Clare Teal: Why afternoon tea is the best meal of the day

By the look of me you’d think I was no stranger to Afternoon Tea, but it’s a tradition that has passed me by thus far but something I certainly intend to rectify. On many occasions I have observed other people enjoying these grand three tiered feasts with their friends, but have always been surprised at how much food is left over – I’m pretty sure that should I ever have the good fortune to attend afternoon tea with like minded souls it is unlikely that anything other than a tiny sprinkling of crumbs would remain on the plates. I have read that Afternoon tea was introduced to these shores in the early 1840s. A mini meal designed to kerb the rumbling tums of social climbing ladies, something to put them on (northern for keep appetite at bay) till dinner at 8pm.

Personally speaking I think I would have blossomed under such a regime, although as my mother would be quick to point out I’d have most likely been the serf serving the spoils.

Traditionally, Afternoon Tea should focus around the actual beverage itself, Assam being full bodied and malty, Darjeeling aromatic and astringent, Earl Grey so named after the British Prime Minister from 1830 – 1834 (I wonder if he also was scented with oil of bergamot?) But in my world it’s totally about the food, dainty finger sandwiches of cucumber, smoked salmon and cream cheese, egg mayonnaise and cress. Modern twists include egg and bacon brioche soldiers and mini salt beef bagels. After the buttys come warm scones with lashings of jam and clotted cream followed by an array of sweet pastries and cakes.

If like me you thought that Afternoon Tea and High Tea were the same thing – you’d be wrong. Back in the day most folk couldn’t afford tea, let alone time in the afternoon to drink it. Hungry working people would arrive home about 6, the evening meal comprising of whatever was available served with a mug of tea became known as High Tea. High - meaning it was eaten at a table as opposed to a low plump sofa. High Tea over the years has just shortened to tea as opposed to dinner. Last August there was even an Afternoon Tea Week which escaped my notice so I’m just flagging it up now – should anyone be in need of a willing volunteer to test cakes, scones and sandwiches.