This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
By the time the seventh Duchess of Bedford, a close friend of Queen Victoria, popularised afternoon tea in the 1840s, tea-taking was already beloved among the middle classes. Based on the Chinese cháguăn (‘tea house’) concept, tea salons evolved quickly, and before long the likes of Lyons and Fortnum & Mason opened tearooms that created the enduring appeal of bone china, classic interiors and a menu of finger food. Today, afternoon teas range from the traditional, with classic scones and sandwiches, to the more experimental, featuring anything from lavender eclairs to Japanese specialities. Here are seven of our favourites…
