Fact Finder - Food and Drink

Fact
The Tradition of British Afternoon Tea
Category
Food and Drink
Subcategory
Global Cuisine
Country
United Kingdom
Description
Afternoon Tea was introduced in England by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, in 1840. At the time, it was common to eat only two meals a day—breakfast and a late dinner around 8 p.m. The Duchess found herself feeling 'faint' in the late afternoon and began requesting a tray of tea, bread and butter, and cake. This private habit became a social event when she began inviting friends to join her. Afternoon tea is traditionally served on a three-tier stand: sandwiches at the bottom, scones with clotted cream and jam in the middle, and sweets on top. One of the great British debates is the 'Scone Law': whether the cream or the jam should be spread first.