Devonshire Afternoon Tea at Buckland Tout-Saints

“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” - Henry James

All over the country, the grand old tradition of afternoon tea is well and truly in vogue.

The custom of afternoon tea was introduced in 1840 after the Seventh Duchess of Bedford typically became peckish at four o’clock in the afternoon. The Duchess felt that the time between their formal lunch and dinner was rather too long and so insisted that a tray of tea, bread and butter was brought to her private rooms in the afternoon. She soon started to invite her friends to take tea with her and the fashion spread like wildfire amongst the London socialites.

Afternoon tea became ‘the thing to do’ and during the 1800s women of standing and birth would change into formal gowns, gloves and hats and take their tea in the drawing room between four and five o’clock - a ceremony that is a common sight in many period dramas.

We serve a variety of cream teas, full afternoon teas and, for a touch of luxury, sparkling afternoon teas with a glass of fizz. Take yourself back in time and spend an afternoon taking tea without a care in the world!

Call the hotel direct to enquire about afternoon tea or book your visit.

We cater for all dietry requirements: gluten free, vegetarian, vegan