What is Tea Time?

Tea Time, also known as “Afternoon Tea” or “Five o’clock Tea”, is a tradition straight out of England, where family and friends gather around a cup of tea and a few delicacies. It’s a convivial brunch that usually takes place in the afternoon, between 3:30 and 5:00 pm. In the final analysis, English Tea Time is a little like our Swiss snack, but a much more elaborate ritual that originated just under two centuries ago…

Where does this English tradition come from?

The custom of Tea Time originated at the end of the ^19th century, when the Duchess of Bedford, Anna Maria, decided to establish a convivial moment with her friends towards the end of the afternoon to chat while nibbling on a few snacks. The Duchess felt that the time between lunch and dinner was too long, so Afternoon Tea is considered the third meal of the day.

In the end, the tradition has stood the test of time, and even if this special occasion is less common today than it was in the past, Tea Time is still part of the customs of many of our English neighbors.