QUINTESSENTIALLY ENGLISH
The custom of afternoon tea originated among the wealthy classes in England in the 1840s and it thrives to this day
By the end of the 19th century, afternoon tea was observed by both the upper and middle classes. This English meal was very much a by-product of social economy. During the Industrial Revolution the main meal of the day changed from noon to evening, and the opportunity for a late afternoon snack presented itself. For the English, afternoon tea was the perfect answer.
Traditionally, the upper classes served a ‘low’ or afternoon tea at around 4pm while the middle and lower classes had a ‘high’ tea later in the day, at 5pm or 6pm. The names of low tea and high tea is derived from the height of the tables on which the meals were served. Low tea was served on low tables – what we could call coffee tables, while high tea was served at the dinner table.
Victorian-era teas assumed many forms, ranging from informal gatherings to elaborate ornate events attended by hundreds. This versatile meal played a unique role in British life and was enjoyed throughout the Empire.
In Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management, Isabella Beeton, whose books were widely read in the 19th century, writes: “The afternoon tea signifies little more than tea and bread-and-butter, and a few elegant trifles in the way of cake and fruit. The meal is simply to enable a few friends to meet and talk comfortably and quietly.”
Artisan
Whalley Road, Billington
Clitheroe BB7 9HY
01254 822556
www.artisanribblevalley.co.uk
Bartle Hall Hotel
Lea Lane, Bartle, Preston PR4 0HA
01772 690506
www.bartlehall.co.uk
Bashall Barn
Bashall Town, Clitheroe BB7 3LQ
01200 428964
www.bashallbarn.co.uk
Food by Breda Murphy
Abbots Court, 41 Station Road
Whalley BB7 9RH
01254 823466
www.foodbybredamurphy.com
Gibbon Bridge Hotel
Forest of Bowland
Chipping PR3 2TQ
01995 61456
www.gibbon-bridge.co.uk
Hindelinis
Ribblesdale Park, Mill Lane
Gisburn BB7 4LP
01200 445227
www.ribblesdalepark.com
Mitton Hall
Mitton, Near Whalley BB7 9PQ
01254 826544
www.mittonhall.co.uk
Northcote
Northcote Road, Langho BB6 8BE
01254 240555
www.northcote.com
Samlesbury Hall
Preston New Road
Samlesbury, Preston PR5 0UP
01254 812010
www.samlesburyhall.co.uk
Shaw Hill Golf & Spa Hotel
Whittle Le Woods, Near Buckshaw
Chorley PR6 7PP
01257 269221
www.shaw-hill.co.uk
Spread Eagle at Sawley
Sawley BB7 4NH
01200 441202
www.spreadeaglesawley.co.uk
The Grill on the Hill
Mr Fred’s Bar and Lounge
@ Stanley House, Mellor BB2 7NP
01254 769200
www.stanleyhouse.co.uk
