Traditional British high tea originated in the Victorian era when the British only ate breakfast and dinner every day, and the long gap between breakfast and dinner left many hungry, giving rise to 'afternoon tea. Today's tea-loving Brits see tea as a social way of bonding.
Tea and snacks are the basic ingredients of British afternoon tea. The tea of choice for British afternoon tea is the Indian Darjeeling black tea, and to this day Earl Grey, a blend of various teas, is also often chosen.
The desserts are served on a three-tiered tartar plate, with the tea served from the bottom upwards, from savoury to sweet. With exquisite tablecloths, sophisticated tea sets, sumptuous snacks, and the scent of tea, British afternoon tea is steeped in classic British style.
Traditionally, high society afternoon tea is called "low" or "afternoon" tea, usually around 4 pm. Delicate snacks are served with aromatic black teas as you linger in front of Hyde Park Avenue.
The lower and middle-class afternoon tea was served between five and seven and was more substantial, usually consisting of a large cup of tea with bread, vegetables, and cheese, occasionally with pies and potatoes, and was known as 'high' tea.
Until the 19th century, this traditional 'high tea' was still an integral part of afternoon tea in the north of England and some parts of Scotland.
Afternoon tea is of course served with tea, and there should be food to fill the stomach - generally sandwiches and desserts. There are of course hundreds of different types of afternoon tea, the average British afternoon tea is made with Assam - a tea from India with a malty flavour or Lapsang Souchong- a Chinese tea fried on smoked pine needles with a smoky aroma.
Traditionally, high tea begins at 4 pm. A typical British afternoon tea is served on three tiers of china plates, from bottom to top. The first tier contains sandwiches, the second tier contains Scones, a traditional English snack, and the third tier contains cakes and fruit tarts.
Tea is served from light to heavy, salty to sweet, generally from the bottom up, starting with the first tier at the bottom and working upwards. For tea, the tea is poured before the milk is added.
Afternoon tea and bone china are a perfect combination. As tea is such a delicacy, the teaware used to prepare it must also be of the utmost importance. Not only should it look good, but the solidity and unbreakability of the porcelain are also important considerations. Bone china is a soft clay porcelain that is light and transparent, yet tough and unbreakable. Shelley bone china is the best showcase for British bone china, as it contains the highest dose of bone powder of any bone china. It is also the most expensive and collectable of all bone china.
As an expression of their love for Shelley bone china, there are Shelley Bone China Clubs in Europe and America. People join the club to meet regularly to exchange and trade their Shelley bone china.
