Tea, usually associated to have originated in China, was also a common tradition that England practiced especially in the afternoons. It was Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford who introduced the afternoon tea practice stemming from her knack of becoming hungry in the afternoons during her time.
English tea and biscuits made their way as an apparent substitute towards what most people use in the form of coffee for social gathering and quality pastime breaks. Such a heritage has been in effect to this day.
Biscuits are not the only known partners that come with the traditional English tea. Other substitutes would include that of canapés or sandwiches and pastries to go. So the next time a person would find himself visiting the vicinity of England, expect a hot tea pot waiting for serving as a form of accommodation and social support element for a perfect English afternoon with your host.
[tags]tea, tradition, afternoon tea, coffee[/tags]