Enjoy Afternoon Tea Week in the South Downs

Enjoy Afternoon Tea Week in the South Downs

August 9, 2016

At half past three, everything stops for tea…

Few pastimes are as quintessentially English as afternoon tea but did you know that the tradition only began in the early 19th century? At the time people usually ate just two meals a day, breakfast and dinner later in the evening. It was popularised by the seventh Duchess of Bedford who restored herself from ‘that sinking feeling’ with a pot of tea and a light snack.

The pause for tea became a social event and during the 1880s society women would even get dressed specifically to take their afternoon tea. The difference between ‘high’ and ‘low’ tea derives from the height on which they were served, high tea being served at the dinner table.

Feeling peckish? The South Downs Food Finder is great for finding local food and drink suppliers – including delightful places to enjoy your afternoon tea. Here are just a couple of suggestions on how you can celebrate Afternoon Tea Week (8-14 August) in the South Downs…

Gilbert White’s Tea Parlour’s seasonal menu selections are inspired by the fruit, vegetables and herbs grown in the kitchen garden. The vegetables and soft fruit varieties grown are based on the ones recorded by Gilbert White in his ‘Garden Kalendar’.

The Pavilion Tea room in Stansted Park serves afternoon tea overlooking the beautiful walled garden. You can relax listening to the FB Pocket Orchestra playing hot jazz, blues, ragtime and popular dances of the 1920s and 30s.

Enjoy fresh, homemade afternoon tea at Ditchling Team Rooms. Local ingredients, tea is supplied by Lewes’ Prince and Sons, and stunning views of the South Downs make this a lovely spot to enjoy high tea.

After wandering round De La Warr Pavilion, enjoy sea views and seasonal food in the stylish Café Bar and Kitchen. Seasonal ingredients, local bakers and boutique beers, just the ticket after an afternoon of perusing the galleries.

Find these and lots more on SouthDownsFood.org