What is the difference between afternoon tea and high tea in Britain?

Answer 1

The definition of "high tea" in Great Britain is the exact opposite of the American definition, which links "high" with "formal." In England, afternoon tea is an elegant, social meal served at about 4 p.m. with very small Sandwiches (watercress, fish paste), cake and biscuits (English for cookies). The tea is served from a tea pot as opposed to putting tea bags into cups of hot water. And you never, ever, lift the little finger of the hand that holds the cup! In Devon and Cornwall afternoon tea may include clotted cream served on scones with jam. Then there is strawberry cream tea served with . . . you've guessed it, strawberries. High tea, on the other hand, originated as a meal for laborers and is served later in the day at about 5 or 6 p.m. as an early supper, often for children. It is a more substantial meal and may consist of sausages and eggs, beans on toast or canned spaghetti.