JOURNAL
The origins of afternoon tea
Afternoon tea is a time-honoured British tradition, and one of life’s great pleasures. But the origins and history of the afternoon tea are truly fascinating, here are some facts that you can impress your tea loving companions with.
The ritual of afternoon tea all started in the 1800's, when Anna Maria Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, one of Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting and a prominent figure in London society, complained of "having that sinking feeling" during the late afternoon. The Duchess wanted something to satisfy her hunger, nothing too large but something to see her through until dinner was served at eight o’clock. She would order a pot of tea, with bread, butter and cakes to accompany it, and the great British tradition of afternoon tea was born!
As a friend of Queen Victoria, the custom soon spread throughout the country. Afternoon tea parties became increasingly popular during the Edwardian era, where it was considered a fashionable social event with women dressing up in their finest clothes and hats. It was only when Queen Victoria engaged in the afternoon tea ritual that it became a formal occasion on a larger scale, known as 'tea receptions'. These receptions could have as many as two hundred guests attending.
Another fascinating fact, the tiered cake stands often used to serve afternoon tea was invented by the Duchess of Bedford’s friend, Marie Antoinette.
A common misconception, the term high tea is often used to describe afternoon tea. However, high tea is a more substantial meal which is typically eaten in the evening, whilst afternoon tea is a light meal served between lunch and dinner. Indeed, the meal referred to as ‘high tea,’ was, in fact, a meal in itself in working-class households and would be accompanied by meat and fish dishes. It was eaten off high tables, whereas ‘low tea’ was more of a snack eaten off low tables to keep hunger at bay in upper-class houses where dinner was served fashionably late.
Tea is of course the fundamental component of an afternoon tea. The most popular tea blend for afternoon tea is Earl Grey, a black tea flavoured with bergamot oil. However other popular teas include Darjeeling, Assam, Ceylon, English Breakfast Tea or Lapsang Souchong.
Tea drinking in Britain pre-dates afternoon tea by a couple of hundred years, having been popularised in England by King Charles II and his Portuguese wife Catherine de Bragaza in the 1600s. Initial imports of tea were very expensive and heavily taxed, procured through the East India Company who maintained a monopoly on the trade, meaning that only the very wealthy could afford tea. However, and even with a huge import tax, by the 18th century, tea drinking had risen substantially, putting pressure on the government to reduce the high level of tax on it, removing the need for the black market and encouraging the wider population to replace gin with tea as the go-to breakfast drink!
As the afternoon tea evolved, finger sandwiches became a popular staple, with the Earl of Sandwich’s influence taking effect. As well as delicately cut sandwiches, an afternoon tea is composed of scones with clotted cream and jam, sweet pastries and cakes. Interestingly, scones were not a common feature of the early afternoon tea, these were only introduced in the twentieth century because of their popularity.
As you will see, afternoon tea is no longer the light meal of its origins. It has evolved into a time-honoured tradition, an elegant ritual enjoyed throughout the world.
Here at Cringletie, we are proud to celebrate this quintessentially British tradition in style, with an afternoon tea that is truly indulgent, celebratory and luxurious. Whether you are escaping for afternoon with friends, tea for two or the perfect gift for a loved one, our Cringletie Afternoon Tea and Gift Vouchers provide a range of luxurious and delicious options.
Cringletie Afternoon Tea
Served daily between 2.30pm and 5pm – bookings required.
Our own selection of freshly made savouries including black pudding & apple sausage roll, smoked haddock Scotch egg, and a broccoli & blue cheese tart, followed by delicate finger sandwiches.
Enjoy our homemade cakes such as Battenburg, Swiss meringue topped with Chantilly cream & berries, gateaux opera, lemon posset and of course our delicious warm scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream.
Our afternoon tea is served with a great choice of loose-leaf teas and a selection of coffees.
Traditional afternoon tea is £29.50 per person.
If you have something to celebrate such as a birthday or anniversary, why not add a glass of Joseph Perrier Blanc de Blancs Champagne?
Afternoon tea with champagne is £45.50 per person.
“I have had the wonderful experience of Afternoon Tea at Cringletie, sitting in the lounge and looking at the gorgeous views - it is quite simply unforgettable”.
Guest - Mrs Emery