High Tea

High Tea or Low Tea?

Tea served in the afternoon was unheard of prior to the early 1800s, when lunch began to be served in the late morning and dinner not until 8 P.M.

Anna, Duchess of Bedford, would grow “faint” (low blood suger, perhaps?) in the afternoon and began to “take” tea and sweets to keep her going. The Duchess started inviting family and friends and Afternoon Tea was born. An entire industry has grown out of this upper class elegant light meal, creating tea sets, tea pots and other tea ware befitting these formal gatherings.

Afternoon Tea, or Low Tea, was served in living rooms and parlors, at low tables placed next to armchairs and sofas. Light tea sandwiches and pastries

High Tea was a more substantial, early dinner, a cross between afternoon tea and supper, where the working classes sat on stools or stood around high tables laden with fish, meats and cheeses. For many, High Tea was the main meal of the day.

A recent addition to English Tea is the Cream Tea, where scones, served with clotted or Devonshire cream and lemon curd, are the stars of the afternoon.

English Teas

English Breakfast Tea Online - Thir exquisite version is made with the finest grade Keemun, prized for its rich chocolaty flavor, and sumptuous aroma.

Culinary Teas Traditional Tea Blends - From teapots and tea cups to rare white tea, We have it all including beautiful gift baskets and gift certificates.

British Imports - Teas from England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and South Africa

The British Tea Shop - The best of English, Scottish and Welsh teas

English Tea Store - Clotted Cream, Devon Cream, and more.

British Express, Inc. - Huge Selection of Teas from Great Britain