sandwiches and blueberry lemon fancies to mention a few of the delights on offer! Oh and an incredible selection of teas including hemp loose teas.

• Address: The Farmacy.74-76 Westbourne Grove, London W2 5SH
• Tel:  020 7221 0705
• Website: The Farmacy
• Reservations Essential
• Dress Code: Casual
• Price Range: ££

Related Post: A Plant-Based High Tea at The Farmacy in Notting Hill

Experience Some Alternative Food Experiences in London

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Veeno Wine Bar, Leicester

Having never experienced an afternoon tea in Italy, it was great to finally get a chance to see what the Italian twist would be and it didn’t disappoint. It started with Prosecco of course and there was more coffee options than tea. Savouries included open panini, olives, Italian smoked cheese and Prosciutto. Sweets were scones but with mascarpone, Sicilian lemon cakes and a dark Italian chocolate cake.

• Address: Veeno. Units 19 & 20, 9 St Martins, Leicester LE1 5DE
• Tel:  0116 262 8719
• Website: Veeno Wine Bar
• Reservations: Essential
• Dress Code: Casual
• Price Range: ££

Related Post: An Italian Afternoon Tea at Veeno Leicester

Folly Tea Rooms of Holt, Norfolk

A hideaway tearoom with beautiful gardens that bring all the old world vintage charm. Folly tea rooms serve breakfasts and afternoon tea including a traditional tea but also a sparkling Folly, which as the name suggest includes some bubbles and a Gentleman’s Folly which swaps two cakes with quiche and a warm sausage roll and chutney. Time truly does stand still at Folly tearooms and the homemade delights are completely delicious and the service is attentive and accommodating. Adorable charm and quintessentially English.

Traditional Afternoon Tea: A mixture of four finger sandwiches, a fruit and plain scone, preserves and clotted creams, a selection of miniature cakes and a refillable pot of tea or coffee.

• Address: Folly Tearoom. Unit 4 Hoppers Yard, Bull St, Holt NR25 6LN
• Tel:  01263 713569
• Website: Folly Tearoom
• Reservations: Essential
• Dress Code: Casual
• Price Range: £

Coffee & Couture, Leicester

This small but perfectly formed coffee, cake and brunch spot, inspired by Parisian cafes with the owner having her own couture collection is the perfect place for a pretty afternoon tea. They do numerous sorts of afternoon teas with the most delectable choices. Savouries include olive ciabatta roll covered with hummus, falafels, sweet chilli jam, roasted aubergine with zatar or even small filo pastry cases filled with poppy seed turmeric spiced potato cubes garnished with a drop of chive and sour cream. Sweets are so pretty, with two delicious Paris Brest options, one filled with pistachio crème and topped with rose and pistachio chunks covered in a caramel glaze. The other was a more traditional Paris Brest filled with almond crème and glazed in the usual way. Tea options are also beautiful such as loose mint tea or jasmine tea.

• Address: Coffee & Couture. 27 Francis Street. Stoneygate. Leicester. LE2 2BE
• Tel: 07921 153383
• Instagram: Coffee & Couture
• Reservations: Essential
• Dress Code: Casual
• Price: £/££

Related Post: Parisian Styling at Coffee & Couture

The Pump Room Restaurant

This stunning neo-classical restaurant has been the social heart of Bath for more than two centuries and boasts amongst its previous patrons Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.

Take a seat in the grand surroundings and enjoy a delicious meal and sample the spa water from the fountain. You’ll also be serenaded by The Pump Room’s Trio or resident pianist. The afternoon tea is an exquisite affair with a selection of fine teas, fizz and beautifully made savoury and sweet collections.

During your visit to the Pump Room you can try the hot spa water at the fountain. It contains 43 minerals and has a rather unusual taste! 

Spa water has been used for curative purposes for two thousand years. Originally treatments involved bathing in the hot waters, then in the late 17th Century drinking spa water also came to be a recognised treatment for certain conditions. Today we use the hot spa water to heat the Roman Baths and Pump Room site in winter.

• Address: Searcys at the Pump Room, Stall St, Bath BA1 1LZ.
• Tel:  01225 444477
• Website: Searcy’s at The Pump Rooms
• Reservations: Essential
• Dress Code: Smart Casual
• Price Range: ££

The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh

You cannot visit Edinburgh and not partake in a spot of afternoon tea at its most famous hotel, The Balmoral. The affair quite rightly is an award-winning treat, with a selection of 88 teas to choose from, which are poured in quite the show-stopper performance, this will definitely be a memorable experience.

The afternoon can also come accompanied with champagne and the food is absolutely delectable. You’ll have fresh pastries, dainty finger sandwiches, carefully constructed savouries and to conclude you’ll be presented with a line-up of intricate patisserie work. It doesn’t end there, there’s also a an extension of the afternoon tea which you can enjoy once home too.,

Take a seat in teh comfy sofas or table seats in teh Palm fringed Palm Court and with the dome and Venetian chandelier above you and be serenaded by the soothing sounds of the harp, played live in front of you. One of the most special afternoon teas you’ll experience.

• Address: 1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ
• Tel. 0131 556 2414
• Website The Palm Court at The Balmoral
• Reservations: Essential
• Dress Code: Smart Casual
• Price Range: £££

Related Post: The Best Places for Vegetarian Food in Scotland

The Great Central Railway, Loughborough

If you love a steam train, heritage train lines and afternoon tea of course, this is an experience for you. Head to Loughborough Great Central Railway station where you’ll board one of teh oldest steam engines and sit back for the next 90 minutes admiring teh Leicestershire countryside whilst enjoying a traditional afternoon tea.

Once you arrive on the platform you’ll be guided to your carriage and seat and poured a cup of tea or coffee. followed by a lovely traditional stand of finger sandwiches, savouries and fancy cakes. Lastly you’ll have the scones. Tea and coffee is topped up as required and bubbles can also be added to the table.

A very relaxing afternoon tea experience, feel like you’re in the bygone era of steam travel as you pass by all the stations on the Great Central railway route.

• Address: Great Central Rd, Loughborough LE11 1RW
• Tel. 01509 632323
• Website: The Great Central Railway
• Reservations: Essential
• Dress Code: Casual
• Price Range: ££

Related Post: Afternoon Tea on the Great Central Railway

The Steam Garden, Loughborough

Located beside Loughborough Railway is the Steam Garden at the Cedars Hotel, which does a fantastic traditional afternoon tea. Beautifully made and presented with bottomless Prosecco tea or coffee. The Steam Garden back onto the station so you’ll see a train or two go by as you enjoy your afternoon tea.

As well as great ramge of finger sandwiches, bite size scones, brownies, there are some great touches like mini Panna Cottas and crumbles with cream.. The apple and blackberry crumble is buttery and delightful as are the lemon tarts and brownies. Oh and the cutest petit sausage rolls or vegetarian version, mushroom rolls topped with poppy seeds are just melt in your mouth pastry heaven!

• Address: Cedar Rd, Loughborough LE11 2AB
• Tel.  01509 232303
• Website: The Steam Garden
• Reservations: Essential
• Dress Code: Casual
• Price Range: £

Knight & Garter

This hearty and comforting afternoon tea by the Knight features chef prepared filled batch rolls, with classic British fillings, as well as a creative sweet and desserts selection, accompanied by a menu of over 10 tea combinations, There is even alcoholic & non-alcoholic sparkling tea imported from Copenhagen or opt for a bottle of house champagne

A selection of chef prepared filled batch rolls, beef brisket pie, Red Leicester sausage roll, beetroot & mascarpone profiteroles, root vegetable crisps, fruit buttermilk scone with Cornish clotted cream & jam, passionfruit cheesecake lolly, mini caramel filled churros, macaroons & brownie bites , hoogly tea for two, The vegetarian selection includes, filled batch rolls, broccoli, cheddar & cauliflower pie, spicy bean & cheddar roll, beetroot & mascarpone profiteroles, root vegetable crisps, fruit buttermilk scone with Cornish clotted cream & jam, passionfruit cheesecake lolly, mini caramel filled churros, macaroons & brownie bites ,

• Address: 14 Hotel St, Leicester LE1 5AW
• Tel.  0116 303 3310
• Website: The Knight & Garter
• Reservations: Essential after purchasing your £35 voucher online
• Dress Code: Casual
• Price Range: £

Black Iron at Winstanley House

Located 2 miles out of teh city centre of Leicester, Winstanley House is a former school and is situated in leafy parklands. It is now a leading boutique hotel, premier dining venue as well as holding regular events. The Black Iron restaurant serves a beautiful afternoon tea each Saturday in one of their stunningly styled elegant yet contemporary rooms. Think Yvonne Ellen safari crockery in pastel hues,

Choose from a selection of four fillings for your melt in the mouth finger sandwiches. The Red Leicester and chive scone with marmite butter is a Leicestershire ode. With sweets like passionfruit pavlova and lemon meringue tartlet you literally won’t be able to resist. Oh and then there’s the tea selection. Choose from traditional teas or coffee. You must try the Malibu dream fruit tea and maybe even the Gin & Tonic Tea. Absolutle perfection.

• Address: Hinckley Rd, Leicester LE3 1HX
• Tel.  0116 366 5642
• Website: Black Iron at Winstanley House
• Reservations: Essential
• Dress Code: Smart/Casual
• Price Range: ££ Only available on Saturdays throughout the year.

Why Not Make Your Afternoon Tea Visit into a Short Stay?

If you plan to stay a little longer in any of teh above destination, why not use these tools to check out flights, hotels, car hire arrangements. local travel books and lots more.

À bientôt

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