Exclusively thought of as a drink for men when first imported to Britain, the exotic tcha or chai or chaa was commonly enjoyed in one of London’s coffee shops with business associates. However the expensive and exotic nature of the newly introduced beverage soon tempted the upper class English ladies who soon made it a fashionable drink.

By the 18th century the association with tea and the upper classes was established as ladies introduced the tea tray into their homes featuring expensive Chinese porcelain and Dresden tea sets. Properly attired a tea tray would comprise teapot and stand, teacups and saucers, sugar bowl, milk jug and slop basin for discarding used tea leaves. And so it was established that ladies of any social standing were totally familiar with the art of brewing a proper cup of tea.

Afternoon Tea was thought to have been first introduced to the upper classes by the 7th Duchess of Bedford in the early 19th century. The hour for dinner had gradually moved from three or four o’clock in the afternoon to seven or eight o’clock at night during the 18th century. With breakfast served at nine or ten in the morning any only a small lunch, the Duchess found the need for light refreshments around four in the afternoon. Initially this light meal was served with tea in her room but the Duchess was so pleased with the ritual that the she invited friends to join her and the idea of a social afternoon tea was born.

Originally afternoon tea was a snack meal comprising toast or bread and sweet butter served with quantities of tea. Over time the menu became more elaborate with sandwiches, hot buttered scones or crumpets and a selection of cakes normally being served.

The lady of the house would always sit at the head of the attractively decorated table and pour the tea. The tea would comprise the popular teatime blends of China or Indian tea with Earl Grey and Darjeeling being popular choices.

Good conversation became the heart of afternoon tea with nothing disagreeable or unpleasant ever being discussed. Afternoon tea was considered a time for relaxing and the subjects of conversation reflected this so as to prepare all who attended for the coming evening. As such the idea of relaxing with a cup of tea was introduced – an association which still stands today.