Who knew there were so many types of tea time? Certainly not me! Looking at these British definitions puts tea in a whole new light. In America, we are thirsty, we drink. No occasion, just a mug sitting on my desk, of coffee or tea, and there it stays with me slurping away while working and getting refills as needed. In my working years, I was so often drawn away to attend to other matters that my hot beverages were always stone cold by the time I returned. I learned to drink tea, coffee, and even “hot” chocolate when they were cold. It seemed too much time and trouble to wander down the hallway to the office microwave to reheat all the time. But look at this wonderful list of all the types of teas:
- Cream Tea-This is what I think of when I think of tea. Tea and scones with toppings.
- Elevensies-Morning coffee hour. Hmmm, I have this all morning long.
- Afternoon Tea-Served with little sandwiches, scones, and sweets.
- Low Tea-As above, using low chairs. So mine would be office chair tea?
- Royale Tea-Tea with Champaign or sherry. This sounds suspiciously like happy hour.
- Celebration Tea-Afternoon Tea with cake. Cake does make everything better!
- High Tea-Served in the late afternoon or early evening with a cooked dish. Sounds like supper to me.
I think the British got it right. These various tea types all sound like fun, making every day into a special occasion. Which sounds like more fun? “Would you like to join me for a slice of cake and a mug of coffee?” Or, “Would you care to attend Celebration Tea with me?” I vote for Celebration Tea. That’s why children don’t have coffee pot parties, they have tea parties. I suggest the next tea you offer a guest a cuppa, you ask them if they would like to attend Cream Tea. Let’s make our worlds a little more fun!
Sanctuary Acres 
Checking out all the tea rooms in Ohio is on my bucket list and I’m making good progress on that goal. One of my favorite’s Quintealia’s tea room in Burton. In a huge, gorgeous Victorian home. And they serve most of the types of teas on your list. Quant to go sometime (After Covid of course).
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I would love to go! Something to look forward to.
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Neat post. Tea is my favorite drink, and I’d only ever heard of “high tea” as a special thing. Thanks for sharing.
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I didn’t know there were so many until I saw this info graphic, so I wanted to share it. Glad you enjoyed it too!
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Dear All at Sanctuary-Acres
Enjoyed your entertaining “Types of Tea” from 2021 on Pinterest; it would be my pleasure to kindly assist you. Some on your selection are unknown in Great Britain, namely from the last half of the list, which I understand originated from an Ahmad Tea campaign photo, a fairly decent brand. The “Elevensies” is actually spelled Elevenses – a mid-morning break coffee/tea. Afternoon Tea is the expression referring to time tea is taken, but High Tea is the event itself – with the light repast of little cucumber/or cress/or smoked salmon sandwiches, and dainty little cakes commencing from 3 pm, try Fortnum & Mason or any of the great hotels at tea time if you’re ever in London. Depending on your class origins, some in Great Britain ie working class/lower middle class refer to Tea as supper is to N America that’s the early evening meal with the bread and butter you referenced earlier, so household staff wouldnt be required. Lunch is post 12 pm, Dinner is post 7 pm. Yes, I am English.
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