Oxford Exchange

Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, introduced afternoon Tea in England in year 1840. Lunch had become a “skimpier” meal, so of course, the Duchess would become very hungry around 4 o’clock in the afternoon, far from when dinner was served around 8 o’ clock in the evening. The Duchess found taking an afternoon snack to be such perfect refreshment that she soon began inviting her friends to join her. She found a light meal of tea (usually Darjeeling) and cakes or sandwiches was the perfect balance. There are no rules to the spread of food, but the standard for Afternoon Tea comprises a layer of sandwiches, a layer of cakes and a layer of scones or tea cakes.