5 Facts You May Not Know About Afternoon Tea

A quintessential British tradition, to enjoy Afternoon Tea in Hexham is an experience in itself. Boasting a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, handmade scones and decadent sweet treats, the highly-finished Afternoon Tea at Matfen Hall is accompanied by your choice of Laurent-Perrier Champagne, Newby Teas and Cafe Du Monde Coffee, while it is complemented by spectacular views of Northumberland.

As we tentatively approach spring, we thought it was the ideal time to delve into the history of this timeless tradition and share 5 facts you may not know about Afternoon Tea…

1. It dates back to the 19th Century

According to the British Museum, Anna Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, created Afternoon Tea in 1840. Feeling peckish at around 4pm and unwilling to wait until a meal in the evening, Anna asked for bread and butter, as well as some cake, to be served along with a pot of tea, and a British tradition was born.

2. It soon became a genteel occasion

By the 1880s, it was the custom for ladies to change outfits for Afternoon Tea. Long gowns, hats and gloves were donned by upper-class and society women before enjoying their selection of sandwiches, scones and cakes.

Many families requested artists to paint them while they were enjoying their tea and cake, to boast others of their wealth and, therefore, their ability to enjoy Afternoon Tea on a daily basis.

3. The difference between Afternoon Tea and High Tea

While Afternoon Tea is traditionally served between 2pm and 5pm, in accordance with Anna Russell’s initial custom, High Tea is served between 5pm and 7pm. Furthermore, the tradition of High Tea was often practiced by the middle and lower classes, who’d enjoy it in place of a late dinner. Its name is also reflected in the height of the table in which it is served, as High Tea was often served at the dinner table.  

4. The introduction of scones

While it may seem impossible to imagine Afternoon Tea without delicious handmade scones today, they weren’t introduced to the custom until the early 1900s. Whether you prefer jam, butter or cream, they are now a staple of this timeless tradition.

5. Tea, coffee or Champagne?

Should you be looking for a traditional Afternoon Tea near Hexham, Matfen Hall’s highly-finished selection is accompanied by your choice of Newby Teas, Café Du Monde Coffee and Laurent-Perrier Champagne. 

In fact, the tradition of dipping biscuits into tea came from the custom of having biscuits and tea together in the form of Afternoon Tea. What’s more, milk was traditionally poured into tea cups before the tea itself, in order to preserve the fine china.

Afternoon Tea is truly an art form and, at the jewel in Northumberland’s crown, not only are you served with a selection of sandwiches, scones and desserts, you are also spoilt with unspoilt views, a scene that any artist would be proud of. With seasonal flavours and the added indulgence of Champagne on offer, Afternoon Tea at Matfen Hall appeals to each of the senses. 

During your stay at our five-star self-catering suites, why not enjoy Afternoon Tea at nearby Matfen Hall? Plan your traditional British experience, or find out more here.