What is Afternoon Tea?

What is Afternoon Tea?

A delightful interlude that usually involves small bite-sized pastries, scones, petite sandwiches, and often sparkling wine or Champagne in addition to a pot of tea.

Elegant, whimsical or just charming, Afternoon Tea is offered everywhere throughout Great Britain. However, today its finding global popularity, especially at luxury hotels where they have the space, the fine porcelain china and the ambiance to host these dreamy occasions.

That said, quaint tea rooms abound in the UK and while not as abundant in the US, they can be found, serving a charming version of Afternoon Tea - usually without the sparkling wine and the harp music.

Afternoon Tea vs High Tea

Afternoon Tea is different than High Tea.
High Tea is more of a savory meal with dishes you might normally find at the dinner table. It is not the ‘fancy’ tea that Afternoon Tea is and it is served later.
Afternoon Tea is something I enjoy when travelling and at home too.

The above photo was taken from one of the very first Afternoon Teas I served at home. That was about 8 years ago.