The Upper Crust: What to buy for Afternoon Tea Week
Afternoon Tea Week begins on 10 August, so why not get prepared early so you can nibble on finger sandwiches, scones and more? Here’s our round-up of what to buy.
New English Teas Vintage Victorian Tea Tin with 40 English Breakfast Tea Bags, £6
We’re loving the fact that after you’ve enjoyed a cup of tea alongside your finger sandwiches – egg and cress for us, please – scones, and more, you can then store the rest of the bags inside this eye-catching tin. Fitted with a hinged lid for easy opening and keeping your tea fresh, the English Breakfast teabags are full bodied, and work as the perfect pick-me-up in the morning.
By Amazon Sweet & Fruity Strawberry Jam, 98p
Here’s a bargain! Packed with strawberries, this is perfect for slathering on scones – but is it clotted cream first, or clotted cream second? Now there’s an ongoing debate, with the Cornish method differing from Devon. Feel free to do a bit of research to find out which county does what, but remember: at the end of the day, it’s all down to what you prefer.
Rodda’s Cornish Clotted Cream, £3.99
We’re loving the history behind this brand: in 1890 great-great-grandmother, Eliza started making clotted cream in her farmhouse kitchen in the heart of Cornwall. It’s still crafted the very same way, made from 100% Cornish milk of grass grazing cows. Expect a delicious golden crust that’s a symbol of its quality, offering a protective seal for the silky cream below.
Yvonne Ellen Slogan Napkins, £32
You’ve got to have a little etiquette over afternoon tea now, don’t you? And that’s where this set of four 100% cotton napkins comes in. Pastel and embroidered, they bring some quirky charm to the table. And then there’s the four different cheeky slogans… Why not complete the look with the brand’s matching placemats – and throw one of their gorgeous cake stands into the mix?
Snowdonia Cheese Company Sweet & Savoury Afternoon Tea Hamper, £47
Cheese as well as afternoon tea? Yup: this luxurious hamper’s filled with both. Alongside its extra mature Black Bomber and Bouncing Berry cheese truckles, you’ll find Wholemeal & Extra Virgin Olive Oil Crackers and Fig & Apple Chutney. There’s also handmade strawberry jam by England Preserves, Joe’s Tea Co Ever-So-English Breakfast organic tea bags and a box of cocoa-dusted truffles by Belgid’Or.
The Matcha Yaad Strawberry Matcha Tea, £25
Heard about Matcha but not sure what it is? A bright green powder made from finely ground, shade-grown green tea leaves, unlike regular green tea where you discard the leaves, with Matcha you consume the entire leaf. We’re fans – and you will be too when you enjoy this Strawberry variety. With a smooth texture and velvety finish, it’s rich in L-theanine for relaxation, and is both gluten and sugar-free.
Cath Kidston Spring Birds Teacup and Saucer, £16.20
Afternoon tea wouldn’t be complete without sipping your brew of from a proper teacup – sorry standard mugs, you don’t make the cut. This is our choice from iconic Cath Kidston, featuring a scallop-shaped saucer and a delicate spring design (yes, we know it’s summer, but this is still the one for us). Perfect for both everyday use and special occasions, it’s good to know it’s also dishwasher and microwave safe.
The Cornish Company The Pasty & Ale Treat Hamper, £32.95
Other half not an afternoon tea fan but you are? Here’s the best of both worlds. Made or sourced from Cornwall, inside you’ll find freshly-baked plain scones, Rodda’s Cornish Clotted Cream, four Cornish Company Strawberry Jam jars, Cornish tea bags, biscuits, and shortbread. There’s also two freshly-baked medium steak pasties, and two local ales – Tribute from St Austell’s Brewery, and Proper Job IPA.
Birchall Virunga Afternoon Tea Bags, £4.95
This pure origin tea is sourced from Rwandan tea gardens, close to the Virunga National Park. In this region the tea bushes grow slowly, at high altitude and relatively low temperatures, developing greater flavour. As one review said; “A great tea that goes well with afternoon tea or biscuits.” We’ve concur – plus it’s nice to see that 5p from every pack goes towards saving the Virunga National Park.
Klink London 4 Knightsbridge Crystal Glass Champagne Coupes, £25
Fancy a little fizz with your afternoon tea? Well, it’d be rude not to. That’s where this set of four glasses elevates your scoffing and quaffing game. Designed for the kind of celebration that feels both vintage and new, the crystal glass coupes are inspired by the elegance of London’s Knightsbridge evenings. Grab a glass of your finest fizz, then say a toast to the wonder that is afternoon tea. Cheers!
