HIGH TEA OR LOW TEA

In the past, whether you took "afternoon tea" or "high tea" was a peek into your social standing. In England, where the terms were developed, the historic distinction is clear.

Afternoon Tea was a light elegant meal served in the afternoon, between a light lunch and late dinner (usually between 3 o'clock and 5 o'clock). Afternoon Tea would consist of a variety of sandwiches and little cakes. Afternoon Tea was normally eaten at smaller tables away from the dining room. It was mainly confined to the aristocracy with their leisurely lifestyle.




High Tea was an early evening meal or dinner typically eaten between 5 and 6 o'clock in the evening. It would be eaten as a substitute for both Afternoon Tea and the evening meal. It is a more substantial meal, including meat and/or fish, hence its other name of Meat Tea. This well suited the middle and lower classes after a long day at work. High Tea was served at the main (or high) dining table.

Read how this practice is observed among the Commonwealth of Nations.