High tea, often confused with the more delicate afternoon tea, has its roots in the practical needs of the British working class during the 19th century. Unlike the elegant afternoon tea, which emerged as a fashionable social event, high tea began as a substantial evening meal for workers who needed nourishment after long, gruelling hours in factories.
The term “high tea” originates from the fact that it was eaten at a high dining table, rather than the low, comfortable lounge tables associated with afternoon tea. Typically served around 6pm, this meal included robust fare such as meats, bread, cheese, and hearty pies, along with a pot of strong tea. It was a no-nonsense meal designed to refuel after a hard day’s work.
Meanwhile, the upper classes developed the tradition of afternoon tea, a lighter meal taken between lunch and dinner. This tradition was popularized by Anna, Duchess of Bedford, in the 1840s. She found herself feeling hungry in the long hours between lunch and dinner, so she began inviting friends to join her for tea and light refreshments in the afternoon. This ritual quickly became a social event, featuring delicate sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, pastries, and cakes.
Over time, as afternoon tea became more popular among the aristocracy, high tea began to evolve. The middle and upper-middle classes, who might not have had a late evening meal, began to adopt high tea as a more refined evening option, incorporating elements of the afternoon tea tradition. This led to the blending of the two concepts, with high tea coming to include lighter, sweeter items alongside more substantial fare.
Today, high tea is often marketed globally as an elegant experience, synonymous with luxury and indulgence. However, in the UK, especially in Scotland and northern England, high tea still retains its original meaning—a hearty, early evening meal. Whether enjoyed in a lavish hotel or as a simple family supper, high tea remains a cherished tradition, symbolizing the comforting warmth and enduring charm of British culture.
