The History of the Afternoon Tea

Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford in the 1830s is credited with first making Afternoon Tea in a formal social occasion. Finding herself peckish in the gap between luncheon and dinner, the Duchess began inviting her friends to enjoy tea and a light refreshment at her home of Woburn Abbey. When she returned to London she continued the tradition and it then became a fashionable ritual among the upper classes.

During the 1880’s upper class and society women would change into long gowns, gloves and hats for their afternoon tea and would usually be served in the drawing room between four and five o’clock

Nowadays in the home afternoon tea is likely to be just a biscuit or small cake with a mug of tea.

Whether you are looking to recover from a hectic days shopping or to have a gossip with friends! Why not indulge in a little bit of British tradition and enjoy our dainty afternoon tea for two at Palm Court Hotel.