Well, It All Started with a Hungry Duchess…

Picture this: It’s the 1840s, and Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, is absolutely starving. Lunch was hours ago, dinner’s nowhere in sight, and she’s had enough. So, she does what any of us would do—girl dinner. But because she’s posh, her “girl dinner” involves a full-on spread of tea, cake, and sarnies. And because she’s a literal Duchess, she invites her mates round to do the same.

Next thing you know, the whole of high society is sipping tea and nibbling finger sandwiches in fancy drawing rooms. Fast forward 180 years, and afternoon tea is still a thing—except now you can have it on a London bus, in a cat café, or themed around your favourite TV show. It’s fancy, it’s fun, and it’s perfect for gifting.

So, how did a noblewoman’s hunger fix turn into an iconic British tradition? Let’s spill the tea.

What Even Is Afternoon Tea?

If you’ve ever been to an afternoon tea, you’ll know it’s not just about the tea. It’s an experience—one that usually involves:

🍞 Finger Sandwiches – Tiny, crustless, and criminally easy to inhale in one bite. Cucumber is a classic, but smoked salmon and egg & cress deserve some love too.

🍰 Cakes and Pastries – Victoria sponge, macarons, mini éclairs… basically a sugar rush disguised as sophistication.

☕ Tea, obviously – Traditionally Earl Grey or Darjeeling, but these days, anything goes—herbal, fruit-infused, even matcha if you’re feeling trendy and enjoy the taste of green..

🍓 Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam – The real reason we’re all here. But let’s settle this once and for all: jam first or cream first? (No pressure, but the way you answer might end friendships.)

Afternoon tea has evolved a lot over the years. You can now find themed versions (think Bridgerton or Harry Potter), bottomless Prosecco upgrades, and even vegan or gluten-free menus. The possibilities are endless.

How Afternoon Tea Went from Upper-Class Gossip Hour to Everyone’s Cup of Tea

Back in the day, afternoon tea was strictly for the rich and fancy—think corsets, mansions, and very Bridgerton vibes. But by the early 1900s, tearooms were popping up all over Britain, making it accessible to normal people too.

Now? Afternoon tea is for literally everyone. Whether you’re feeling posh at The Ritz, getting aesthetic Instagram shots at Sketch, or having a low-key cream tea by the seaside, there’s an afternoon tea for every mood, budget, and occasion. It’s become a go-to gifting experience, because who doesn’t want to sit around eating cake for two hours with someone they love?

Why Afternoon Tea is the Ultimate Gift

We’re all about gifting experiences rather than things (because let’s be honest, no one needs another scented candle). Afternoon tea makes the perfect present because:

🎁 It’s an experience, not just a meal – It’s fancy without trying too hard (or spending too much), and you get to feel a little bit posh for an afternoon.

👯 It’s great for catching up – Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just an excuse to gossip, it’s way better than another boring teams chat or phone call.

🍰 It’s a guaranteed good time – Who’s ever been sad while eating cake? Exactly.

🍾 You can add booze – Champagne afternoon tea? Say no more.

Best of all, an afternoon tea voucher means zero stress—no wrapping, no worrying about sizes, just a cute experience waiting to happen.

The Afternoon Tea That Went Horribly Wrong

A group of mates went for a fancy afternoon tea, determined to act posh. Then Dave discovered sugar cube tongs. Mistaking them for tiny chopsticks, he confidently picked up a cucumber sandwich—only for the tongs to snap shut, catapulting it straight into the lap of a very well-dressed elderly gentleman.

The table froze. The waiter silently confiscated the tongs. Dave? Never lived it down.

Moral of the story? Afternoon tea has rules. Sugar tongs are not chopsticks.

Afternoon Tea FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

❓ What’s the difference between afternoon tea and high tea?
Afternoon tea is a light, elegant mid-afternoon treat. High tea is not fancy—it’s a proper, meal traditionally eaten by working-class Brits.

❓ Where can I get the best afternoon tea?
Some iconic spots include The Ritz (classic), Bettys in Yorkshire (super traditional), and Sketch in London (pink velvet everywhere). But honestly, the best afternoon tea is the one that involves good company and extra scones.

❓ How do I eat a scone the right way?
Officially? Break it apart with your hands, not a knife, and we’re not commenting on Jam or Cream first.. Unofficially? However you like—just don’t dunk it in your tea (unless you want judgmental stares from across the table).

Afternoon Tea: A Timeless Tradition with a Modern Twist

From its aristocratic origins to bottomless Prosecco versions, afternoon tea has been through it all—but its charm has never faded. Whether you’re celebrating something special, looking for the perfect gifting experience, or just fancy an excuse to eat cake on a Tuesday, it’s always a good idea.

Now, tell us: cream first or jam first? 👀

Let us know on insta @GuessWhatIDid_Official

 – We’ll try not to judge..