Tea is more than just a beverage – it's a ritual that brings people together at specific times of the day for relaxation, conversation, and comfort. While tea traditions vary worldwide, in many English-speaking cultures, there are distinct tea times that have evolved into beloved social customs.
In this blog, we’ll explore the different tea times, including Afternoon Tea, High Tea, Elevenses, and Bedsies, explaining their origins, significance, and how you can enjoy them at home.
1. Afternoon Tea: The Quintessential British Tradition
When you hear "tea time," Afternoon Tea likely comes to mind. This tradition, often associated with elegance and refinement, dates back to the early 19th century.
Origin:
Afternoon Tea was introduced by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, in the 1840s. At the time, it was common to have only two meals a day – a light breakfast and a late dinner. The Duchess would have tea and light snacks in the afternoon to stave off hunger. Soon, this practice became a fashionable social event among the British upper class, evolving into the grand tea spreads we recognise today.
What It Involves:
- Time: Afternoon Tea is typically enjoyed between 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM.
- Food: A traditional Afternoon Tea includes finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of pastries and cakes.
- Tea: The tea is often served in fine china, with popular choices being Darjeeling, Earl Grey, or Assam. Milk and sugar are usually offered on the side.
How to Enjoy:
You can recreate an Afternoon Tea at home by setting up a beautiful tea spread and light snacks. It’s an excellent way to host friends or celebrate a special occasion with a touch of elegance.
2. High Tea: The Heartier Evening Meal
Despite its name, High Tea is quite different from Afternoon Tea. While Afternoon Tea is light and dainty, High Tea is more substantial and associated with working-class families in Britain.
Origin:
High Tea emerged in the late 19th century and was a more practical meal for the working class. After a long day of labour, families would come home to a hearty meal served at a high table (hence the name "High Tea"). It combined tea and supper, often involving more filling and savoury dishes.
What It Involves:
- Time: High Tea is typically enjoyed in the early evening, around 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
- Food: Instead of cakes and sandwiches, High Tea includes more robust fare like meat pies, cold meats, fish, eggs, and slices of bread with butter alongside tea.
- Tea: Strong, bold teas such as English Breakfast or Ceylon are commonly served with High Tea.
How to Enjoy:
Host a casual evening meal with comforting, savoury dishes paired with your favourite strong tea. It’s a great way to wind down the day with a satisfying meal.
3. Elevenses: The Mid-Morning Pick-Me-Up
Elevenses is a delightful mini-break in the late morning, often enjoyed around 11:00 AM (hence the name). This light snack time provides a moment of respite between breakfast and lunch.
Origin:
Elevenses are a long-standing tradition in the UK. It’s thought to have originated as a way to boost energy before lunch, especially for those working long hours.
What It Involves:
- Time: Elevenses is enjoyed around 11:00 AM, typically as a short, informal break.
- Food: The food is simple and light, often featuring biscuits, fruit, muffins, or scones. Occasionally, you might also have a small sandwich or a slice of cake.
- Tea or Coffee: Both tea and coffee can be served during Elevenses, with popular tea choices including English Breakfast or Darjeeling.
How to Enjoy:
Take a mid-morning break with a cup of tea and a light snack. It’s a perfect time to reset and recharge for the rest of the day. It's even better to enjoy this mini tea time outdoors or with a good book.
4. Bedsies: A Comforting Evening Ritual
Bedsies, or Bedtime Tea, is a cosy tea tradition meant to help you wind down before sleeping. It’s a more informal tea time but one rooted in comfort and relaxation.
Origin:
The idea of bedtime tea is less formal than other tea times, but it’s a well-loved ritual for those who enjoy a warm drink in the evening before getting ready for bed.
What It Involves:
- Time: Bedsies are typically enjoyed just before bedtime, around 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
- Tea: Herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, or lavender are popular choices, as they are caffeine-free and promote relaxation. Turkish Apple Tea is another gentle, soothing option.
- Food: If you’re feeling peckish, Bedsies can be accompanied by a small biscuit or crackers, but the focus is more on the tea itself.
How to Enjoy:
Make yourself a calming herbal tea, and take a moment to unwind before bed. It is the perfect time to reflect on your day, journal, or enjoy a few pages of a book before you drift off to sleep.
Final Thoughts
From the sophisticated spread of Afternoon Tea to the cosy simplicity of Bedsies, these different tea times all offer a unique way to pause, refresh, and connect. Whether you’re looking for a mid-morning snack, a hearty meal, or a relaxing evening ritual, there’s a tea time for every moment of the day.
So why not embrace the tea tradition and try out these different tea times in your own home? Whether it’s hosting an elegant Afternoon Tea or indulging in a quiet Bedsies, these tea rituals remind us to slow down and enjoy life’s simple pleasures – one sip at a time.
Source:
https://www.britishmuseum.org/blog/tea-rific-history-victorian-afternoon-tea
https://seventeas.com/blogs/news/what-is-high-tea
https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/acref/9780199677337.001.0001/acref-9780199677337-e-0843