High Tea, Afternoon Tea, and Cream Tea: What’s the Difference?
Although High Tea and Afternoon Tea are often used interchangeably, they refer to two different British tea experiences. Learn the difference, what to expect at each, and what Cream Tea is.
Tea time in England isn’t just a beverage break but a tradition steeped in history and elegance. When navigating English tea culture, you might come across terms like afternoon, high, and cream tea. While they all involve tea, each carries distinct charm and nuances.
The Origins of Afternoon Tea
The tradition of afternoon tea is often attributed to Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford. However, this theory has been debunked. While Anna served tea in the afternoon, others served it even earlier. There are mentions of English spa towns such as Bath serving afternoon tea as far back as the 1750s and 60s.
What is Cream Tea?
Also known as Devon or Devonshire Tea, cream tea is a low-key, casual alternative to elaborate afternoon or high tea. It offers a simpler, more pared-down experience.
Whereas afternoon tea and high tea usually require a reservation, you can often pop into a cafe at the last minute for a cream tea. Cream tea is also a great way to experience this English tradition without spending a fortune. One to two scones with clotted cream jam and tea usually cost under £10.00 in London.
What’s on the Menu:
- Tea: A steaming pot of your favorite tea, served alongside a splash of milk or a wedge of lemon if desired.
- Scones: Plain or fruit scones
- Clotted Cream: Devon or Cornish clotted cream is an essential ingredient for cream tea.
- Preserves: typically strawberry or raspberry jam.
Where to try Cream Tea:
Cream tea is seen as a local specialty in Devon and Cornwall, though you can find it in many places around the U.K. Elsewhere, you can find scones and ask for cream and jam along with a pot of tea.
- Make your Traditional British Scones at home
- Sit and enjoy scones and tea at Jeannine’s in Santa Barbara
- Many teashops, cafes, and museum restaurants in the U.K. serve cream tea.
Where to Find the Best Cream Tea in London
- Kensington Palace cafe
- Westminster Cathedral
- The Ivy
- Harrods Cafe
- The Wallace Collection
- English Rose Café
- Peggy Porschen
- The Clermont Hotels
- Browns Hotel
What is Afternoon Tea?
The most popular special occasion British tea experience is Afternoon Tea, which is what most people refer to as “high tea.” This tea is an elegant experience with silver tea service, delicate china cups, and an array of sweet and savory treats spread across a tiered stand.
Afternoon tea includes cream tea but adds quite a bit more food and is a much more elaborate dining experience usually reserved for special occasions. Afternoon tea in high-end hotels often costs around £75 per person.
What’s on the Menu:
- Tea: Your choice of loose-leaf tea, accompanied by a slice of lemon or a splash of milk, according to preference.
- Champagne: Many afternoon tea menus offer an optional glass of Champagne.
- Scones: Afternoon tea begins with scones served with clotted cream and jam. Scones are most often plain and fruit, though some places also have savory scones such as cheddar chive.
- Finger Sandwiches: Small, crustless sandwiches feature an assortment of fillings, such as cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon, coronation chicken, or egg and cress.
- Small Desserts: Petit fours, pastries, and cakes complete the afternoon tea service.
Where to go for the Best Afternoon Tea
- Santa Barbara: Simpson House Inn, El Encanto
- Los Angeles: The Peninsula Beverly Hills
- New York City: The Plaza
- London: The Ritz, Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, The Goring, Peggy Porschen
What is High Tea?
Clearly, there is confusion about the terms “high tea” and “afternoon tea.” In the U.K., high tea is a hearty meal of meat, potatoes, and vegetables served after a long day of hard work. While they both include tea as a beverage, it is not a posh experience.
What’s on the Menu:
– Tea: Comforting hot tea served alongside milk and sugar.
– Savory Dishes: High tea is considered dinner and features heartier offerings like meat pies, quiches, or sausage rolls, providing sustenance to recover from a hard day of work.
Where to Find High Tea
In the U.K., high tea is served at a dinner table at home or in a restaurant. For a British high tea out, try a local pub. Try one of these Traditional British Foods at home or make a Veggie Wellington!
What Time is Tea Time?
Afternoon tea is traditionally served between 2:30 and 4:00 p.m. High tea, a more substantial after-work meal, is typically served later in the evening, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Is Champagne Part of Tea Time Tradition?
Champagne is not traditionally included in the afternoon or high tea. While some establishments may offer it as an optional addition for those seeking a more celebratory experience, it is not a standard component of either tradition.
High Tea vs. Afternoon Tea
When it comes to English tea traditions, the terms “high tea” and “afternoon tea” are often misunderstood, particularly across the Atlantic. Americans commonly use “high tea” to describe what the British refer to as “afternoon tea.”
Afternoon tea embodies elegance and light indulgence. It features delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of sweet treats, often enjoyed in upscale hotels or cozy tearooms. In contrast, high tea originated as a hearty meal for the working class during the Industrial Revolution, offering substantial fare like meat pies, quiches, or sausage rolls alongside cups of tea.
Tea Menu
Why not invite your friends over for afternoon tea at home? Our menu below provides ideas for what to serve.
Afternoon Tea
Please invite your friends, because it's time for a traditional English afternoon tea!
Ingredients
- 2-3 tea selections (traditional black, green, and herbal)
- English Scones
- Clotted Cream
- Strawberry or Raspberry Jam
- Finger Sandwiches
- 2-3 small desserts such as macarons, petit fours, chocolates
Instructions
Steep tea leaves in boiling water at the table.
Traditionally, savory foods are served first, followed by scones and sweets. However, you can arrange them and serve them all at once.
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