Why Afternoon Tea Is the Ultimate Social Experience

There are numerous reasons why Afternoon Tea is the ultimate social experience, and as Afternoon Tea experts, we felt it was only right of us to share with you why this is the case. 

Afternoon tea is indulgent and sophisticated, special but not just for special occasions. It can host meaningful conversations in a relaxed and refined setting or provide the perfect backdrop for exciting announcements. 

Whether you’re having afternoon tea to catch up with an old friend or to celebrate a baby shower, engagement, or birthday, afternoon tea is the ultimate social experience. 

Afternoon tea originates back to the 19th century. In the 1840s,  Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford would get hungry around 4 PM and ask for tea, bread, butter, and cake. She started inviting friends to join her and the custom became popular among the upper classes. As tea became more affordable, the custom spread to the middle classes. Over time, it has become a cherished practice for bringing people together.

Afternoon tea is something to be enjoyed and savoured, it’s not something you eat in a hurry. It provides the perfect setting for deep conversations, laughter, and bonding without the distractions of modern life.

Eating a large meal can sometimes inhibit the ability to delve into a real heart-to-heart, however, an assortment of delicacies such as finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and exquisite pastries allows people to happily pick at different things between storytelling.  

The refined nature of afternoon tea, with its traditions of proper etiquette, adds a sense of sophistication and charm, making it an ideal occasion for special gatherings. In today’s fast-paced world, taking time to enjoy afternoon tea allows people to pause, relax, and engage in mindful conversation, fostering a sense of well-being and connection.

At Stokes, we offer four different afternoon tea options:

The Classic: 

Our Afternoon Tea is full of delectable treats made fresh, with a big focus on quality ingredients and sustainability. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Freshly prepared sandwiches cut into delicate fingers: Everyone gets to choose from a variety of mouth-watering fillings:

• Ham and mustard

• Cream cheese and salmon

• Cream cheese and cucumber

• Tuna & mayo

• Egg, chive, and mayo

• Mushroom and red onion chutney

• Avocado and tomato

• Petite Cakes: Hand-decorated in-house with a variety of flavours, from rich chocolate to fresh fruity bites, alongside our colourful, intricate macarons.

• Our Homemade with Love Scones:  These infamous scones, baked from granny’s time-tested recipe, are always a hit. They’re served with generous portions of scrumptious clotted cream and fruity jam.

• Sausage Rolls and Mini Quiches: All made from scratch with seasonal ingredients. We’re committed to reducing food waste, so we use the best bits of fresh produce that might otherwise be overlooked, still just as tasty but with a smaller carbon footprint.

Everything we serve comes from our trusted local suppliers, such as Lincoln-based butchers. This ensures you get the freshest flavours while supporting our community. Plus, our kitchen is all about sustainability, making sure nothing goes to waste without compromising on taste.

And, of course, no Afternoon Tea would be complete without your choice of refreshing loose tea or tastebud tantalising freshly roasted coffee sourced from our very own roastery. 

We also offer The Lush which includes everything from the classic but with a chilled glass of Prosecco. Our Duchess Afternoon Tea is a firm favourite, it’s just like our classic but with a demi-bottle of Champagne Bernard Remy Brut Carte Blanche and a wider selection of teas and espresso-based coffees. 

We also have an option for your littlest loves, our Little Darling Afternoon tea is a super sweet option that allows you to enjoy afternoon tea with your littlest loved ones. A choice of a mini sandwich and cake with a glass of milk or juice. We have a lovely variety to pick from. 

You’ll find more information about our Afternoon Tea offering here, or call a member of our team on 01522 523 548.