English afternoon tea

This article is about the blend of tea served in the English afternoon tea meal. For the traditional English afternoon tea meal, see Tea (meal).

English afternoon tea or simply Afternoon tea is a British tradition that involves enjoying a light meal of tea, sandwiches, scones, and cakes in the mid-afternoon, typically between 3:30 and 5 pm. It originated in the 1840s as a way for the upper class to bridge the gap between lunch and a late dinner.

Menu

• Savory items: Finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg salad, smoked salmon, or cream cheese.

• Scones: Warm scones served with clotted cream and jam.
• Sweet treats: A selection of cakes and pastries, such as Victoria sponge cake, Battenberg cake, scones, or fruit tarts.

• Tea: A pot of freshly brewed tea, such as black tea, Earl Grey, or oolong tea.

Afternoon tea is a social occasion that can be enjoyed with friends, family, or even as a solo treat. It's a great way to relax and unwind in the afternoon.

See also

• English breakfast tea
• Irish breakfast tea
• Tea (meal)

References

Further reading

• Lydia Gautier (26 October 2006). Tea. Chronicle Books. pp. 45–. ISBN 978-0-8118-5682-9.
• Julia Skinner (5 April 2019). Afternoon Tea: A History. Rowman & Littlefield. pp. 154–. ISBN 978-1-4422-7102-9.