The History of Afternoon Tea

Anna Maria, 7th Duchess of Bedford, is credited with the innovation of afternoon tea in the early 1800s. The Duchess did not ‘invent’ the ceremony but simply gave it a name that settled it as a four o’clock social occasion.

Anna Maria started having a tray of tea with bread and butter served to her in the mid-afternoon. It became a regular occurrence and she began to invite other high society ladies to join her. Along with tea, there would be small pastries with clotted cream or preserves, delicate sandwiches and scones. These habits soon became a good reason for social gatherings, and started a trend that is still very much a part of British life.

Anna Maria found ‘afternoon tea’ so essential to her daily routine that when she visited friends in their castles and palaces she took with her a silver kettle and other tea equipage along with her trunks and hat box.

Jasper’s Café Afternoon Tea

Indulge yourself in our afternoon tea experience. Finger sandwiches, scones with jam and cream and a selection of cakes all served with your choice of tea or coffee.

Jasper's Cafe Gift Vouchers
Looking for a birthday present for the person who has everything or just looking to spoil your mum? Why not give them a gift voucher for afternoon tea? Who knows, they might invite you to come along.

Gift vouchers are available from the cafe or call 01925 210145 for more details.