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. 

A close-up of a few tea sandwiches on a silver tiered platter at the Peninsula Beverly Hills. In focus is the cucumber sandwich on pumpernickel bread garnished with a pink flower.

Afternoon tea at the Peninsula Beverly Hills

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? 

An overhead photo of cream tea: plain butter scones topped with clotted cream and jam served with strawberries and tea in English china.

Homemade 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. 

Where to Find the Best Cream Tea in London 

What is Afternoon Tea? 

Three small, fancy desserts on the top tier of an afternoon tea tray at the Goring Hotel in London.

Afternoon Tea at The Goring Hotel in London

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

Tea is poured from an Eloise teapot into a pink teacup in front of a young girl at the Plaza Hotel afternoon tea.

Eloise Afternoon Tea at the Plaza Hotel in New York City

What is High Tea?  

A package of traditional Sausage Rolls at Marks and Spencer.

British Sausage Rolls

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. 

The phrase ‘high tea’ started to be used to describe a working-class meal served at a high table at the end of a long workday. A hot, hearty meal would accompany the tea. 
 
While many in the U.K. refer to this meal as dinner or supper, many still call it tea. 

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. 

A poster at Harrods in London of their afternoon tea. Scones, sandwiches and desserts on a tiered stand with champagne and tea.

Afternoon Tea at Harrods

Tea Menu

Why not invite your friends over for afternoon tea at home? Our menu below provides ideas for what to serve. 

Yield: varies

Afternoon Tea

Prep Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour

Please invite your friends, because it's time for a traditional English afternoon tea!

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.