The History of Afternoon Tea
The consumption of afternoon tea increased dramatically in popularity during the early nineteenth century, when it is said that Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford made the taking of tea fashionable. It is said that she complained of "having that sinking feeling" during the late afternoon when at the time it was usual for people to take only two main meals a day, breakfast and dinner at around 8 o'clock in the evening. A solution for the Duchess was a pot a tea and a light snack, taken privately in her room during the afternoon.
These afternoon tea soirees became acceptable social events within the upper classes and before long all of fashionable society was sipping tea and nibbling sandwiches in the middle of the afternoon.
The afternoon indulgence filtered through the classes from the traditional ‘low’ or ‘afternoon’ tea served to the upper classes around four o'clock, to the middle and lower classes more substantial ‘high' tea a little later at five or six o'clock, in place of dinner. The names derive from the height of the tables on which the meals are served, high tea being served at the dinner table.
Recently the Afternoon tea has been somewhat forgotten with the surge of skinny lattes and creamy cappuccinos, but at Armathwaite Hall we are bringing it back to the 21st century. Our afternoon teas have come a long way from the cucumber sandwiches and one choice of tea. Today, afternoon tea is far more cosmopolitan with teas being imported from all over the world including Kenya, India, The Himalayas and China.
People no longer want to spend the afternoon in the pub, eating pub grub and drinking beer, and are looking for new experiences and ways to spend their precious free-time. This is attracting metrosexuals and females from across the nation and is helping to revive what was once a very British tradition.
Guests at Armathwaite Hall can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 2pm-5pm. Diners can choose from a selection of homemade sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, selection of cream cakes, tray bakes and homemade biscuits, along with a refreshing lemon posset. The tea menu includes six speciality leaf teas such as Lapsang Souchong from China, as well as nine other delicious options.
Armathwaite Hall has been awarded the Tea Guild accolade, which recognises only the highest standards of techniques and service. Membership is strictly by invitation only, with just six members in the north west of England.
