Esther Walker, writing in the "i" advises us that "High tea-is another way to have people round without really having them round. What with the popularity of Bridgerton and the new production of Nancy Mitford’s The Pursuit of Love, I predict a High Tea renaissance. High Tea differs from bog-standard teatime with the addition of savoury foods, such as cut sandwiches and devilled eggs, alongside usual teatime headliners such as scones and tiny cakes. "
Surely what Esther Walker is describing is "Afternoon tea" NOT "High tea"!
High tea, certainly in Scotland when I was growing up, was a family meal eaten around 6pm consisting of a main course, usually hot, such as fish and chips, macaroni cheese, or mince and potatoes with veg, followed by a cup of tea with bread and butter, biscuits and/or cake or fruit tart.
Afternoon tea was enjoyed by ladies of leisure in the elegant restaurants of department stores. A waitress in a black dress, frilly apron and frilly headgear would serve dainty sandwiches - egg and cress, cucumber, salmon, followed by scones or tea bread, fancy biscuits, cream buns, slices of fruit cake, chocolate cake or victoria sponge, and individual cakes such as meringues, eclairs or iced fancies. All served on delicate plates and silver plated cake stands.
I once had a similar, very expensive afternoon tea in Fortnum and Masons so I don't think it's different in England. Am I wrong?
