When I lived in the UK, London had many famous afternoon tea restaurants, among which Fortnum & Mason, a Royal Warrant holder with over 300 years of history, was one of the most famous.
Origins of British Afternoon Tea
The tradition, dating back to the Victorian era in 19th-century England, is also known as "Victorian Afternoon Tea." It originated with Anna Maria Russell, Duchess of Bedford, a British noblewoman and close friend of Queen Victoria. The Duchess often felt hungry between lunch and dinner, so she made it a habit to have her maid prepare some tea and snacks to satisfy her cravings, and to invite guests or friends to enjoy this pleasant afternoon together. Over time, this custom became a trend among royalty and nobility.
Arrangement and order of eating the three-tiered afternoon tea snacks
① First layer: mainly savory foods, such as mini sandwiches and croissants.
② Second layer: The middle layer usually contains the traditional British dessert - scone, which is served with jam and cream.
③ The third layer: The top layer is mainly for desserts, and you can put some delicate little cakes or fruit tarts on it.
High Tea vs Low Tea: A Little Knowledge
Afternoon tea is typically served in the British afternoon, around 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and differs from the traditional British aristocratic meals. Low Tea Later, after it became popular among the general public, it was used as... High Tea The main difference lies in the terminology. In British aristocracy, afternoon tea was typically served in the living room, sitting room, or a dedicated tea room for guests. To match the height of the sofas and chairs, the tables for tea and desserts were relatively low, hence the term "Low Tea." Ordinary people, on the other hand, mostly enjoy their afternoon tea in their kitchens or dining rooms, where the tables are relatively high, thus the term "Low Tea." High Tea 。
London Fortnum & Mason - The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon
Fortnum & Mason is a high-end food and department store located in Piccadilly, central London. The first three floors mainly sell tea, biscuits, tableware, etc., while the fourth floor is a place for afternoon tea.
Before leaving the UK, I went to try it out with some friends from the research institute. The dress code was generally smart casual with a slightly formal feel. Elegance and casualness are both acceptable. Fortnum & Mason boasts elegant tableware and a refined ambiance, making it an excellent choice for experiencing traditional English afternoon tea.
York - Bettys Café Tea Rooms
Another option is Bettys Café Tea Rooms, a century-old afternoon tea shop in York that was once a favorite of the Queen of England. York's alleyways are very charming, and Harry Potter fans will certainly be familiar with York. The famous Shambles is the prototype scene for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. The Shambles is one of the best-preserved medieval streets in England. In the 14th century, the entire street was mainly used for selling meat, and the shops would hang the meat under their eaves, hence the name. My family and I really enjoyed the atmosphere of York. We went in February, and in the cold winter, entering Betty's with a pot of warm tea and afternoon tea snacks was both heartwarming and comforting!
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