Afternoon Tea Etiquette: How to Enjoy It with Grace and Style

What Is Afternoon Tea?

Afternoon tea originated in the 19th-century British aristocracy. At the time, it was common to have just two meals a day: a combination breakfast-lunch known as “English breakfast” and a late dinner. To satisfy their hunger in the afternoon, noblewomen began enjoying tea accompanied by light snacks. Over time, this evolved into the widely accessible cultural tradition we know today as afternoon tea.

Initially, afternoon tea became popular as a “social gathering for women.” It was more than just a tea party—it was an opportunity for the hostess to showcase her skills in cooking, cleaning, and home décor. Because of this, there was a traditional rule that “the hostess should pour the tea.” While this is no longer strictly followed today, it’s said that hostesses were once kept quite busy tending to their guests throughout the event.

Though it has a long and elegant history, afternoon tea has since become a casual experience that anyone can enjoy regardless of gender. Many hotels and specialty shops now offer a wide variety of teas and sweets that change with the seasons, allowing guests to savor original and unique culinary creations.

Savor the Tea to the Fullest

The true star of afternoon tea isn’t the sweets stacked on the top tier or the ever-present scones—it’s the tea itself. Cakes and scones are simply treats designed to complement the tea. So how can you enjoy this tea even more deeply?

At “FORTNUM & MASON,” each person is served their own pot of tea. According to the staff, you’re free to choose any tea that suits your taste. A popular recommendation is the “Royal Blend,” a rich and slightly bitter tea with a subtle honey aroma that pairs well with milk. For those who prefer a more mature flavor, the “Smoky Earl Grey” is a great choice. With its distinct smoky aroma, this was once the only Earl Grey served at the brand’s flagship store in the UK.

Feel free to drink it at your own pace, but try your first cup while it’s still hot. That’s when the flavor of the tea leaves is at its strongest. Place a tea strainer over your cup and pour the tea through it. The fragrant aroma that rises as you pour is also part of the flavor experience—enjoy it as well.

Tea can become too strong if it sits in the pot too long. When that happens, your savior is hot water. Add a bit of hot water to the pot to dilute the tea to your preferred strength. By the way, pouring milk into the cup before the tea is called “milk-in-first,” while adding milk after pouring the tea is “milk-in-after.” The former results in a smoother, richer taste, while the latter creates a lighter, more refreshing flavor.

Basic Menu and Recommended Order

Most afternoon teas are served on a three-tier stand. Traditionally, the bottom tier holds savory items like sandwiches, the middle tier contains scones, and the top tier is reserved for cakes and baked sweets. Originally, each plate was served separately on the table, but the three-tier stand was introduced to save space.

It’s okay to use your hands while eating. If a particular item is messy, feel free to use a knife and fork to transfer it to your plate. As for the order of eating, the traditional approach is to start “from the bottom up.” In the past, moving between tiers was considered a sign you hadn’t finished, and more food would be brought out. These days, however, most places don’t adhere strictly to that rule, so there’s no need to worry.

How to Eat a Traditional Scone

Scones are a staple of almost every afternoon tea. To eat one, tear it in half with your hands along its natural split.

If the dough is too firm, use a knife to cut it in half like this.

Scones are best enjoyed with jam and clotted cream. Scoop a small amount with a spoon, place it neatly on the scone, and enjoy a bite. If sharing jam or cream with others, transfer some to your plate using the communal spoon, then use your own knife to spread it on your scone.

Use a Knife and Fork for Cake

At FORTNUM & MASON, two types of cake are placed on the top tier of the stand. You can choose your preferred cake at the time of ordering, which is a nice way to personalize your afternoon tea. For this visit, we went with a popular combination: shortcake and Mont Blanc.

Shortcake. We used a knife and fork to enjoy this one. Try cutting it into bite-sized pieces and eating neatly for a refined experience.

Afternoon tea is a fascinating food culture packed with history and tradition in every bite. If you haven’t experienced it yet, why not visit a place that offers afternoon tea and give it a try?

【Advised by】FORTNUM & MASON

A prestigious British department store established in 1707, renowned since its founding as a purveyor to the British royal family. It is especially famous for its original blend teas. The brand has also expanded to Japan, with this article featuring the “FORTNUM & MASON Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store.” In addition to the tea salon, the location also includes a grocery and bakery.

*The information is based on the time of reporting or creation, and may differ from the current situation.

text: goodiefoodie編集部

photo: KIMURA Masabumi

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