English afternoon tea

“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” - Henry James

Through the years, tea time has become one of the most quintessential of English customs.Though the story of tea began in China in 2737 BC and became widely popularized throughout Chinese and Japanese culture, our versions of afternoon tea and high tea that we are familiar with today, came from a modernized tradition that began in Europe.

Legend has it, in the 1840s, Anna, the Duchess of Bedford ordered tea, bread and butter, and cake to battle late afternoon “hunger spells” during the time between lunch and the evening meal.

After sharing her delightful habit with friends, afternoon tea evolved into a popularized social event among English aristocracy. By the 1920s, tea time had progressed to a whole new level complete with pageantry, musicians, elegant chinaware, and the best quality tea.

Contrary to what many would believe, this posh tradition is not considered high tea.

While they are both steeped in British history, there is a difference between af

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