National Afternoon Tea Day: A Celebration of a Beloved British Tradition

National Afternoon Tea Day is a delightful celebration of the quintessential British custom of enjoying tea, sandwiches, scones, and pastries in the afternoon. This charming tradition has been a part of British culture for centuries and continues to be cherished by tea enthusiasts worldwide.

Quick Facts

• When is it?: April 21st
• Tagged as: Food & Drink, British Culture
• What’s the hashtag?: #NationalTeaDay
• When was it founded?: 2016
• Who founded it?: National Tea Day organization

History of National Afternoon Tea Day

The concept of afternoon tea dates back to the 1840s when Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, introduced it to bridge the long gap between lunch and dinner. The tradition quickly spread among the upper classes and became a fashionable social event. National Afternoon Tea Day was established in 2016 to celebrate this beloved custom and promote the appreciation of tea culture.

Timeline

1. 1840s: Afternoon tea introduced by Anna, Duchess of Bedford
2. 1880s: Afternoon tea becomes a widespread social event
3. Early 1900s: Scones added to the traditional afternoon tea menu
4. 2016: National Afternoon Tea Day founded
5. Present day: Afternoon tea remains a popular tradition in the UK and beyond

Dates by Next Year

Year	Month	Date	Day
2025	April	21	Monday
2026	April	21	Tuesday
2027	April	21	Wednesday
2028	April	21	Friday
2029	April	21	Saturday
2030	April	21	Sunday

Observed

National Afternoon Tea Day is celebrated across the United Kingdom with special events, promotions, and tea parties in cafes, hotels, tea rooms, and homes. Many venues offer themed afternoon teas, discounts, or unique tea experiences to mark the occasion.

Fun Facts About Afternoon Tea

1. The average Brit drinks 876 cups of tea annually, enough to fill two bathtubs.
2. 98% of people take their tea with milk.
3. Traditionally, milk was poured into the cup first to protect delicate bone china.
4. Scones were not included in afternoon tea until the early 1900s.
5. The world’s most expensive tea is Da Hong Pao, grown in the Wuyi Mountains of China.

Quiz

1. Who introduced the concept of afternoon tea?
2. In what year was National Afternoon Tea Day founded?
3. What is the traditional time for afternoon tea?
4. Which jam is Britain’s favorite for scones?
5. What is the difference between “high tea” and “afternoon tea”?

(Answers: 1. Anna, Duchess of Bedford; 2. 2016; 3. Between 4 and 6 pm; 4. Strawberry; 5. High tea is a more substantial meal eaten later in the day, while afternoon tea is a light snack between lunch and dinner)

FAQs

1. What is typically served at an afternoon tea?
2. Is there a dress code for afternoon tea?
3. How long does an afternoon tea usually last?
4. Can I host my own afternoon tea at home?
5. Are there variations of afternoon tea in different countries?

Related

• International Tea Day
• Cream Tea Day
• National Hot Tea Month
• World Tea Day
• Afternoon Tea Week