英式下午茶，从来都是绅士、淑女，以及上流身份的代表。浓郁的茶香，配合精致、美味的各色茶点，带来的一定是一段美好而难忘的下午时光。不过，享用英式下午茶可不是随意的事情，需要认真对待，需要注意礼节。

 

The British have many traditions but there is nothing more quintessential than 'taking' afternoon tea. We know the Brits have a love affair with drinking tea, with more than 160m cups drunk every day, but it was the invention of afternoon tea that turned sipping¹ tea into a popular pastime.

 

This sociable² feast involves drinking good quality tea whilst nibbling³ on dainty sandwiches, scones⁵ with jam and cream and a selection of small cakes. And, of course, it can only happen in the afternoon! It is a ritual dating back to the 1840s, designed as a light snack to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner. It went on to become a fashionable social occasion for the upper classes.

 

Now there is a resurgence⁶ in its popularity in the UK and it's available to anyone who can afford it. Although it can be enjoyed at home, the best way to experience it is at a smart hotel or cafe. Some of the most famous places to indulge are Claridges, The Savoy or at The Ritz in London. But if you're thinking of visiting such a place to tuck into a plate of sweet and savoury treats washed down with a steaming hot brew⁷, remember the rules you must adhere to, to avoid being asked to leave.

 

1.Make sure you order the correct thing – it is afternoon tea not high tea, or a cream tea. These are something different.

2.Dress smartly – it's an important occasion. Certain places demand a man wear a jacket and tie and ladies should wear a hat.

3.When you sit down, place a napkin on your lap. It will keep your clothes clean and can be used to wipe small crumbs⁸ from your face.

4.Stir your tea correctly – do not 'clink' your spoon against the cup and do not leave it in the cup! Stir back and forth⁹ not around in circles.

5.Hold the tea cup by its handle with your thumb and forefinger¹⁰ together, and then use your middle finger to support and balance the cup underneath¹¹. Do not allow your little finger to stick out.

6.Start by eating the sandwiches first before moving onto the sweet things.

7.The sandwiches are called 'finger sandwiches' and therefore eaten by hand not with a knife and fork. They should have their crusts cut off.

8.Don't 'saw' your scone⁴ in half. Ideally it should be pulled apart, creating 2 equal halves.

9.When eating take small delicate bites. This will allow you to join in conversation without always having a full mouth.

10.Although you can ask for more sandwiches and cakes, don't stuff them in your pockets to eat later!

 

Writer Henry James once noted¹² that "there are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated¹³ to the ceremony known as afternoon tea." I'm sure once you've tried it, you will agree.

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