What is Afternoon Tea, and Why is it So Popular?
Afternoon tea is a British custom of having a light meal in the late afternoon. It was popularized in the nineteenth century by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford.
The first documented instance of afternoon tea dates back to 1633. It was called “coffee and cakes” and served in coffee houses. The tradition of taking tea with milk and sugar is thought to have originated around 1780 and became popular after Catherine II introduced it as a new Russian fashion.
In 1873, Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, started hosting Afternoon Tea Parties at her residence in London’s Belgrave Square as an alternative to dinner parties that were typical at the time.
Afternoon tea catering is a great event because it is the perfect way to start an affair. It provides a light snack before the main course and can be served with or without alcohol, so it accommodates different people.
Stick with tradition, or try something new. If you are looking for an elegant, high-quality, modern Afternoon Tea catering London experience, look no further than Pearl Lemon Catering. Our team of professionals will take care of the entire process, from event design to food preparation, leaving you to enjoy your guests.
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Different Types of Afternoon Tea and Their Associated Traditions
Afternoon tea is a popular tradition in England, especially in London. It was initially introduced to England by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford.
The first type of traditional English afternoon tea is high tea. High tea is a light meal that typically includes sandwiches, pastries, and scones. High tea was traditionally served at around 5 p.m. and was a supper meal rather than a breakfast or lunch meal.
The second type of traditional English afternoon tea is low-tea or cream tea. Low-tea is similar to high-tea but does not usually include sandwiches or scones because it’s served earlier at around 4 pm and is more of an afternoon snack than a supper dish.
How can afternoon tea catering make your event better?
Since the Royal Wedding, afternoon tea catering has been high. It’s not just a fad or trend; it is an old and traditional way of celebrating in the UK. Afternoon tea is a British tradition that originated during the afternoon when workers would stop work to have tea and scones with jam or cake. The royal wedding was one of the first events to bring this tradition back into public consciousness. Another reason why afternoon tea catering can make your event better is people love them! People are constantly looking for new exciting food varieties to try, and what better food than something as enjoyable as an afternoon tea party?
Why Offering an Afternoon Tea is a Must-Do for Any Establishment?
Afternoon tea is an excellent opportunity for your guests to take a break from their day and enjoy delicious food and drinks. It also creates an opportunity for you to show off your establishment’s offerings, meet new people, and build relationships with potential customers.
The perfect afternoon tea offers a variety of traditional teas, finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam (or other sweets), pastries, fruit or vegetables with dip, savoury bites like quiche or tartlets, and desserts such as cakes or tarts. It’s important to note that traditional afternoon tea contains no alcoholic beverages.
What are the Benefits of Afternoon Tea for your Guest & Venue?
Afternoon Tea is a social event where tea is served in an informal setting. The idea of Afternoon Tea was first introduced in the 1800s when it was a way for people to chat and catch up with friends without the formalities of dinner.
The benefits of afternoon tea are many and varied. Guests can enjoy their favourite type of tea, socialize with friends, have a light meal, and try new flavours from the menu. For venues hosting their Afternoon Tea service, this is an opportunity to increase revenue by attracting new customers and offering them something different from what they’ve seen before.
