When I worked as an administrator, we used to go for tea (supper) after work on occasions. It was lovely (not a bread crust in site), lol. I loved the 'pieces', i.e. cakes and scones, etc., as they are called here in Aberdeenshire. Although 'pieces' meant jam or meat paste bread sandwiches eaten at lunchtime or after school (4 pm 'ish) before dinner on the other side of the country where I grew up. Where I currently live (NE Scotland) what you described would be called "high tea". It's a big thing here when women get together - not so much so the men unfortunately. At one point there was a fad where tea was served and drunk from a small teapot! Mmm!!!! I think I much prefer the kind of gathering you described. Sounds like it's as much about getting together as it is enjoying the tea. What I've experienced of such is a bit more pretentious. More an excuse for an instagram/facebook sharing than a collective time together/teatime enjoyment experience. I would so love what you shared though. Reminds me of proper tea with my granny in Taunton.
I have just stumbled across this post after finding your blog via Aimée's blog Flourish and Fare. I am siting right now at my writing desk with my pot of green tea accompanied by my cup and saucer and a slice of flapjack! What a coincidence 😂
I sometimes wish I lived back in the days when stopping for tea or being invited round for tea and cake as a guest was a thing. I love the whole preparation of setting up for when people come to visit, laying out the china and baking goodies like scones or cake. I really enjoyed reading your Blog Post, thank you for sharing! 😊
Oh, how I adored this! It truly spoke to me, David. Over the past couple of years, my partner and I have rediscovered the simple pleasure of brewing loose leaf tea in a teapot and drinking it with cups and saucers (and biscuits!). It just makes drinking tea feel that much more special, especially early on a Saturday or Sunday morning when you have nowhere to be. I completely agree about 9-5 being an outdated system – I cannot understand how still using such an old pattern of work is agreeable in this day and age! I love all of your nostalgic reflections – more of this please 😊🫖🍰
I love the this, and it takes me back too. I’m not sure if it’s the british influence over Portugal from the 18th century, but ‘tea’ in Portugal is also sacred. Grandmas and mums at the beach will pull out a sandy at 4pm, we call it ‘lanche’. It is usually a sandwish with ham and cheese, something to drink and even fruit ✨
I enjoyed my very first high tea experience last year at a hotel in Oxford and it was delicious. Here in Italy, we have a similar afternoon break called merenda around 5 PM, being dinner consumed around 8 PM. By tradition, you eat a small sandwich or a slice of cake accompanied with some fruit juice or tea or coffee, it really depends on individual preferences. I have the best memories as a child coming home from school and enjoying my merenda watching cartoon right before starting my homeworks. Nowadays, it has remained something for the children, adults no longer enjoy their afternoon break, too busy trying to finishing their tasks for the day. I never really stopped squeezing 10 mins in my afternoon schedule for a tea and something to eat, it's part of my inner clock and makes the afternoon better!
I envy you the afternoon ritual of afternoon tea which sounds a very civilsed and comforting affair! Your bakes always look fo heavenly. Was your grandma the source of your love of baking?
When I worked as an administrator, we used to go for tea (supper) after work on occasions. It was lovely (not a bread crust in site), lol. I loved the 'pieces', i.e. cakes and scones, etc., as they are called here in Aberdeenshire. Although 'pieces' meant jam or meat paste bread sandwiches eaten at lunchtime or after school (4 pm 'ish) before dinner on the other side of the country where I grew up. Where I currently live (NE Scotland) what you described would be called "high tea". It's a big thing here when women get together - not so much so the men unfortunately. At one point there was a fad where tea was served and drunk from a small teapot! Mmm!!!! I think I much prefer the kind of gathering you described. Sounds like it's as much about getting together as it is enjoying the tea. What I've experienced of such is a bit more pretentious. More an excuse for an instagram/facebook sharing than a collective time together/teatime enjoyment experience. I would so love what you shared though. Reminds me of proper tea with my granny in Taunton.
Tea sounds lovely 🥰
I have just stumbled across this post after finding your blog via Aimée's blog Flourish and Fare. I am siting right now at my writing desk with my pot of green tea accompanied by my cup and saucer and a slice of flapjack! What a coincidence 😂
I sometimes wish I lived back in the days when stopping for tea or being invited round for tea and cake as a guest was a thing. I love the whole preparation of setting up for when people come to visit, laying out the china and baking goodies like scones or cake. I really enjoyed reading your Blog Post, thank you for sharing! 😊
Oh that’s so lovely, thank you 🙏
We love tea time. Cup of tea at 4 ish. We too had tea after our wedding with the wedding guests.
We love to invite friends for tea in the garden - or indoors if it's raining.
BUT - we shock everyone by not doing tea for our garden openings.
And another BUT - why do British cafes all close now before teatime???????????
Oh, how I adored this! It truly spoke to me, David. Over the past couple of years, my partner and I have rediscovered the simple pleasure of brewing loose leaf tea in a teapot and drinking it with cups and saucers (and biscuits!). It just makes drinking tea feel that much more special, especially early on a Saturday or Sunday morning when you have nowhere to be. I completely agree about 9-5 being an outdated system – I cannot understand how still using such an old pattern of work is agreeable in this day and age! I love all of your nostalgic reflections – more of this please 😊🫖🍰
Thank you so much, I’m glad this resonated with you 🙏 Absolutely yes to cups and saucers, and loose leaf tea!
I enjoyed reading about your memories of your grandmother ✨ it’s those things that we carry with us in our hearts.
So true 🙏✨
I love the this, and it takes me back too. I’m not sure if it’s the british influence over Portugal from the 18th century, but ‘tea’ in Portugal is also sacred. Grandmas and mums at the beach will pull out a sandy at 4pm, we call it ‘lanche’. It is usually a sandwish with ham and cheese, something to drink and even fruit ✨
That’s so interesting. I hadn’t really thought about the similar traditions in other countries 🍰
Wonderful memories 💕🙏💕
I enjoyed my very first high tea experience last year at a hotel in Oxford and it was delicious. Here in Italy, we have a similar afternoon break called merenda around 5 PM, being dinner consumed around 8 PM. By tradition, you eat a small sandwich or a slice of cake accompanied with some fruit juice or tea or coffee, it really depends on individual preferences. I have the best memories as a child coming home from school and enjoying my merenda watching cartoon right before starting my homeworks. Nowadays, it has remained something for the children, adults no longer enjoy their afternoon break, too busy trying to finishing their tasks for the day. I never really stopped squeezing 10 mins in my afternoon schedule for a tea and something to eat, it's part of my inner clock and makes the afternoon better!
That sounds wonderful. It’s so lovely to be able to hold on to these rituals 🍰
I envy you the afternoon ritual of afternoon tea which sounds a very civilsed and comforting affair! Your bakes always look fo heavenly. Was your grandma the source of your love of baking?
I don’t think Granny ever baked, certainly not in my lifetime. I’m not really sure where that came from, other than I think I basically taught myself.