I savoured afternoon tea at a grand hall and felt like lady of the manor

THE quintessential tradition of afternoon tea no longer requires the wearing of a long gown, gloves and a hat like the high society ladies who indulged in the ritual in the late 1800s.

- By LYNETTE PINCHESS

It's a relief as it's a sweltering 30C outside and I’m hot enough as it is in a floaty frock.

Customs come and go, but fortunately this is one that has had a resurgence in more recent times.

Tiny tea rooms, garden centres, restaurants and pubs have it on the menu.

I call it tiers of joy as the sandwiches, scones and cakes are typically served on a three-tiered stand.

Afternoon tea was introduced by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in 1840, who found herself hungry between lunch and a fashionably late evening meal.

To fill the gap, she requested a tray of tea, bread and butter and cake in the afternoon, which became a habit. Soon she began inviting friends to join her.

It has been Afternoon Tea Week but you don’t need a national week to partake when it’s available all year round. A firm favourite for hen parties, baby showers, birthdays and anniversaries - but does there actually need to be an occasion? Not really, as it’s a way to hit the pause button and enjoy a lovely leisurely afternoon in good company.