Afternoon tea is a traditional English meal that is usually served at around 4pm and consists of tea (of course) and a number of other tasty snacks. Its origins are with Anna, the Duchess of Bedford. During the 1840s dinner wasn’t served until later in the evening and she would become very hungry in the later afternoon.

She would ask for tea and nibbles to be sent to her chambers and eventually the “afternoon tea” was adopted by high society and turned into a social event. These days afternoon tea is a beloved meal that is served every day all over Britain, in hotels, restaurants, cafes and even on a Thames cruise.

So, what types of foods are traditionally served at afternoon tea? The details vary depending on where the tea is being served, but there are a few specific foods that are considered to be representative of this …