A person in a polka dot dress pours tea from a teapot into a cup beside a vase of flowers on a table.
A person in a polka dot dress pours tea from a teapot into a cup beside a vase of flowers on a table.

A SHORT HISTORY OF AFTERNOON TEA

A floral-patterned teacup filled with tea, placed on a matching saucer with a gold spoon, rests on a folded yellow napkin.

Origins

'Afternoon tea' originated in the early 19th century, credited to Anna, the Duchess of Bedford. 

During the Victorian era, the evening meal in Britain was served fashionably late (around 8pm) leaving a lengthy gap between meals. To stave off hunger, the Duchess invited friends to her chambers for an additional meal around 4pm, comprising tea, sandwiches, scones, and pastries. The practice quickly gained popularity among the upper class of society, becoming a fashionable social event. 

By the 1840s, afternoon tea had evolved into a full-fledged occasion, complete with refined manners and elaborate tea sets. It provided an opportunity for ladies to display their best gowns, finest China, and culinary finesse. The tradition soon trickled down to the middle classes, symbolising gentility and leisure.

An interesting fact about afternoon tea is the distinction between "afternoon tea" and "high tea." High tea was traditionally a more substantial meal enjoyed by the working class, served later in the day and including meats, breads, and vegetables.

What's included?

Afternoon tea is typically served with an assortment of finger sandwiches, often featuring smoked salmon, cucumber, and egg with cress. These crustless finger sandwiches are accompanied by scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of cakes and pastries. The tea itself, usually a robust black blend such as Assam or Earl Grey, and a selection of fruit teas, is served in delicate porcelain cups.

At Audley restaurants, our serving platters and selection of cakes vary from location to location, but always offering a delicious selection of bite-size sweet and savoury treats.
 

The history of the sandwich

The sandwich is famously associated with John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich. Born in 1718, Montagu is credited with inventing the sandwich, a convenient and portable meal that has become a global household favourite. The story goes that the Earl, an ardent gambler, did not want to leave his gaming table to take a meal and instructed his servant to bring him slices of meat tucked between two pieces of bread, thus enabling him to eat with one hand while continuing his game. 
This practical innovation quickly caught on, and soon others were ordering "the same as Sandwich," giving birth to the term "sandwich."
 Read more facts about sandwich.

Close-up of three club sandwiches filled with ham, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and a spread between white bread slices.
Valentine's Afternoon Tea

FREE-FLOWING PROSECCO THIS AUGUST

What better excuse than Summer to join us for a delicious selection of freshly made sandwiches, pastries and scones. 

***Limited time offer*** Join us from 12th to 31st August 2024 and enjoy a free-flowing Prosecco Afternoon Tea for 90 minutes!

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