The History of Tea Time

The History of Tea Time

The History of Tea Time

Although England is known for teatime, the practice probably began in France! Up through the 16th century in England, there were two meals per day: breakfast and dinner. Breakfast generally included beef, lots of bread, and ale to drink (!). "Dinner" was a mid-day meal. This is why one often hears "lunch" referred to as "dinner" in England -- traditions carry on in the language.

By the mid-18th century, however, the burgeoning middle- and upper-classes shifted the mid-day meal to an evening meal, and this was served fashionably late. These were long, massive meals.

What is now known as afternoon tea in England was likely begun by the French. Tea was once a VERY popular drink in France, and wasn't even available in England at all until quite some time later. The French also introduced the adding of milk to tea. (Cream is not recommended for tea, as it hides the flavor.) The French tend to make tea so badly these days, it is difficult to imagine they were once so in love with it and that it was such a principle drink in their daily lives!

The English tea served in the afternoon is credited to Anna Maria Stanhope, known as the Duchess of Bedford, who was a lady-in-waiting to Queen Victoria in the 19th century. Lunches had become skimpier, and she tended to get what she described as a "sinking feeling" around 4 pm daily. (The French call this a "coup de pompe" and like to eat a small piece of fresh fruit at 4 pm in these modern times.)

Anna Maria Stanhope first asked tea and some bread and butter to be sneaked to her around 4 pm, then gradually began inviting friends to join her for tea, light sandwiches and cakes, and then to take the air with her. A custom now known to be "so English" was begun.

You can learn all about the etiquette of taking tea, and a lot of history and other social graces by taking a five-day module and by contacting The Finishing Touch in London. (They have a website.) Their "Five Days of Etiquette" cost 740 plus VAT, which might seem steep, but have a look at their program online. It's quite tempting and varied -- probably not what you'd think it might be. It includes some outings and is interesting AND educational.

If you are fortunate enough to stay at a five-star hotel in London such as a Waldorf Hotel, you have exclusive access to such excellent dining, cocktail and tea-taking facilities as the Homage Grand Salon Restaurant, the Homage Bar and the Homage Patisserie at the superb Waldorf Hotel London. For hotel guests and their invitees only, the experience is unrivaled.

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