Wondering what time is tea time in England? It’s usually around 3-4 PM, when everyone settles down and has a cuppa to steel their nerves. Now, it’s worth knowing that there are two types of tea time, in the broadest possible terms. The first is afternoon tea, while the second is high tea. Both are lovely, but for quite different reasons.
In this article you'll find:
Afternoon Tea – What is it?
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear someone say ‘tea time’? Cookies? Tiny sandwiches? Warm, sweet tea?
Afternoon tea is probably what most people imagine when ‘tea time’ is brought up. Basically, it’s a tradition as simple or complex as you want it to be, as long as it includes some variant of tea-sipping, and it can (but doesn’t need to) include biscuits, mini-sandwiches, cakes, and the like.
Think finger food, for the most part, but keep it light. This isn’t the meal you want to fill up on so much that you need a nap – especially if you’re going back to work afterward!
High Tea – What is it?
High tea, on the other hand, is a heavier and heartier break that has, historically, doubled as a fully-fledged meal for the English working class.
Something you might know was dinner or supper – it leaves your belly full and your heart happy. It usually consists of a stronger batch of tea coupled with a warm, well-made meal at the end of the workday, around 6 PM.
Think fish and chips, roast with potatoes, sausage and mash – whatever your idea of a stick to your ribs meal is.
So, what time is tea time in England?
One could complicate things by saying that ‘tea’ means different things in different social contexts, depending on your given company. But, as long as you remember that tea time comes around 3- 4 PM, unless otherwise stated, you’re golden!
