200 Years of Tradition

The British have been enjoying Afternoon Tea for almost 200 years. It was introduced by Anna Maria Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, who identified it as a way to satisfy the appetite between the mealtimes of lunch and dinner. Each afternoon, at around 4pm, the Duchess would indulge in Afternoon Tea. Over time, she began inviting her friends to join her, turning it into the social occasion which it remains today.

Afternoon Tea was originally a ritual for the upper classes and as such, participants would dress in their finest clothes for the occasion. This is why many still dress-up when heading out for Afternoon Tea, though in many instances it is far more informal and takes place in a variety of settings, including the home as well as cafes and restaurants.