High tea is an English tradition that's closely associated with the working classes of the 18th and 19th centuries, when famished factory workers used to arrive home late in the evening and eat bread, cheese, vegetables, a cup of tea, and sometimes meat.
Potatoes, crackers, and pies were also served as a part of high tea, but rarely. This type of meal was eaten at a table, while afternoon tea (or low tea) was enjoyed in low chairs or sofas, hence the possible nomenclature of these traditions. It should be noted that the afternoon tea that's nowadays served in the United Kingdom is often referred to as high tea in other parts of the world.
MOST ICONIC High Tea
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Afternoon tea is an old British tradition of having tea between 3 and 5 o'clock in the afternoon, accompanied by sweet or savory tidbits of food. There are three types of afternoon tea: cream tea, paired with scones, jam, and cream; light tea, paired with scones and sweets; and full tea, paired with savories, scones, sweets, and a dessert.
It is said that the tradition was invented by Anna Maria Stanhope, the Duchess of Bedford, in the 19th century. She suffered from a "sinking feeling" in the afternoon, so she started having a pot of tea and a light snack privately in her boudoir.
VARIATIONS OF Afternoon tea
MOST ICONIC Afternoon tea
View morePloughman's lunch is an English meal consisting of bread, cheese, and pickles, with the occasional addition of sliced ham. The meal is often served on a wooden board in many British pubs and bars. The name of the meal originates from the 1960s, when the Milk Marketing Board started promoting it throughout the country.
It is recommended to pair the meal with a glass of beer.
MOST ICONIC Ploughman's lunch
View moreSalmagundi is a traditional cold platter originating from England. It’s a cross between a deconstructed salad and a platter of cold meats and vegetables, dating back to the 17th century. The name is a corruption of the French term salmigondis, meaning hodge-podge.
Although there are numerous variations, salmagundi is often prepared by serving a whole roast chicken cut into pieces, hard-cooked eggs, strips of ham, anchovies, grapes, tomatoes, radishes, scallions, olives, pickled onions, celery, and parsley on a large platter.
MOST ICONIC Salmagundi
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