Although we might not sit down to it every day, afternoon tea is a special way to enjoy miniature cakes, sandwiches, and most importantly – tea! But what exactly does it consist of?

Cream tea, high tea, chocolate afternoon tea: there are so many different variations of an afternoon tea that it can sometimes be difficult to work out exactly what an afternoon tea should include.

Whilst there are similarities between these different variations on the classic mid-afternoon snack, there are subtle differences that set them apart. We delve into what distinguishes an afternoon tea from the rest, so that you can recreate your own, confident in the knowledge that you’ve got it just right.

Cream, high, or afternoon?

A trio of teas can make it rather difficult to set one apart from the other – we’ve made it even more confusing with our very own chocolate Afternoon Tea of the Gods. However, there are small differences:

Afternoon tea

Perhaps unsurprisingly, this demure event was popularised by no other than royalty. The Seventh Duchess of Bedford complained of being hungry at 4pm, and started taking a small snack at this time. Soon, she started inviting friends, and the trend started to spread amongst the upper classes.

Whilst afternoon tea is no longer confined to the high society, it still offers a more dainty and decadent way to enjoy a cuppa, a sarnie and a slice of cake. Nowadays, afternoon tea consists of a selection of petite finger foods, such as miniature cakes, tarts and scones. It also usually contains small finger sandwiches – crusts off, of course!

No afternoon tea could be complete without tea. Traditionally served in china cups and saucers, delicate brews are served both upon arrival and during the occasion.

High tea

If afternoon tea belonged to the upper echelons of society, then high tea was the poorer man’s version. Whilst afternoon tea was typically enjoyed whilst sitting demurely on a sofa chatting amongst friends, high tea was a meal for workers, enjoyed at the table with family. High tea was taken as dinner, rather than a simple snack.

Typically, high tea consisted of more substantial foods, such as pork pies, cold meats, bread and tea cakes. Whilst tea did make an appearance, it was a strong, black hearty brew – after all, the more refined, delicate types of tea enjoyed within the top tier of society would have been well out of the budget of the typical 19th century worker.

Over time, the meaning behind high tea has tended to merge with that of afternoon tea as the upper classes developed their own variation. Veal, pigeon, salmon and fruit made an appearance into the more tarted up version of high tea.

This is partly the reason why high tea and afternoon tea are used interchangeably, as many hotels and restaurants will offer high tea, even though only sandwiches and cakes make an appearance in their version.

Cream tea

Unlike its more detailed variations, cream tea consists of only scones, jam clotted cream, and of course, tea. This afternoon treat has quickly become a staple for holidaymakers to enjoy during the British summertime as it features regularly in tourist attractions, such as cafés in cathedrals or castles.

Perhaps the reason why we Brits can’t get enough of cream tea is because of the trivial, yet divisive argument it always evokes; does the cream go on the top, or the bottom of the jam? Watch out – if you’re in Devon the cream should go on first, and if you’re in Cornwall then the cream goes on last.

Chocolate afternoon tea

Whilst a traditional afternoon tea consists of miniature versions of sandwiches, cakes and biscuits, we couldn’t help but make ours chocolate themed. Our Afternoon Tea of the Gods has cocoa tastes running through our whole menu – even the sandwiches!

OK, so we haven’t drizzled dark chocolate on top of a tuna sarnie, or melted milk chocolate into BLT, but we have incorporated some of the more nuanced tastes of the cocoa bean to create the most sumptuous sandwiches. Our egg mayonnaise brioche is sprinkled with cocoa nibs which add a malty edge and a savoury richness.

Of course, our cakes and scones have also got their fair share of chocolate flavours added in: think opulent chocolate and cherry gateau, and fluffy scones with an indulgent chocolate ganache. Our chocolate afternoon tea wouldn’t be complete without a selection of our tasting chocolates – our selection changes daily, so feel free to ask beforehand to find out more.

Although there isn’t just one way to enjoy an afternoon tea, we advise you to take it with loved ones – there’s nothing better than sitting down to a selection of delicious morsels with a cup of your favourite brew.