afternoon Tea : but what is it?

afternoon tea is an integral part of English cuisine and a "must-do" for many tourists. There's no shortage of it in London, or indeed in England in general. Dozens exist, catering to all tastes and budgets. It's a rather substantial afternoon tea consisting of savoury finger food, pastries and cakes, and tea. However, it wasn't always this way…

Origin of afternoon tea

Its invention is credited to Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford. Feeling peckish while waiting for dinner, she asked for tea, bread, and a little butter. Delighted by this small, indulgent break, she invited her friends to join her. The tradition then gradually spread throughout England, first among the Lords and Ladies, and then to the middle classes. Over the years, the composition of afternoon tea has also changed. The rather frugal meal (low tea) has become a full-fledged meal in its own right, with a veritable abundance of food. This second version is called high tea .

Composition of afternoon tea

So, what exactly does an afternoon tea consist of? First come the finger sandwiches . These are small sandwiches. The most classic are cucumber, salmon, and coronation chicken (sweet and savoury chicken). Of course, there are different varieties depending on the tea room. The meal then continues with a selection of warm scones served with clotted cream and jams. These are accompanied by homemade pastries: small tarts, verrines, mini entremets, macarons… The composition of the dessert tray depends entirely on the location and the theme of the afternoon tea .
And of course, there's the star attraction (which is even in the name): tea! You have a choice of teas (mostly green and black) served by the house. It comes with a pot of sugar and a carafe of milk so you can customise your tea exactly as you like it.

Many establishments serving afternoon tea offer extras such as a glass of champagne or Prosecco. This provides an opportunity to add a final touch of luxury and pleasure for those who wish.

Where to have afternoon tea in London?

That's the big question! The British capital is brimming with dozens of quality restaurants. I'd say it all depends on the experience you're looking for, your dietary restrictions and beliefs (vegan, gluten-free, etc.), and your budget. Here are the general categories you can expect to find:

– Luxury hotels and restaurants: expect to pay £50 to £80 per person (€55 to €90) to access these prestigious establishments. The setting is generally magnificent, with excellent service and superb food.
Here are some addresses: Fortnum's & Mason, Claridge's, The Ritz, Sketch, Harrod's, The Dorchester.

– Original afternoon tea : for those looking for unusual experiences, you've come to the right place! In a bus, with live opera, on the Thames, Moroccan, Nordic or even Sherlock Holmes themes… There are so many different themes and entertainment options that you're sure to find one that appeals to you.
Here are some addresses: Taj51, The Ampersand Hotel, Sanderson, One Aldwych, Royal Albert Hall.

– Affordable afternoon tea : for those who want to treat themselves without breaking the bank. Many restaurants and cafes offer afternoon tea for around 20-30 pounds. Ideal for those who want to explore and indulge without spending too much!
Some addresses between £12 and £25 (€15 to €30): Knightsbridge Hotel, Podium Restaurant (2FOR1 offer), Richoux, To A Tea, Saatchi Gallery.

Where to have afternoon tea in England?

There are also plenty of lovely places to have afternoon tea in England outside of London. It would unfortunately be a bit difficult to mention them all… So here are a few suggestions: The Park House in Cardiff, The Edgbaston in Birmingham, The Grand Brighton in Brighton, …
Don't hesitate to search on Google and afternoontea.co.uk (a veritable bible!) to find the best places. We'll also be adding new articles over time with our reviews of the ones we've tried.

We at Candy Dukes are huge fans of this practice. We love to eat, so the idea of a huge afternoon snack is incredibly appealing. Unfortunately, we can't spend our entire time in Great Britain eating, so so far we've only been able to try a few places. But our wishlist is full of addresses we want to try…

And you, have you ever had afternoon tea ?