Late afternoon tea

Late Afternoon Tea

The BCCH again held an evening of British specialities
at the Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal on 7 April 2009.


"There are few hours in life more agreeable
than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea."
Henry James, The Portrait of a Lady

Ever wondered where the tradition of afternoon tea comes from? It is said that is was invented by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford in the early 19th century, to avoid feeling too hungry by the time dinner was served, which was usually around 8 o'clock in the evening following only a light luncheon.

She started having tea and a snack in the afternoon, later taking on the habit of inviting her friends over. Others quickly picked up on the idea, and soon all of fashionable society was sipping tea and nibbling sandwiches in the afternoon.

Guests joined us for a celebration of this tradition on 7 April to have some tea, scones, cream and jam with us.

Food and drinks were courtesy of the Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal.

If you wish to find out more about tea and British traditions
associated with it, we recommend the folowing links:

Tea as a meal around the world

Afternoon tea - a British tradition

British tea culture