8 Fun Facts and History of High Tea
A Little High Tea History
There is some debate on where or how High Tea originated. Some say it started with the lower classes. In the 1800's dinner was served midday, but the working class didn’t have the luxury of a lunch break so they had tea with food like pies, meats, and cheeses after the working day was done to satisfy their hunger.
Others say that Anna Maria Russell, Duchess of Bedford invented High Tea in 1840. She needed something to fill the gap between lunch and dinner which was served at 8 o’clock. She asked for tea, bread and butter, and cake to be brought to her room and when this became a habit she started inviting her friends. This soon grew into a fashionable social event for the 1880’s upper-class. Women came in gowns, gloves, and hats for afternoon tea.
The Food
The Tea Menu typically consists of finger sandwiches followed by scones with clotted cream and jam and a selection of sweets along with the main subject - Tea!
Additionally scones were not on the menu until the early 20th century and depending on where people were from some put jam before the cream, and others cream before the jam.
How do you say Scone? It can be pronounced like ‘tone’ or ‘gone’ and neither is wrong!
Our High Tea Menu is curated and made by the fabulous Valley Springs Cakery and includes finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts including macarons, mini cakes, tarts and more!
Etiquette
Did you know holding your pinky out while drinking tea is considered elitist and viewed as impolite. The correct way to hold your cup is with one or two fingers through the handle with your thumb resting on top of the handle to balance.
For a proper cup of tea you add the milk last - don’t tell my Grampie this, he thinks the cream first is the best. In history inferior china tended to crack when the hot tea was poured so the milk helped cool it down. The finest china didn’t crack and the upper class liked to pour the milk in last to prove they had the best china. Personally (an avid tea drinker) I add the milk first so I don't have to stir the cup.
Join us on Saturday, June 4th 2022 for a fun afternoon of playing with flowers, sipping tea, and eating dainties.
Floral Workshop
Learn how the gals at West Wind Florist put together a beautiful spring arrangement and show it off at the High Tea before taking it home to enjoy!
High Tea
Bring your friends and enjoy a beautiful venue decorated with florals and dive into our scrumptious menu from Valley Springs Cakery