Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea History

Tea consumption increased dramatically during the early nineteenth century and around this time Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford is said to have complained of "having that sinking feeling" during the late afternoon. At the time it was usual for people to take only two main meals a day, breakfast, and dinner at around 8 oclock in the evening. The solution for the Duchess was a pot a tea and a light snack, taken privately in her boudoir during the afternoon.

Later friends were invited to join her in her rooms and this summer practice proved so popular that the Duchess continued it when she returned to London, sending cards to her friends asking them to join her for "tea and a walking the fields." Other social hostesses quickly picked up on the idea and the practice became respectable enough to move it into the drawing room. Before long all of fashionable society was sipping tea and nibbling sandwiches in the middle of the afternoon - and so Afternoon Tea began.....

You can now enjoy Afternoon Tea in the setting of the Orangery Restaurant at The Moat House, Acton Trussell on Monday - Saturday from 3.00pm. Afternoon Tea is seen as a luxury for the British; a birthday treat, a catch up with old friends, or a welcome break from a hectic days work. Luckily, at The Moat House you are still able to indulge in a little bit of British tradition in a perfect setting.

Afternoon Tea will be served at 3.00pm, 3.30pm or 4.00pm Monday to Saturday in the Orangery Restaurant. The price is £15.00 per person, and includes a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly made warmed scones with clotted cream and jams, and a selection of patisseries. To reserve your table, please call 01785 712217.