HighTea
High Tea . . . Afternoon Tea . . .
What's the difference?

     The terms "afternoon tea" and "high tea" are often misused in American culture. In Britain, "High Tea" is the heavy evening meal served in late evening on a higher dinner table, much like a late dinner. British Afternoon Tea, or "low tea" is served in the late afternoon, typically four or five in the afternoon, on a lower table, with all the fanfare Americans associate with "High Tea."
 
     In Britain there are three types of afternoon teas consisting of savories (tiny sandwiches, or appetizers), scones (served with jam or curd and Devonshire or clotted cream), and pastries (cakes, cookies, shortbread and sweets):
Cream Tea- consists of tea, scones, jam and cream
Light Tea- consists of tea, scones and sweets
Full Tea- consists of tea, savories, scones, sweets and dessert

     Teatime is considered to be invented by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford (1788-1861). Because the noon meal had become skimpier, the Duchess suffered from "a sinking feeling" at about four o'clock in the afternoon. At first the Duchess had her servants sneak her a pot of tea and a few slices of toast. Not wanting to be thought of as unwell, she began to invite guests to join her in her sitting rooms at Belvoir Castle for a light meal served before dinner. The menu centered around small cakes, bread and butter sandwiches, assorted sweets, and, of course, tea. 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." The practice of inviting friends to come for tea in the afternoon was quickly picked up by other socialites across Britain.
      During the second half of the Victorian Period, known as the Industrial Revolution, working families would return home tired and exhausted. The table would be set with all manner of meats, bread, butter, pickles, cheese and a respectable pot of tea. None of the dainty finger sandwiches, scones and pastries of afternoon tea would have been on the menu.
 
 
Here at the Glenwood we offer a Full Tea Experience based on traditional afternoon tea. Our version is $17.00 per person plus tax and tip. Your Full Tea Experience includes Hot Tea, Soup, Tea Finger Sandwiches, and a Buttermilk Scone with Lemon Curd and Devonshire Cream.
 
To reserve a traditional tea, call 318-868-3652 and request a Full Tea Experience when making your reservation.