British Afternoon tea was first started by Anna, the 7th duchess of Bedford, who complained of having that sinking feeling during the afternoon. At that time people mainly had two main meals a day, breakfast and dinner.
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The upper class would have afternoon tea around 4pm before the promenade in Hyde Park, which usually contained light snacks, sandwiches and tea.
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The middle or lower class would have a more substantial meal later in the day around 5 or 6pm, which was later called High Tea. High Tea was usually served around a dinner table on higher chairs, hence the term high tea.
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‘English High Tea usually involved a mug of tea, bread, vegetables, cheese and occasionally meat. Variations on high tea could include the addition of pies, potatoes and crackers.’
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Afternoon tea was usually served in a more casual setting on lower chairs such as sofas.
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These days afternoon tea is now a luxury reserved for birthdays, special occasions, or something to be enjoyed at hotels and restaurants.
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Afternoon tea served in the UK is usually referred to as High Tea in many other parts of the world. This is why some hotels such as the Ritz advertise their afternoon tea as High Tea, because of their overseas customers.