What’s fancier than a high tea? Dressed to the nines, you’ve just put on your most elegant Jane Austen-inspired outfit, and now you’re off to meet your nearest and dearest at a beautiful table layered with ornate ceramics and an ensemble of finely crafted appetizers for everyone to share. A rose gold teapot acts as a centrepiece and the faint aroma of Earl Grey lingers in the air, making the atmosphere feel right out a Regency painting. You’ve got to wonder, how did this event of ours come to be? The entire concept of having “tea” as a domestic ritual has been around for centuries, its storied history spanning many years, and the same can be said for the niche “high tea”. Here’s how it became such a timeless tradition and culinary staple of English and eventually modern Australian society.
Back in 19th century London, Anna Maria Russell, the Seventh Duchess of Bedford, was known to privately request an assortment of small, bite-sized finger foods to be delivered directly to her room, where she would quietly tide over her hunger in between the usual scheduled times for eating as a family. These light meals generally consisted of miniature cakes, scones and even a savoury sandwich finger or two, balancing out the spectrum of taste while indulging in sweets. Now known as “snacks”, this type of food during that point of the day was viewed as quite an oddity, but little did the Duchess know that she was somewhat of a catalyst for creating a tradition that would carry well into the millennium.
This “afternoon tea” of hers would soon turn into a shared bonding experience amongst other English woman. It was an exclusively upper-class routine due to not only the cost of utensils and ingredients being used, but also because of the much-needed assistance from private chefs and servants only available in such households.
Of course, it was only a matter of time until everyone wanted to get in on this new craze and “high tea” became somewhat of a response from people living in lower to middle class areas. Contrary to the Duchess’ tea, these meals were predominantly prepared for workers after long days of hard labour a bit later in the afternoon and usually consisted of energy-rich and hearty ingredients like meat and cheese. According to a variety of accounts, the “high” in the name just refers to the way in which this food was enjoyed, that being on a typical set of high tables and chairs.
Soon enough, as this tradition continued to stay popular for people on both ends of social class, a blended hybrid of the two styles made its way over to Australia and became a special event enjoyed by basically anyone willing to organise it. This new version, still referred to as a high tea, usually takes place during the mid to late afternoon and includes the more traditional upper-class theming and food to match. Gone were the standard helpings served on high tables, but the delicate food and fancy aesthetic was to stay for good.
Today, hosting a high tea is very popular amongst younger and older Australians alike, and the perfect way to celebrate special occasions like birthdays, bridal showers and even business meetings. Some might put on a show for family or friends at home, dusting off old family heirlooms and appreciating the past. Others may choose to set up a Bridgerton-inspired picnic in a park, staying true to the roots of the theme but in a more relaxed and laid-back environment. There just isn’t one way to do it, truly cementing it as the timeless tradition it’s seen as now.
Feel like treating yourself? Make sure to book a table at The Roasted Berry for our King’s High Tea | Click here to learn more