A Brief History of Afternoon Tea in the United Kingdom

The ceremonial and presentation of afternoon tea is a traditional British tradition. Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, is credited with starting the tradition in the early 1800s. The Duchess was hungry and had a'sinking sensation' by late afternoon due to the custom of serving dinner between 8 and 9 p.m. She would request tea, bread and butter, and pastries to be sent to her room to satisfy her appetite. Later, she would ask others to join her at her house, and the light tea became so popular that it became a routine.

When the Duchess returned to London, she continued the tradition, and the 'At Home' tea was born, swiftly spreading throughout England. Tea invitations were given to family and friends, along with the time the tea would be served. Sometimes there was entertainment, but most of the time it was just to chat and mindless gossip over tea and cakes. Unless regrets were communicated, the guest was expected to appear if 'At Home' notes were received. Every day, at least one individual held an at home, and social bonds formed fast as ladies saw one other on a regular basis.

Tea consumption eventually expanded from the home to the rest of society.
Tea Parties were commonplace, and Tea Rooms and Tea Gardens popped up all over the place.

The 'At Home' trend diminished throughout the Edwardian era as people's desire to travel grew. Tea was now served at four o'clock in the new tea lounges of luxury hotels, like the Ritz, and high-end stores like Fortnum & Mason, and was frequently accompanied by light music and even a little dancing.

Tea dances became somewhat of a craze that lasted until well after WWII, but eventually faded away. The tea dance, like Afternoon Tea, has had a resurgence in popularity in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and is now enjoyed by people of all ages.

TODAY'S AFTERNOON TEA

Afternoon tea was significantly altered by the two World Wars, notably with tea rationing extending into the 1950s, yet the habit persisted until the mid-twentieth century. Afternoon tea, on the other hand, became little more than a piece of faded British tradition to dangle before visitors when the British began their love affair with coffee shops.

But, fast forward to the twenty-first century, how come afternoon tea at the Ritz is now one of London's most difficult-to-book dining experiences? Queues form around the block outside Yorkshire's famed Betty's Tea Rooms. At three o'clock, hotel dining rooms throughout the country are filled, and tables groan beneath the weight of cake and scones stands. Teas are making a comeback, and this time in a major way.

Ironically, the economic slump that began in 2008 is attributed to its resurgence. When money is scarce, it appears that a return to more traditional values and homey hobbies is more common.

However, there is one significant distinction. Tea, in the time of the duchess, was a convenient way to fill up the gaps in the day. Today's afternoon meal tends to replace lunch while also reducing the demand for a hefty dinner. Afternoon tea is a popular method for 'Stay at Home' moms to connect and dine. And, what better way to use up time on a wet, cold 'staycation' than a few hours lingering over tea and scones? So trendy is afternoon tea that weddings on a budget are choosing to offer it instead of the traditional sit-down supper. Even spas around the country now offer Afternoon Tea as part of a spa day.

Have you ever had an afternoon tea? What is your favourite part?
My favourite place for afternoon tea in Bristol has got to be Ashwell & Co. Pay them a visit if you are in the area!

Want to see more of the places where I have had afternoon tea? Watch the video below!