5 Amazing Afternoon Tea Facts
Afternoon tea is the perfect way to enjoy a relaxing afternoon with loved ones, as you’ll have the chance to enjoy delicious nibbles in a stunning location. We are proud to provide afternoon tea in Liverpool, and are therefore providing 5 fun facts on this wonderful service.
1. Origin
image via www.eetapp.com
Afternoon tea is thought have begun in 1840 when the seventh Duchess of Bedford, Anna Maria Stanhope, complained of a sinking feeling in the middle of the afternoon, as lunch was served at twelve noon and dinner was not served until 8:00 or 9:00. She therefore would request tea and a few slices of bread and butter to be served in her private drawing room.
The trend was soon picked up by ladies across Britain, who would dress elaborately in their most exquisite dresses to enjoy afternoon tea in their friends’ houses.
2. Teabags
image via janeausteninvermont.wordpress.com
Teabags were invented in America, as they were used to hold samples of teas brought from India.
3. The Most Expensive Afternoon Tea
If you have a spare $8,888 going spare, you could always head on over to the Ritz Carlton in Hong Kong, as they serve the world’s most expensive afternoon tea.
4. WWI
image via www.pinterest.com
World War I resulted in the demise of afternoon tea due to rationing. Once the war was over, the tradition was not taken up again, with women simply enjoying a cup of tea and a biscuit until dinner. If someone wanted to enjoy afternoon tea, they would visit a hotel or tea room – which is why afternoon tea is commonly served in hotels across the UK.
5. The Different Teas
image via www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk
Contrary to popular belief, afternoon tea is rather different to high tea or cream tea. High tea is the time when working class people would enjoy their main meal at tea time. Cream tea is rather similar to afternoon tea but excludes the sandwiches and cakes – and where’s the fun in that?
