The Woodlea Travelling Tea Party’s love for afternoon tea
goes beyond just the delicious treats and aromatic teas.
It’s a tradition steeped in history, culture, and social grace.
Let’s take a journey through the centuries to explore
the origins and evolution of this time honoured custom.
The Beginnings of Afternoon Tea
The tradition of afternoon tea began in England in the early 19th century, thanks to Anna, the Duchess of Bedford. In those days, it was common for the English aristocracy to eat only two main meals a day—breakfast and a late evening dinner. Anna found herself feeling peckish in the late afternoon, so she began requesting a small snack of tea, bread, butter, and cakes to tide her over until dinner. She started inviting her friends to join her, and soon this delightful “afternoon tea” became a fashionable social event.
Afternoon Tea vs. High Tea
While afternoon tea was a light, social gathering enjoyed by the upper class, “high tea” was quite different. High tea was a hearty meal enjoyed by the working class after a long day of labor. It included more substantial foods like meats, breads, and hearty dishes, and was typically served at a “high” table, hence the name. Afternoon tea, by contrast, was often enjoyed in a more relaxed, comfortable setting on a “low” table and was designed to be a light refreshment for the upper class. Some choose to use the terms interchangeably, but now you understand that they are clearly different ‘events’.
The Victorian Influence
Queen Victoria played a significant role in popularizing afternoon tea. Her love for the tradition inspired a cultural trend, and soon, elegant tea services and tea gardens became a staple of Victorian society. It became customary for ladies to dress in their finest gowns, hats, and gloves to attend afternoon tea gatherings, adding a level of refinement and grace to the experience that we still associate with the tradition today.
Components of Afternoon Tea
A traditional afternoon tea consists of three courses served on a three-tiered platter. Each component is meant to be enjoyed slowly, allowing for conversation and savouring of the different flavours along with your tea.
Savouries
The lowest tier typically consists of an assortment of finger sandwiches with light fillings, such as cucumber, smoked salmon, or egg salad. Nowadays you will see other savoury items such as tarts, filled croissants and more.
Scones
The middle tier is filled with scones which are served with clotted cream, lemon curd and jam. Scones are a hallmark of the afternoon tea experience.
Sweets
The top tier consists of a variety of small pastries, cakes, tarts, or macarons, which are designed to satisfy a sweet tooth.
The Spread of Afternoon Tea Around the World
As the British Empire expanded, the tradition of afternoon tea spread to other countries, each culture adding its own unique twist. In India, for example, chai became a popular option, and in Japan, tea houses began blending traditional Japanese tea practices with the British concept of afternoon tea.
Modern Afternoon Tea
Today, afternoon tea remains a beloved pastime. Many tea rooms, hotels, and even private caterers (like us!) offer afternoon tea with themes ranging from classic to contemporary. The timeless charm and elegance of afternoon tea make it perfect for celebrations, whether you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary, hosting a bridal shower, or simply gathering with friends for an afternoon of connection. Afternoon tea is a wonderful way to celebrate any occasion!