AFTERNOON TEA WEEK 2017: August 14-20

Milk tea, green tea, black tea, white tea…. each flavour is different to everyone’s taste. Tea is a prominent feature of British culture and society. According to the Tea and Infusions Organisation, the British drink more than 60 billion cups of tea a year.

Afternoon tea is a British food tradition of sitting down for an afternoon treat. This includes tea, tiny finger sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, and sweet dainties like cakes and pastries. This helps lift the spirits, boost energy, and see you through the rest of the day.

This tradition was started by Anna, 7th Duchess of Bedford. She often found herself feeling weary or worn down in the middle of the day, and a pot of tea with a snack just seemed to be the best way to take care of it. She soon invited friends to join her for walks in the field, and the snowball that would become Afternoon Tea began.

Afternoon Tea Week was established to keep a tradition that has graced British afternoons since the 1840’s. This simple afternoon meal grew into a social event, even Queen Victoria herself took part in this tradition!

How to celebrate Afternoon Tea Week

Take a break for Afternoon Tea as part of your day or you could go all out and organise a tea reception. Even go so far as wearing Victorian Costume to honour the history of this holiday.

Have a cup of tea each day, remembering Afternoon Tea Week , take a few breaths to Keep Calm, and Carry On!

Hotels, tea rooms and restaurants will be running one-off events and offering exclusive discounts, up and down the country. Click here to check it out.

The Learning Support Centre welcomes you to join us for a cuppa!