As an elegant affair steeped in the British tradition, high tea is an experience everyone should have at least once. For the uninitiated, high tea is an afternoon meal focused on tea, finger sandwiches, scones, and petite pastries. Far from a casual cup of Earl Gray, high tea is a social event meant for lingering and enjoying the company of friends or loved ones. You’re in for a treat if you’ve never attended a proper high tea service. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about this time-honoured custom, from the origins of afternoon tea to what to expect at a high tea service. By the end, you’ll be ready to host your high tea or search out a charming teahouse to embark on this tasty tradition. If you’re in need of an high tea set right now, we recommend you visit www.teasetbox.com to find a high-quality English tea set.
What Exactly Is High Tea?
High tea refers to the traditional British afternoon tea service consisting of tea, sandwiches, scones, and sweets.
Tea is served in small teapots with milk and lemon and poured into delicate teacups. Multiple rounds of tea are served to guests.
High tea originated in England in the 1840s. It was served later in the afternoon to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner, typically served very late in the evening. High tea is still prevalent in England today, especially on weekends, and is considered a social event.
You may enjoy high tea at upscale hotels, tea rooms, and even speciality tea shops. Reservations are typically recommended, especially for larger parties. Proper attire, such as dresses, skirts, button-down shirts, and slacks, is customary. Hats and gloves for women were once required, but today are optional.
The high tea service includes:
- An assortment of finger sandwiches such as cucumber, egg salad, ham, and cheese
- Freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam
- An array of bite-sized pastries like petit fours, tarts, macarons
- Tea cakes, tea cookies, or other bite-sized treats
- Pots of hot tea – options may include Earl Gray, Darjeeling, English breakfast or herbal blends.
High tea is a delicious experience for any tea or culinary enthusiast. Treat yourself to this classic British tradition and step back in time, if only for an afternoon. With polite conversation, tasty treats, and perfectly steeped tea, high tea is a memorable way to spend time with friends or celebrate a special occasion.
Why Are Teacups So Small During High Tea?
During a traditional high tea service, teacups are purposefully tiny in size. There are a few reasons for this:
- Tradition: Little teacups have been used during high tea since its inception in 19th century England. The smaller cups reflect the original intent of high tea as a delicate, refined social event. Using more giant mugs would detract from the sophistication.
- Enhanced flavour: The smaller cup size allows the tea to be served very hot, which helps bring out the subtle flavours and aromas of the tea. As the tea cools in the cup, the flavours become more pronounced. A large mug would require more tea, and the temperature would drop too quickly, muting the flavours.
- Controlled portions: The dainty cups dictate a measured amount of tea for each pour. This allows for a consistent strength of tea across each cup and each high tea service. The controlled pour also means guests can enjoy multiple cups of tea without becoming overwhelmed by excess volume.
Complementary to finger foods. High tea traditionally features an array of bite-sized pastries, sandwiches, scones and other delicacies. The smaller cups are appropriately sized to accompany these petite treats. They do not overpower the food or dominate the table space.
In summary, the teacups used during high tea are intentionally petite to uphold tradition, enhance the flavour experience, provide controlled portions, and complement the diminutive finger foods. While the small size may seem unusual to the uninitiated, the cups play an essential role in crafting an authentic high tea service.
Where Is High Tea Traditionally Served?
Traditional Locations for High Tea Service
Traditionally, high tea was served in upscale hotels, especially in England. Some of the most well-known hotels for the classic tea service include:
- The Ritz London: Opened in 1906, The Ritz London serves high tea in the luxurious Palm Court, complete with harp music. They offer over 40 varieties of loose-leaf tea and delicacies like finger sandwiches, scones, and chocolate eclairs.
- The Dorchester: Another prestigious London hotel, The Dorchester, has hosted high tea in The Promenade since 1931. They are renowned for high-quality teas, champagne, and decadent pastries from award-winning chefs.
- Brown’s Hotel: As the first hotel in London, Brown’s Hotel has been serving tea since 1837. High tea is offered in the exquisite English Tea Room, featuring fine bone china, silverware, and over 30 premium teas accompanied by traditional tea fare.
- The Savoy: Opened in 1889, The Savoy’s Thames Foyer provides an elegant setting for high tea with live piano music. They offer over 40 teas along with delectable finger sandwiches, scones, tarts, cakes, and chocolates prepared fresh daily.
High tea is also served at upscale manor houses, castles, and estates around England in lavish rooms with picturesque garden views. Some well-known locations include Downton Abbey’s Highclere Castle, Stoke Park Manor, and Waddesdon Manor. These venues provide an unforgettable experience with the finest teas, champagnes, and delicacies in opulent historical settings.
While traditionally enjoyed in England, high tea service has spread to upscale hotels, restaurants, and tea rooms worldwide. However, to experience high tea in its original form, visiting a prestigious hotel or manor in England is highly recommended. The impeccable service, decadent fare, and remarkable historic ambience cannot be replicated elsewhere.
How Often Do the English Have Tea Time?
Frequency of Tea Time
For most Britons, afternoon tea is a daily tradition and social event. Historically, tea time in England dates back to the 1840s and was popularized by Anna Russell, the Duchess of Bedford. The Duchess experienced a ‘sinking feeling’ in the afternoon and began taking tea and snacks at this time. Others quickly adopted this practice in aristocratic circles.
Today, most Britons partake in afternoon tea once or twice per week. The specific days and frequency vary depending on personal schedules and preferences. Many companies and workplaces even schedule short afternoon tea breaks for employees a few times a week.
Weekends
Weekends provide more time for a traditional afternoon tea service with scones, pastries and finger sandwiches. Friends and family will get together on Saturdays or Sundays for a whole afternoon tea at home or a hotel. Weekend tea often lasts two to three hours, allowing for a leisurely conversation and multiple rounds of tea, snacks and sweets.
Special Occasions
Afternoon tea is also famous for special occasions and celebrations like birthdays, bridal showers and jubilees. Elaborate-themed teas with champagne, live music, and decadent-tiered platters of treats are common for milestone events and holidays.
While daily tea consumption has declined in Britain, afternoon tea remains integral to cultural tradition and social life. Taking time out of one’s day to sit, sip tea and chat with others is still greatly valued. Afternoon tea in England is as much about friendship, manners and community as food and drink. Joining together for tea, whether once a day or once a week, is a cherished ritual that strengthens relationships and spreads good cheer.
Where Can I Experience High Tea Near Me?
Traditional Tea Rooms
For an authentic high tea experience, visit a traditional tea room. These establishments are dedicated to the art of tea and provide a ritually perfect tea service in an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era. You can expect delicate sandwiches, scones, pastries, and a selection of premium loose-leaf teas served in fine china at a tea room. Some well-known spots include:
- The Ritz London: Open since 1906, the Palm Court at The Ritz London is a world-renowned tea destination. They offer a classic afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones and pastries, and 18 types of loose-leaf tea.
- Bettys Tea Rooms: A Yorkshire institution since 1919, Bettys Tea Rooms are the epitome of a traditional English tea room. They have locations in Harrogate, York, and other towns across Yorkshire. Bettys is renowned for high quality, homemade fare and a tranquil, refined ambience.
- The Old Cataract Hotel: For a unique high tea in a historical setting, visit the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan, Egypt. Opened in 1899, the hotel has stunning views of the Nile River and offers afternoon tea on its veranda and lawns. Various teas, finger sandwiches, scones and sweets are served while a harpist plays.
Upscale Hotels
Many prestigious hotels offer a luxurious high tea service, whether in a dedicated space or restaurant. These lavish teas typically feature premium champagne or cocktails and a traditional three-tiered platter of sandwiches, scones, and sweets. Some top options include:
- The Dorchester Hotel: The Promenade in London’s Dorchester Hotel is world renowned for its extravagant afternoon tea. Open since 1931; The Dorchester combines timeless elegance with contemporary luxury.
- Emirates Palace: Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace Hotel offers high tea in its Le Café lounge, with a selection of rare, expensive teas and the finest delicacies amidst opulent surroundings. An orchestra provides musical accompaniment.
- Mandarin Oriental: Several Mandarin Oriental hotels, such as those in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Tokyo, are celebrated for their high tea. The Mandarin Oriental prides itself on incorporating local flavours and the finest quality ingredients to provide an unparalleled experience.
With so many delightful choices for high tea at home and while travelling, there is an option to suit every taste. So take the time to slow down, sip tea and savour the simple pleasures this traditional ritual offers.
Conclusion
As you have learned, high tea is a delightful experience that allows you to slow down from the bustle of the day and enjoy simple pleasures. The elegant tea service, delicious finger foods, and charming atmosphere transport you to another time and place. Though high tea originated in England as an afternoon meal for the upper class, today, people worldwide can partake in this charming custom. Whether you choose a lavish hotel, quaint tea room, or even your home, high tea is a social event for savouring with friends or loved ones. If you’ve never attended a traditional high tea, add it to your bucket list – you’ll be glad you did. A pot of tea, tasty treats, and pleasant company – what could be better? High tea is a tradition worth keeping.
