What's the Difference Between High Tea and Afternoon Tea?

The history of the afternoon and high tea in the United Kingdom:

Because many people wrongly assume there is no difference between "afternoon tea" and "high tea," the terms "afternoon tea" and "high tea" are frequently interchanged. Both tea traditions have deep roots in British history, and the minute distinctions between them are a product of their beginnings.

WHAT IS AFTERNOON TEA, EXACTLY?

Afternoon tea is a British gastronomic ritual of having tea, sandwiches, scones, and cake in the afternoon. Around 4 p.m., afternoon tea is served. When Anna, the Duchess of Bedford popularised afternoon tea in the early 1800s, it was never intended to replace supper, but rather to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner at a period when dinner might be served as late as 8 p.m. Since then, people's lifestyles have evolved, and afternoon tea is now a delight rather than a filler.

Many people's work schedules don't allow them to sit down and enjoy scones and cakes in the late afternoon, so the tradition is now reserved for holidays and special occasions. The ritual is still distinctly British, and many Britons still sit and appreciate the decency and civility of this most antiquated of English eating customs, albeit not on a regular basis. The Ritz in London is a well-known spot for authentic afternoon tea. Their afternoon tea service is so popular that reservations are required months in advance. The famed Bettys Tea Rooms in Yorkshire have remained virtually unchanged since their opening in 1919.

WHAT IS A HIGH TEA, EXACTLY?

Afternoon tea was definitely the privilege of the wealthy in the nineteenth century, as evidenced by its roots. Tea time had to wait until after work for workers in increasingly industrialised Britain. Tea was usually served with heartier foods at that hour, so it was more than simply tea and cakes. Workers needed to eat after a long day of hard work, so the after-work meal was usually hot and full, with a pot of good, strong tea to lift their spirits.

Working-class homes still refer to the evening meal as "tea," but since working patterns have shifted again, many households now refer to the evening meal as supper. The addition of the word "high" to the phrase "high tea" is said to distinguish between afternoon tea, which is typically enjoyed on low, comfy parlour chairs or while resting in the garden, and after-work high tea, which is served at the table while sat on high back dining chairs.

SCOTTISH HIGH TEA

In Scotland, high tea is distinguished even more. A Scottish high tea is similar to an afternoon tea, except it includes hot food like cheese on toast or other savoury treats.

Have you ever tried afternoon tea? What kind do you opt for?