History of High Tea

 "There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea." Henry James 

      Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, created the formal "Afternoon Tea" in 1840. Meals were served very late in England during this time and Anna became very hungry around 3 or 4 o'clock each afternoon. She plucked up courage and asked for a tray of tea, bread and butter, and cake. Soon her friends were joining her, and then the tea's became fancier with more rules for what was considered proper.

      Once the Duchess of Bedford told Queen Mary, the whole county went wild for tea.  In America we call a formal tea "High Tea". But in Britiain "High Tea" is another name for supper and is an informal affair that includes tea. They refer to their fancy formal tea as "Afternoon Tea".

       In Northern California very few High Tea events are available, so we are very proud to invite you to join us for our holiday Victorian Christmas Tea and our spring Mother's Day Tea.

      Above all, we want to achieve a sense of ceremony and tradition that is such an important part of life in England.So, as the British say, "Ta ta for now."

Take a look at some of our Victorian High Teas in the Photo Gallery Below

Photo Gallery Below

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