afternoon tea: is it still done?

[Bugbear]

I'm not an expert on this subject by any means, but it seems to me that - 'round here, leastways - the three meals of the day can be referred to as either: breakfast, lunch and dinner or breakfast, dinner and supper. Which you use depends partly upon whether your folk were raised in the city (the former grouping) or the country (the latter grouping).

No matter which way you say it, the meal starting times are roughly 6 - 8 AM, 11 AM - 1 PM, and 4:30 PM -7 PM. This also may depend on whether you're in an urban environment or rural environment.

As far as the original poster's question: teatime is considered a British phenomenon and is generally considered "upper class". I.e. - "We don't drink no dang tea 'less it's iced".

I was going to bring up "sun tea," but I'm not sure there is such a thing in the UK.

[beloitpiper]

Incidentally, also in the North, "dinner" is lunch, ie the mid-day meal. Confused yet?

Nope, my family here in Wisconsin has always called lunch "dinner" and the last meal "supper". Why else would they call them Supper Clubs?

[MacBean]

As said before, tea (in London as well as the south coast, not just tthe north of England) was the evening meal. If a later meal was planned and friends were over, then it might be tea and cakes, but I wouldn't say that this kind of tea time was the rule. In boarding schools, evening tea was what we call dinner, and tea was served at breakfast and dinner. In fact, I had to get special permission (and pay extra) to get milk with meals, but that was soon after millk rations ended.

Schools at least also had a break at 11:00 am called "elevenses" which might have included a drink and a boiled sweet (candy).

Tea shops were perhaps more common then than now, and served crumpets, scones, and things I no longer remember. Bovril, Marmite, lemon curd?

[Steve Ashton]

The previous poster was correct. Here in Victoria the Empress Hotel does indeed serve a fine afternoon tea. Three stack server, china cups and one person at the table allowed to be 'mother'. Very fancy. Served in what used to be the lobby full of old world romance. And also very touristy and incredibly expensive. But for a once in a life time experience, not to be missed.

In fact there are many tea rooms around town. Not all are tourist places as a tea break in the afternoon is still a staple of many peoples day.

(And here is a fact I learned after coming to Victoria. Afternoon Tea and High Tea are two very different things. Afternoon tea is a light snack with cold sandwiches and sweets. Sort of what would normally be called a coffee break. High Tea includes cooked items such as small meat pies. More like luncheon.)

In the municipality of Oak Bay, just east of downtown, it is said that they are "More British than the British". The border of Oak Bay with the rest of the city is known as "The Tweed Curtain". Imagine if you will one of the quiet villages of Britain in the 1950's.
A Mk V or VI model Jag parked at the corner, a black bicycle with wicker basket leaning against the building, and ladies resplendent in their pillbox hats and brollies.

If you wish to take your tea while sitting on the 'green' watching the lawn bowling with the bowlers in full white flannels you may do so. If you wish to take your tea at the parish hall there is that opportunity too.

So you folks in the UK may have forgone tea for the hectic modern world but please remember that there are still places where the refined things of life are still practiced and held in reverence by at least a few people.

Of course they do have standards so won't allow this coarse re-tread American anywhere near Oak Bay. But I can see it if I squint through the trees from my upstairs window.

[Downunder Kilt]

In boarding schools, evening tea was what we call dinner, and tea was served at breakfast and dinner. In fact, I had to get special permission (and pay extra) to get milk with meals, but that was soon after millk rations ended.

Schools at least also had a break at 11:00 am called "elevenses" which might have included a drink and a boiled sweet (candy).

Ah yes, House Masters, Prefects and their Fags, the cane, long gone but not forgotton

[Rob Wright]

At the last restaurant I worked at, I did an afternoon tea with my employee's. We usually had two or three types of tea, a couple of snacks, and a chance to sit down and take a breather. Quite enjoyed it actually.

Rob

[Bigkahuna]

I was going to bring up "sun tea," but I'm not sure there is such a thing in the UK.

I must assume you mean "Sun".

[Bugbear]

* Post deleted. *

[Schiehallion]

I serve afternoon tea when entertaining friend in the afternoon at home. Earl Grey tea of course, scones, strawberry jam and cream. Served on the best china .
My overseas friends are suitably impressed and love the 'Britishness of it all.

However this is only once in a while as the busy life we lead gives little chance for this afternoon ritual. So enjoyable when there is time!

More tea vicar?

[Standard]

The Brown Palace hotel in Denver, Colorado does a very respectable Tea. Not too expensive, and a nice time to sit and relax with quiet conversation from an otherwise hectic day. Definately not something that we have access to here in farm country, but a nice diversion while traveling. http://www.brownpalace.com/dining/lobby_tea.cfm