Afternoon Tea Week 11-17 August

Afternoon Tea Week, celebrated from 11–17 August, honours one of Britain's most cherished culinary traditions. Often associated with elegant hotels and country houses today, afternoon tea actually began as a practical solution in the 1840s when Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, found the hours between lunch and dinner a little too long. She started enjoying a light meal of tea, sandwiches and cakes in the afternoon, and before long, the tradition had become a fashionable social occasion.

Nearly two centuries later, afternoon tea continues to bring people together. While the setting may have changed, the idea remains the same – enjoying good food, great conversation and taking time to pause during a busy day. It's a tradition that has stood the test of time and continues to be enjoyed for birthdays, celebrations, family gatherings and business occasions alike.

In today's workplace, afternoon tea offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional business lunch. Whether you're welcoming new clients, celebrating a company milestone, thanking your team or hosting a networking event, an afternoon tea creates a relaxed atmosphere where people can chat, connect and enjoy quality food together. Its combination of savoury and sweet treats means there's something for everyone, making it an excellent choice for a wide variety of occasions.

Food has always been at the heart of afternoon tea. Traditionally, guests would enjoy a selection of delicate sandwiches followed by scones with jam and cream, cakes and pastries, all served with a pot of freshly brewed tea. Although menus have evolved over the years, the emphasis on freshly prepared food, thoughtful presentation and sharing the experience with others has remained unchanged.

Our Afternoon Tea menus feature freshly prepared cocktail sandwiches, homemade cakes and sweet treats, all beautifully presented for office meetings, client hospitality and workplace celebrations. Whether you're treating your team, entertaining clients or marking a special occasion, everything is prepared fresh and delivered ready to enjoy, making it easy to bring a classic British tradition into the workplace.

One of the reasons afternoon tea has remained so popular is its versatility. It can be as informal as a team lunch or as elegant as a client event, creating an occasion that feels both welcoming and memorable. It's proof that sometimes the simplest ideas are the ones that endure.

Afternoon Tea Week is the perfect opportunity to slow down, enjoy great food and spend time with colleagues, clients and friends. After all, some of the best conversations begin over a cup of tea and something delicious to eat.