Tea Time Traditions: A Journey Through the UK’s Best Afternoon Teas
- Earl Grey – a flavored black tea scented with oil of bergamot
- Darjeeling – known as the “Champagne of Teas” for its delicate, floral flavor
- Assam – a strong, malty black tea from India
- Lapsang Souchong – a smoky Chinese black tea
- Sencha – a grassy, vegetal Japanese green tea
- Chamomile – a soothing, caffeine-free herbal infusion
Popular Venues
Many of London’s most luxurious hotels are renowned for their sumptuous afternoon teas:
- The Ritz – an iconic setting for a classic British tea
- Claridge’s – innovative twists on tradition in an Art Deco space
- The Savoy – a glamorous tea served in the Thames Foyer
- Fortnum & Mason – a historic department store famous for its tea selection
Quaint tearooms in the countryside, like those in the Cotswolds and Devon, also offer charming cream teas featuring fresh scones with jam and clotted cream.
Etiquette
While the atmosphere is more relaxed these days, proper afternoon tea etiquette is still observed:
- Avoid placing your napkin on the table if you need to leave temporarily; place it on your chair instead.
- Stir your tea gently back and forth without clinking the spoon against the cup.
- Hold your teacup by pinching the handle between your thumb and first two fingers; no need to stick out your pinky.
- Scones should break apart easily without the use of a knife. Eat them in two bites.
