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The Best British Treats for Afternoon Tea

5 minutes to readAug 17, 2021
Publisher - Great British Food Awards

Dani R

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Our favourite artisan treats, from loose leaf tea to raw honey from small-scale beekeepers

As Henry James once said, “there are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” This very British ceremony first became popular in the 19th century, especially under Queen Victoria.

A traditional afternoon tea menu includes delicate sandwiches, additional savoury bites such as devilled eggs, scones and other bite-sized cakes. These treats are accompanied by a carefully brewed cup of loose leaf tea.

Today, afternoon tea has seen a surge in popularity; it’s the perfect way to entertain friends in the garden. If you’re thinking about planning one, why not stock up on these British artisan goodies? We’ve even scooped up some exclusive discounts for GBF readers!

Sweeten up Afternoon Tea with Hive & Keeper

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Have even more fun at teatime with Hive & Keeper’s British Honey Tasting Gift Set. Discover three honeys from independent UK beekeepers. Each one has a different natural flavour note for you to try, from fruity to floral, warming like caramel, to fresh like the smell of green plants. Use the code ‘HONEY’ to get 10% off the British Honey Tasting Gift Set.

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A Great Summer Afternoon Calls for a Great Afternoon Tea!

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Grey’s Teas has lovingly blended a high-grade, loose leaf, ‘Good Afternoon!’ tea, which delivers a beautifully balanced taste. A blend of black China and Indian teas with a little lapsang souchong, it delivers a most satisfying cup with subtle smokiness. A moreish tea that will quench your thirst on long sunny afternoons! Use coupon code ‘GreatBritish’ to get 25% off by 31st August.

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Traditional Homemade Jams with Hawkshead Relish

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Delicious jams, marmalades, and perfectly pickled chutneys; the Hawkshead Relish Company know how to make afternoon tea special. All products are handmade in the heart of the Lake District, using traditional open pans and nothing artificial. Get £5 off your next order by entering the code ‘afternoon’ at the website checkout.

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Cornish Cream Tea Hampers Perfect for Picnics

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Trewithen Dairy’s Cornish cream tea hamper makes the perfect gift for anyone who loves fluffy scones generously smothered in golden crusted clotted cream. With a selection of Cornish produce to complement their award-winning clotted cream, Trewithen Dairy’s range of hampers make perfect gifts from the heart of Cornwall.

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Tasty Smoked Scottish Salmon from Ardtaraig Fine Foods

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Ardtaraig Fine Foods has been selling its Smoked Scottish Salmon for the last 41 years and in that time the recipes and methods have hardly changed. This sublime product is perfect to make your afternoon tea stand out above the rest. Use the exclusive code ‘GBFAFTERNOONTEA21’ to receive 20% off the very best Ardtaraig Organic Smoked Salmon.

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