Afternoon tea is a great British tradition which has been exported across the world, but how does it differ from a high tea?
Upper-Class Tradition
The idea of sitting down to tea with a selection of sandwiches and cakes first became popular in the 1800s, when the Duchess of Bedford described having a ‘sinking feeling’ in between lunch and dinner. She started eating bread and butter with her afternoon tea along with a slice of cake and soon began inviting other upper-class ladies to join her. It very quickly became the thing to do among those of wealthier means. Nowadays, thankfully, it can be enjoyed by everyone, not just aristocrats, although it is still seen as a bit of a treat often enjoyed on a special occasion.
In recent years, the trend of ordering an afternoon tea box delivery has caught on, as these allow anyone to enjoy a tasty selection of sandwiches and sweet pastries from the comfort of their own home. There is a wide variety available from companies such as afternoonteabox.com, who can tailor the box to your wishes and tastes.
Working-Class Meal
High tea, on the other hand, was the preserve of the working classes, who needed something more substantial to fill them up after a hard day’s graft. The term ‘high tea’ comes from the fact that it was a meal served while seated on high-back dining chairs at a table. A hot pot of tea was accompanied by a full hot meal, which could include meat or fish or a pie. This is what many people now refer to as dinner or supper but is also why some of us still refer to it as ‘tea’.
Scottish High Tea
In Scotland, there is still a traditional high tea, which is very similar to afternoon tea but also includes hot food, such as crumpets, cheese on toast or sausage rolls.
Whichever you prefer, they all allow people to come together and catch up over some tasty food and a steaming cup of tea.
