What is high tea?

High tea is a light meal typically served in the late afternoon, often around 4 pm. It's not to be confused with afternoon tea, which is a more formal and elegant affair with dainty finger sandwiches and pastries.

Here's a breakdown of the key elements of high tea:

Food:

* Savory: High tea usually features a more substantial selection of savory items compared to afternoon tea. Think sandwiches (often with fillings like cucumber, smoked salmon, or egg salad), pastries, scones with clotted cream and jam, and even small quiches or savory tarts.

* Sweet: Sweet treats are a big part of high tea, including cakes, tarts, macarons, and other fancy desserts.

* Variety: High tea aims to offer a good balance of both savory and sweet options to create a satisfying and enjoyable meal.

Beverages:

* Tea: Of course, tea is a central part of high tea. While traditionally black tea is served, you can find high tea menus with a selection of herbal teas, green teas, or even coffee.

* Other drinks: Some high tea offerings may also include juice, lemonade, or even sparkling wine.

Atmosphere:

* Relaxed: While high tea can be enjoyed in a formal setting, it generally has a more relaxed atmosphere than afternoon tea.

* Social: High tea is often a social gathering, enjoyed with friends, family, or colleagues.

Origin:

High tea originated in the Victorian era, with working-class families who couldn't afford a sit-down dinner having a light meal in the late afternoon. This contrasted with "afternoon tea" which was a more luxurious custom of the upper classes.

Modern high tea:

Today, high tea is a popular way to celebrate special occasions, or simply to indulge in a delightful afternoon meal. It's available in various settings, from hotels and tea rooms to cafes and restaurants.