No, traditional high tea is not served in the morning. It is distinctly an afternoon or early evening meal, historically served to bridge the gap between lunch and a late dinner.
Understanding High Tea Timing
High tea is a British culinary tradition with specific serving times that place it firmly in the latter part of the day. As per common understanding and historical context:
- High tea tends to be served later in the afternoon, typically between 5 PM and 7 PM. This timing allowed working-class families to enjoy a substantial meal after a long day's work.
- In contrast, afternoon tea is traditionally served earlier, around 4 PM. Both, however, are afternoon events and are never served in the morning hours.
The reference explicitly states: "While both afternoon tea and high tea are served in the afternoon, one key difference between them is the time of day. Afternoon tea is typically served around 4 pm, while high tea tends to be served later in the afternoon (around 5- 7 pm)."
High Tea vs. Afternoon Tea: A Quick Comparison
It's common to confuse high tea with afternoon tea. Understanding their differences further clarifies why high tea is not a morning affair.
| Feature | High Tea | Afternoon Tea |
|---|---|---|
| Serving Time | Later afternoon / Early evening (5-7 PM) | Mid-afternoon (Around 4 PM) |
| Historical Origin | Working-class meal after work | Upper-class social event |
| Purpose | Substantial meal to satisfy hunger | Light refreshment before dinner |
| Setting | Served at a "high" dining table | Served on "low" lounge tables or settees |
| Food Served | Hearty dishes (e.g., meat, fish, potatoes, vegetables, bread, cheese, cakes), accompanied by tea. | Lighter fare (e.g., finger sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, delicate pastries), accompanied by tea. |
Modern Interpretations & Exceptions
While the traditional definition of high tea firmly places it in the late afternoon, modern establishments occasionally offer "tea-inspired" experiences at different times. However:
- A breakfast or brunch menu, even if it includes tea and some elements reminiscent of a tea service, would generally not be considered a true "high tea" in the traditional sense.
- These offerings are typically marketing adaptations and do not align with the historical or common understanding of high tea's timing and purpose.
In conclusion, for an authentic high tea experience, you would need to plan for the late afternoon or early evening, not the morning.
