What is the traditional time for afternoon tea in England?
I have to say that I find this question and Brandi’s answer slightly patronising. To me it just reinforces unfortunate stereotypes about the English and their “oh so quirky” ways. 21st Century England follows very broadly the same working hours and practices as the rest of the Western world. As such it would be very hard to find anyone who is aware of the custom, and even fewer people who actually practice it. It may well be that elderly (and perhaps more cultured) people engage in the practice of afternoon tea, but they would be in the minority. Traditionally British people engaged in something known as “elevenses”. Basically this means a late-morning break for tea and biscuits. This, in modern Britain, is something of an anachronism. Many workers still do take a morning and afternoon break, but it is by no means a custom or tradition. The whole concept of “afternoon tea” conjures up images of prissy upper class people sipping Earl Grey out of expensive china and eating delicate cakes
