Afternoon Tea

“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea”.

So said Henry James. And the best afternoon tea is with family, friends or loved ones.

It’s a time to stop, sit down and be idle. To contemplate and conversate. Afternoon tea is a great British tradition sometimes, and perhaps more fittingly, called High Tea, with the ultimate version involving champagne. Although mundanely, high tea is called high tea because, as an 18th and 19th century meal, it was probably eaten at a high table.

Perhaps it’s a backlash to a relentless work culture, driven by stress, speed and the ever-present background buzz of coffee, but afternoon tea shouldn’t be rushed. It’s about taking the time to savour every crumb of Victoria sponge and every sip of Earl Grey.

With an afternoon tea voucher, you’re buying a delicious slice of British heritage, and gifting it to yourself, a loved one or a friend.