That mid-afternoon slump and craving for something sweet is usually remedied with putting the kettle on and reaching for some kind of snacks. But the habit of drinking tea and eating snacks at 3pm used to be a much more refined affair. In fact, it’s traced to the tradition of taking afternoon tea – a regal event that roared back to popularity in recent decades.
There is no more quintessential British ritual than the ceremony and serving of afternoon tea. It is a truly British custom with a history going back to the 19th century. The credit for this ritual is given to Anna the Duchess of Bedford who was a lady in waiting to Queen Victoria. As much as afternoon tea is loved for its cute finger sandwiches, elegant desserts and restorative drinks, it’s also an occasion in itself. The how, where and with whom you indulge is as important as what you indulge in. And we can thank one fine lady’s peckish-ness and desire for a good chit-chat for the whole affair.
