Traditional Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is a quintessential British tradition that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a delightful way to spend an afternoon, sipping on tea and nibbling on sweet and savoury treats.

Traditional Afternoon Tea For Two

Traditional afternoon tea is a timeless gift experience that is often enjoyed in the grand setting of a hotel or tea room. The decor is usually elegant and sophisticated, with white tablecloths, fine china, and silverware. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it the perfect place to catch up with friends or family.

Next up is the tea itself. Afternoon tea is all about the tea, and there are a variety of different blends to choose from. The most popular tea for afternoon tea is Earl Grey, but you can also choose from other black teas like Darjeeling, Assam, or English Breakfast. You can also opt for herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile if you prefer something caffeine-free.

Afternoon tea is all about indulging in sweet and savoury treats, and there's plenty to choose from. The first course is usually sandwiches, which are often made with thinly sliced bread and filled with classic British ingredients like cucumber, smoked salmon, and egg mayonnaise. These sandwiches are typically cut into bite-sized pieces and served on a tiered platter.

After the sandwiches, you'll move on to the scones, which are the centrepiece of any traditional afternoon tea. These are served warm and are accompanied by clotted cream and jam. The scones are usually plain or fruit-flavoured and are light, fluffy, and buttery.

Finally, you go on to the sweet treats. These can include mini cakes, pastries, and biscuits. Some of the most popular options are Victoria sponge, lemon drizzle cake, macarons, and shortbread. These are also served on a tiered platter and are the perfect way to finish off your afternoon tea experience.

Of course, no afternoon tea is complete without a glass of bubbly, and many establishments offer a champagne or Prosecco option to accompany your tea. This is an optional extra, but it certainly adds to the overall experience as who doesn't want a Prosecco afternoon tea!!

Afternoon tea is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, whether it's a special occasion or simply a treat for yourself. From the elegant setting to the delicious food and tea, it's an experience you won't forget in a hurry. So why not indulge in this classic British custom and treat yourself to a traditional afternoon tea?

Vegan Afternoon Tea

We've got lots of options for a vegan afternoon tea or a gluten free afternoon tea, along with choices for other dietary requirements so everyone can enjoy a bit of elegance with their cake and cuppa.

What's Included In An Afternoon Tea?

Whichever afternoon tea you choose, expect to enjoy a range of tasty cakes, dainty savoury sandwiches and scones with jam and cream.
And, of course, that all important tea, served straight from the pot into china cups.
Or you could forgo the savoury side and go straight into a classic cream tea, with scones, clotted cream and jam washed down with a comforting cuppa.

But What Goes On First-Jam Or Cream?

One of the most debated topics when it comes to traditional afternoon tea is whether to put jam or cream first on a scone. This has been a topic of discussion for many years, and opinions are divided on the correct way to serve scones.

Traditionally, in the South West of England, where the famous cream tea originated, the cream is spread first, followed by the jam. This is known as the "Devonshire method" or "Devonshire cream tea". In this method, the scone is split in half, and a generous dollop of clotted cream is spread on the bottom half, followed by a spoonful of jam on top.

On the other hand, in the neighbouring county of Cornwall, the jam is spread first, followed by a dollop of cream. This is known as the "Cornish method" or "Cornish cream tea". In this method, the scone is also split in half, and a spoonful of jam is spread on the bottom half, followed by a generous dollop of clotted cream on top.

While both methods are equally delicious, the order of the cream and jam can affect the texture and taste of the scone. When the cream is spread first, it acts as a base and creates a smooth and creamy texture, while the jam adds a fruity sweetness on top. When the jam is spread first, it provides a sweet and sticky base, while the cream adds a rich and indulgent layer on top.

In the end, the choice of whether to put the jam or cream first on a scone is a matter of personal preference. Some people may prefer one method over the other, while others may not have a preference at all. So, the next time you indulge in a traditional afternoon tea, try both methods and decide which one you prefer. After all, the most important thing is to enjoy your scone with a delicious cup of tea and good company.