Afternoon Tea Week: A Properly British Celebration of Tea, Treats and Togetherness

There are few things more delightfully British than sitting down for a proper afternoon tea. 

Freshly brewed tea, delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones piled with jam and cream, and cakes that almost look too good to eat all combine to create one of the nation’s favourite traditions. 

That is exactly why Afternoon Tea Week has become such a popular date in the culinary calendar.

Held each August,  (10th to the 16th this year) Afternoon Tea Week celebrates the timeless charm of this wonderfully indulgent ritual while encouraging people to support hotels, cafés, tearooms and restaurants serving their own delicious takes on the experience.

A Tradition Steeped in History

Afternoon tea dates back to the 1840s and is widely credited to Anna Russell, who reportedly became peckish during the long gap between lunch and dinner. Her solution was simple but inspired: tea, bread, cakes and light refreshments served in the afternoon.

What started as a private snack soon became a fashionable social occasion among the upper classes, eventually evolving into the elegant tradition we know today.

Fast forward to modern Britain and afternoon tea has become accessible to everyone, whether enjoyed in a luxury hotel, a cosy village tearoom or at home around the kitchen table.

What Makes the Perfect Afternoon Tea?

Opinions vary, naturally. Ask ten people and you will likely get ten different answers — particularly when the great cream-first-or-jam-first debate begins.

However, most traditional afternoon teas include:

Freshly brewed tea

Finger sandwiches

Warm scones with clotted cream and jam

Small cakes and pastries

A relaxed atmosphere and good company

Many venues now put their own spin on the concept with themed teas, seasonal menus, vegan options, cocktail teas and even afternoon teas inspired by films, books and television shows.

The Rise of Themed Afternoon Teas

One of the reasons Afternoon Tea Week continues to grow in popularity is the creativity now involved.

Hotels and restaurants across the UK increasingly offer imaginative experiences such as:

Gin afternoon teas

Chocolate-themed teas

Festive Christmas afternoon teas

Garden-inspired teas

Afternoon teas featuring local produce

Vintage and retro-inspired menus

Some venues even serve miniature burgers, sliders or savoury pastries alongside traditional sweet treats for a modern twist.

Why Afternoon Tea Still Matters

In a fast-moving world dominated by takeaway coffees and meals eaten on the go, afternoon tea encourages people to slow down and enjoy a moment of comfort and conversation.

It is not just about food and drink. It is about:

Catching up with friends

Celebrating birthdays and special occasions

Enjoying family time

Supporting independent hospitality businesses

Treating yourself without needing an excuse

Raising funds for good causes

There is also something wonderfully nostalgic about it. The clink of teacups, the scent of freshly baked scones and the sight of a tiered cake stand instantly create a sense of occasion.

Supporting Local Tearooms and Cafés

Afternoon Tea Week is also a fantastic opportunity to support local independent businesses.

Across the UK, countless small cafés, bakeries and tearooms put enormous care into their afternoon tea offerings. Many use locally sourced ingredients, homemade cakes and traditional recipes passed down through generations.

For hospitality businesses, Afternoon Tea Week can provide a valuable boost during the summer season, attracting visitors looking for a quintessentially British experience.

Hosting Your Own Afternoon Tea at Home

You do not need a luxury hotel booking to enjoy Afternoon Tea Week. Hosting your own can be both affordable and fun.

A simple homemade afternoon tea could include:

Freshly baked scones

Sandwiches with classic fillings such as cucumber, egg mayonnaise or smoked salmon

Victoria sponge slices

Strawberries and cream

Your favourite tea blend

Add bunting, vintage crockery and a playlist of relaxing music and you have the makings of a wonderfully civilised afternoon.

The Great Scone Debate Lives On

No article about afternoon tea would be complete without mentioning the age-old argument:

Jam first or cream first?

In Cornwall it is generally cream first. In Devon it is usually jam first.

Whichever side you choose, the important thing is that the scone is fresh, warm and generously loaded.

A Week Worth Celebrating

Afternoon Tea Week is a reminder that some traditions never go out of style. Whether you prefer a grand hotel experience with champagne or a homemade cream tea in the garden, it is the perfect excuse to pause, pour another cup and indulge in one of Britain’s greatest culinary traditions.

After all, life is simply better with tea and cake.