Betty’s Tea Room: The Art of Afternoon Tea

Originating in the 1840's, afternoon tea continues to be a favorite tradition in the UK. It's not simply a "spot of tea," it's a mini meal served around 3:30pm that is meant to hold a person over until dinner at 8pm. In America we call it a snack and typically enjoy chips, dips, and whatever else we can grab from our pantry. It's not nearly as refined as the British afternoon tea. A typical afternoon tea consists of scones (similar to an American biscuit) with jam and clotted cream, mini sandwiches, a variety of cakes and pastries, and of course tea, typically a Black tea, with cream and a wee bit of sugar, or however you take it. 

On many of our UK tours, we enjoy an afternoon tea, and it’s always a favorite amongst our American travelers. The British have a way of turning ordinary habits into a polished ritual, which feels posh to the average American. On our Women’s London & Yorkshire tour, we’ll be indulging in afternoon tea at the famous Betty’s Tea Room, which has been serving toasted sultana scones, raspberry macaroons, and Earl Grey tea for over 100 years. With multiple locations now, the original Betty’s Tea Room is located in the spa-town of Harrogate, our home base for the week. This heavenly tea room has a rich history and is known for their legendary Yorkshire Fat Rascals, which are delicious.

So why not throw a tea party and invite some friends over for a traditional British afternoon tea? To learn the proper British terms for their delectable baked goods, feast your eyes on The Great British Baking Show.

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