A Nostalgic Sip of Tea

It’s a slip of pink paper, delicate yet durable, preserved from a bygone era – 50 years ago today. The receipt, from The Ritz, London, Piccadilly, captures a moment of indulgence: afternoon tea for three, priced at a mere £6.90. Yes, we were treated to sandwiches, scones, and the finest tea money could buy—all for less than the cost of a modern-day cappuccino.  It is still available and equally amazing – though it would now cost £240 for three!

Oh, how times have changed! But the magic of tea has not. It remains a symbol of elegance, a pause in the hustle of life, and an invitation to connect over cups of perfectly steeped comfort. Whether your taste leans towards rustic charm or refined glamour, tea is a tradition that evolves but never fades.

Let us whisk you away on a journey through the many flavours of tea in Britain and Ireland.

What Kind of Tea Are You Having? Three Takes on Tradition

The Hearty “Farmer’s Feast” High Tea
Picture a kitchen table groaning under the weight of soda farls, sausage rolls, and slices of cake that could moonlight as doorstops. The centrepiece? A brown earthenware teapot, filled with strong Indian tea, brewed until it’s practically a meal in itself. This is the kind of tea Yorkshire farmers (and James Herriot fans) swear by: no frills, just fill-you-up goodness, and the only one at which dunking is remotely acceptable.

The “Lady Bracknell Approved” Afternoon Tea
Fancy something a little more polished? Enter the world of cucumber sandwiches (crustless, naturally), delicate French toast topped with gentlemen’s relish, and exquisite pastries that wobble like they’re auditioning for The Great British Bake Off. The tea? Earl Grey, served with a slice of lemon in fine porcelain cups. Pinkies out? Absolutely not. That’s a faux pas, darling.

The Cream Tea Debate Zone
Ah, cream tea. A warm scone, a dollop of clotted cream, a smudge of jam—or is it jam first, then cream? The Devon vs. Cornwall debate has been raging for centuries, but one thing is clear: paired with a pot of steaming tea, it’s an experience as quintessentially British as cricket on the village green.

Conde Nast Traveler’s Top Tea Picks

Looking for the crème de la crème of afternoon tea spots? Conde Nast Traveler has you covered:

  • Best for Classic Afternoon Tea: The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason, from £80 ($105)
  • Best for Royalists and Traditionalists: Afternoon tea at The Goring Hotel, from £70 ($92)
  • Best for a Taste of London: Afternoon tea at The Wolseley, from £44.50 ($58)
  • Best for Fashion Fans: Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley, from £80 ($105)
  • Best for Old-School Glitz: Afternoon tea at The Ritz London, from £75 ($98)
  • Best for Timeless Elegance: Afternoon tea at The Lanesborough, from £80 ($105)
  • Best for Affordable Treats in an Iconic Setting: Afternoon tea at the British Museum, from £35 ($46)
  • Best for Tea Connoisseurs: Afternoon tea at Claridge’s, from £90 ($118)

Sip in Style: Where to Have Tea Like a Pro

Looking for the perfect place to indulge? These iconic spots never disappoint:

  1. Royal Afternoon Tea at Kensington Palace’s Orangery
    Sip your tea in royal splendor, surrounded by the serene beauty of Kensington Gardens. Pro tip: don’t fill up on sandwiches too soon—the pastries here are worth saving room for.
  2. Tea on Wheels: A Double-Decker Delight
    Why settle for a tearoom when you can sip and snack aboard a 70-year-old Routemaster bus? Cruise through London, Edinburgh, or Dublin, taking in the sights while balancing a scone on your lap. Who says tea can’t be an adventure?
  3. The Ritz, Piccadilly
    This is where our pink paper story began, and for good reason. Few places capture the glamour of afternoon tea quite like The Ritz. Crystal chandeliers, live music, and tiered trays of treats that feel like edible art. Yes, it’s an investment—but isn’t luxury always worth it?
  4. The Pump Room, Bath
    Step back in time in this Georgian wonder, where tea is served alongside Bath Oliver biscuits and history seeps from every corner. It’s like drinking tea in a Jane Austen novel—minus the corset.

Tea Etiquette: The Do’s and Don’ts

Afternoon tea may seem relaxed, but it comes with its own set of rules. Here are a few to ensure you sip in style:

  • Don’t raise your pinky. It’s not posh—it’s passé. Hold your cup with fingers gently curled.
  • Milk first or last? This debate is as old as tea itself, but Nancy Mitford says pour the tea first, then add milk to taste.
  • Don’t “fish” with your spoon. Stir gently, then place the spoon neatly on the saucer.

A Tea-Infused Poem to Savor

As John Betjeman once so charmingly captured in How to Get On in Society (about what NOT to say!)

Milk and then just as it comes, dear?
I’m afraid the preserve’s full of stones.
Beg pardon, I’m soiling the doilies
With afternoon tea-cake and scones.

From the hearty spreads of the countryside to the glitz of The Ritz, tea is more than just a drink—it’s an experience. Let Ireland and Britain Observed guide you to the perfect teatime adventure. and as you indulge, remember that little pink receipt. It’s a reminder that while times—and prices—may change, the joy of a good cup of tea is forever timeless.