Afternoon Tea

What is tea? Tea is a drink made by pouring hot water over the leaves of the tea plant. There are many types of tea, however most are grown in China (sinensis) and India (assam). 165´000´000 cups a day in Britain.

But… As well as being the name of the drink, tea has given its name to some English meals; In the north of England Dinner is often called ´tea´. In the whole of Britain there is a special “meal” called “afternoon tea”. It is called Tea because, although other parts of the meal may change, there will always be tea! It is usually taken around 5 o’clock, either as a light meal after a Sunday lunch. Or as a small bridge meal for a later dinner.

Cream Tea A common afternoon tea in the south of England. Usually formed of; Scones; a small round sweet-bread/cake Clotted Cream Jam (Strawberry) A pot of tea to share

High Tea Named 'high', because it is taken later in the day – 6 or 7 o'clock. A larger meal – instead of dinner. Usually consists of bread rolls, butter and; Cold cuts of meat Cheese Pickle Followed by cakes and jam And tea!

Afternoon tea The most commonly taken 'tea', however, is the normal 'afternoon tea' which is taken regularly by English people today. Particularly on Sundays. On the table you will usually find; Small triangle sandwiches (with crusts cut off!), filled with cucumber, egg & cress, ham, smoked salmon etc. “Fruit cake”; a cake containing raisins, candied fruit, cherries and nuts Crumpets, a savoury bready cake for adding butter Scones Hot cross buns, in February and March, until Good Friday A pot of tea, or two

Delicious!