A Steeping Tradition: British Tea Culture – Exploring Traditions, Etiquette, and Delights

While tea wasn’t entirely unknown in England before her arrival, Catherine of Braganza, the Portuguese bride of King Charles II in the 1660s, is credited with popularizing tea among the elite.

Accustomed to tea as a daily beverage in Portugal, Catherine’s fondness for it, along with the exotic nature of the drink at the time, made it a fashionable choice at court. Catherine likely introduced the Portuguese method of preparing tea, a method that differed significantly from the initial European methods (often involving boiling the leaves for a long time, resulting in a bitter drink). Her influence might have helped shape the development of the very British tea-drinking rituals we know today.

The Rise of Afternoon Tea and Elevenses

Fast forward to the early 19th century, and whispers begin circulating about a new ritual within the aristocratic circles. Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, found herself plagued by a curious phenomenon – a mid-afternoon hunger pang that disrupted the long gap between lunch and dinner. The solution? A secret (or perhaps not-so-secret) request for tea and a selection of delicacies enjoyed in the privacy of her chambers. This delightful rebellion against the traditional meal schedule soon blossomed into a social affair, with friends and acquaintances gathering for their own “afternoon tea” experiences.

Afternoon tea, typically featuring delicate finger sandwiches (cucumber with cream cheese, smoked salmon with dill cream cheese, coronation chicken, egg salad with chives), scones (plain, raisin, cranberry orange) served warm with clotted cream and jams (strawberry, raspberry, apricot), and an assortment of sweet treats (mini Victoria sponges, fruit tarts, delicate pastries, Battenberg cake), became a distinguished social event.

Served on fine china teacups and saucers, often decorated with floral patterns or gold trim, and accompanied by plates, cutlery, and serving dishes made of high-quality porcelain or bone china, afternoon tea developed into the “posh” tea experience we see in country houses and city hotels today.

But tea wasn’t just for the upper crust. By the 1800s, tea prices had plummeted, making it an affordable beverage for all. This is where “Elevenses” comes in – a light, mid-morning work break with tea (or coffee) and a simple snack like shortbread cookies, buttery biscuits, muffins (blueberry, banana nut), or small slices of fruit cake. Savory options like cheese and crackers, small quiches, or sausage rolls can also be enjoyed during elevenses. Given the casual nature of elevenses, everyday dishes were likely used, such as mugs, side plates, and cutlery made of ceramic or stoneware.

High Tea: A Heartier Affair

High tea originated with the working class in the 1800s. In contrast to the afternoon leisure of the aristocracy, their days were filled with labor. With dinner typically served around midday, a more substantial tea filled the gap between work and a later evening meal.

High tea featured heartier fare like mini quiches, sausage rolls, scotch eggs, mini meat pies (steak and ale, chicken pot pie), savory pasties, alongside slices of cold cuts (ham, roast beef), a cheese platter with grapes and crackers, and small bowls of soup. While not always included, scones with jam and cream and small slices of cake (chocolate, fruit cake) or individual fruit crumbles can round off a delightful high tea experience.

Since high tea was a more substantial meal, they might have used a combination of plates, bowls, and cutlery typically used for dinner. The materials could be ceramic, stoneware, or even tin for everyday use.

The Teas of Britain

Britain boasts a rich tea culture with a variety of popular choices. Here are some of the most famous:

Black Teas:

Earl Grey: A quintessential English tea, Earl Grey is a black tea flavored with bergamot essential oil, giving it a distinctive citrusy aroma and taste. Believe it or not, Earl Grey wasn’t even invented in England! The story goes that a British diplomat received a special tea blend flavored with bergamot as a gift from a Chinese mandarin while stationed in China. He loved it and brought it back to England, where it became wildly popular.

English Breakfast Tea: This is a strong black tea blend known for its full-bodied malty flavor. Perfect for a morning cup, English Breakfast tea is traditionally enjoyed with milk and sugar. Its strong character helps to wake you up and pairs well with breakfast foods.

Irish Breakfast Tea: Similar to English Breakfast tea, Irish Breakfast is often a touch stronger and may sometimes contain Assam black tea for an even richer flavor. Irish Breakfast tea is another perfect choice for a robust morning cup.

Prince of Wales tea blend: Named after the Prince of Wales, the specific ingredients of this black tea blend can vary depending on the brand. However, it’s generally known for being strong and robust, another great option for a morning brew.

Other:

Gunfire: While not technically a tea, Gunfire is a rum and tea cocktail traditionally served in the British Army. The name is said to be derived from the fiery sensation it creates!

Beyond these classics, Britain also offers a wider variety of teas to explore:

Afternoon Tea Blends:

These are often lighter black tea blends, sometimes containing flower petals or fruit pieces. These lighter blends are perfect for afternoon tea with scones, finger sandwiches, and pastries.

Darjeeling: Originating from India, Darjeeling is a black tea known for its delicate muscatel flavor. Considered the “Champagne” of teas, Darjeeling is often enjoyed black, without milk or sugar, to fully appreciate its subtleties.

Yorkshire Tea: A strong black tea blend particularly popular in the north of England, Yorkshire Tea is known for its bold flavor and rich color.

Rooibos (South African): While technically not a “tea” (it comes from a different plant), rooibos is often included in herbal tea discussions and has become quite popular in Britain. It’s naturally caffeine-free and has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor, making it a great choice for any time of day.

Tea and Wellness

Beyond its delightful taste and social significance, tea has long been associated with a sense of well-being and potential health benefits.

The Rise of Tea as a Medicinal Beverage:

The first factor that significantly boosted tea’s popularity was its reputation for having medicinal properties. This association emerged in 1641 thanks to Nikolas Dirx, a Dutch physician and director of the Dutch East India Company. Writing under the pseudonym Nicolaes Tulp, Dirx published his book “Observationes Medicae,” where he declared tea to be “nothing comparable to this plant” and claimed its consumers were “exempt from all maladies and reach an extreme old age.” Dirx didn’t stop there; he went into extensive detail about tea’s specific merits, crediting it with curing a wide range of ailments including headaches, colds, eye problems, respiratory issues, sluggish digestion, and intestinal troubles. These claims were echoed by Thomas Garway, the first English shopkeeper to truly champion tea. In a 1660 broadsheet titled “An Exact Description of the Growth, Quality, and Vertues of the Leaf TEA,” Garway enthusiastically touted tea’s health benefits, proclaiming it to be a beverage that promotes overall health and longevity, invigorates the body, eases headaches, aids breathing, strengthens memory, and even expels infections.

While modern science may not fully support all the historical claims about tea’s medicinal properties, many people still find it to be a soothing and invigorating beverage that can contribute to a sense of overall well-being.

A Timeline of Tea Traditions

17th Century: Introduction of tea by Catherine of Braganza. While tea slowly became more common in coffee houses during the second half of the 17th century, the first tea shop in London did not open until the early 18th century. Thomas Twining’s tea shop has been claimed as the first, opening in 1706, where it remains at 216 Strand, London; however, 1717 has also been given as the date for the first tea shop.

Early 19th Century: The Duchess of Bedford establishes the afternoon tea tradition.

1800s: Tea becomes affordable and “Elevenses” emerges.

1800s: High tea emerges among the working class.

Tea for Everyone: Manners and Etiquette

Whether enjoyed as a more formal afternoon tea with delicate finger foods or a more casual evening meal with heartier fare, tea has become a cornerstone of British culture. While proper etiquette is encouraged, forget about pinky fingers raised high! This is a misconception, and the focus is on enjoying a delightful social experience with good company and delicious food. There’s even a friendly debate about whether to add milk before or after pouring the tea, as adding milk is a personal preference!

Interestingly, historical tea etiquette around cups and saucers has evolved over time. In the 1770s and 1780s, for example, saucers were deeper and more bowl-like, and it was fashionable to drink directly from the saucer. Today, etiquette dictates raising only the cup to drink and placing it back in the saucer between sips.

Dress for the Occasion

There’s no strict dress code for enjoying tea, but smart casual attire is generally recommended. Afternoon tea leans slightly more formal, so consider dresses, skirts and blouses, or tailored pantsuits for women, and collared shirts, chinos, or dress pants for men. High tea can be a bit more relaxed, with sundresses, blouses and jeans, or smart casual dresses being suitable options for women, and collared shirts, sweaters, or chinos working well for men.

Interestingly, tea attire has become more relaxed over time. Early tea parties were much more formal affairs, with ladies often wearing elaborate gowns and gentlemen in suits and ties.

Remember, comfort is key! Choose an outfit that allows you to sit back, relax, and fully enjoy the tea experience.

Regional Variations of Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea traditions can vary slightly across different regions within Britain itself. For example, in Devon, cream tea (scones, jam, and clotted cream) might be the preferred afternoon tea option, while in Wales, Welsh cakes (a type of griddle cake) might be included.

Evolution of Afternoon Tea Stands

The beautiful tiered stands used for serving afternoon tea have evolved over time.

Originally, a single plate or a simple stand might have been used. Today’s multi-tiered stands are a relatively recent invention, allowing for the elegant presentation of the various courses.

A Touch of Home: Afternoon Tea at Home

Enjoying a delightful afternoon tea experience isn’t limited to fancy hotels and cafes. You can easily recreate the charm at home! Here are some tips:

Set the mood: Use your nicest teacups and saucers, along with a tablecloth and flowers for a touch of elegance.

Bake or buy: You can bake your own scones or finger sandwiches, or opt for store-bought options.

Sweet treats: Include a variety of sweet treats like cookies, pastries, or a small cake.

Tea selection: Offer a variety of teas to suit different preferences.

Pairing Tea with Food

Tea pairings can add another layer of enjoyment to your afternoon tea experience. Different types of tea can complement the various food items served. For example, black teas might pair well with savory options, while lighter teas might be better suited for sweet treats.

Afternoon Tea Today

Afternoon tea has adapted in the modern world. While maintaining its traditions, Afternoon Tea experiences today can sometimes offer modern twists on menus or incorporate dietary restrictions. Additionally, Afternoon Tea isn’t just enjoyed by women anymore; it’s a delightful social experience for everyone.

Popular Global Afternoon Tea Locations

While the tradition originated in Britain, afternoon tea, or its close cousin high tea, can now be enjoyed in luxurious hotels and charming cafes around the world. Here are a few iconic locations to whet your appetite:

London, England:

Claridge’s Hotel: Known for its elegant ambiance and delicate pastries

The Palm Court at The Langham Hotel: Steeped in history, The Palm Court offers a traditional afternoon tea with a modern twist.

The Kensington Palace Orangery: Enjoy a quintessentially British afternoon tea experience in a beautiful setting overlooking the palace gardens.

Expand beyond London:

Paris, France: Angelina’s tea room is a Parisian institution famous for its decadent hot chocolate and afternoon tea selection.

New York City, USA:

The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel: A New York City landmark, The Palm Court offers a luxurious afternoon tea service with stunning city views.

The Tea Room at The Russian Tea Room: This opulent tea room offers a taste of Imperial Russia with its afternoon tea service.

Hong Kong, China:

The Peninsula Hotel is renowned for its quintessential afternoon tea experience with panoramic views of Victoria Harbour.

Enjoy a variety of settings:

High-end hotels: These typically offer a luxurious experience with elegant settings and formal service.

Charming cafes: Look for cafes with a focus on tea and pastries for a more relaxed atmosphere.

Unique venues: Some historical locations or gardens might offer afternoon tea with a special twist.

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A Steeping Tradition: British Tea Culture – Exploring Traditions, Etiquette, and Delights

While tea wasn’t entirely unknown in England before her arrival, Catherine of Braganza, the Portuguese bride of King Charles II in the 1660s, is credited with popularizing tea among the elite.

Popular Global Afternoon Tea Locations

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A Steeping Tradition: British Tea Culture – Exploring Traditions, Etiquette, and Delights

Grandparents and Tea: A Timeless Tradition of Togetherness