Afternoon Tea

One lump or two in South Oxfordshire?

"Anyone for tea?" is the mid-afternoon cry from most visitors to the district and, like the eating experiences, there's no shortage of choice.

Yet again the view of the River Thames is a selling point, particularly from Henley Tea Rooms near the bridge. Visitors to Wallingford's famed antique centre also have the chance to sit and reflect on their bargains in the centre's teashop.

In keeping with modern times visitors can now add a number of coffee shops to their choice of stopping off points, including international brand names such as Starbucks and Café Nero.

According to The Great British Afternoon Tea Company, the custom of taking afternoon tea is thought to have been introduced in England in 1840 by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford. In those days lunch was taken early, but dinner was not served until 9 pm.

It seems that the Duchess became a bit peckish mid-afternoon and asked for tea, bread and butter and cake to be taken to her room. This soon became a habit and then she began to ask her friends to visit and join her "for afternoon tea."

It quickly became fashionable to "take tea" in the middle of the afternoon and the occasion became more elaborate with bone china tea services, cake stands and embroidered linen.

Ladies would dress for the occasion in long tea gowns while making conversation with their guests.

Long tea gowns are no longer essential for the enjoyment of an afternoon cuppa but good friends and good conversation are still an important ingredient of what can be either a special occasion or a quick pit stop for refreshment.