There’s nothing quite as delightful as a good afternoon tea – dainty sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and a pot of classic English Breakfast tea. But if you’ve ever found yourself wondering, what’s the difference between afternoon tea, high tea, and cream tea?, you’re not alone! At Milly’s Patisserie in Potters Bar, we serve up a truly delicious afternoon tea and cream tea so read on as we clear up any confusion between the three in this blog post.
Afternoon Tea vs High Tea
The terms afternoon tea and high tea are often mixed up, especially outside the UK, but they’re quite different. Afternoon tea is the elegant, quintessentially British experience we all know and love – traditionally served mid-afternoon with delicate finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of sweet treats, all beautifully presented on a tiered stand. It’s a leisurely affair, best enjoyed with a spot of gossip and a pot of tea (or a glass of bubbly if you’re feeling fancy!).
High tea, on the other hand, originated during and after the World Wars as a hearty, working-class meal enjoyed in the early evening. Think hot, substantial dishes like pies, meats, and bread – a far cry from the refined selection of an afternoon tea. It was traditionally eaten at a high table (hence the name), whereas afternoon tea was served at low tables, often in a lounge or garden. So, if you’re looking for elegance, opt for afternoon tea – if you want something more filling, a local pub meal might be a better shout!
Afternoon Tea vs Cream Tea
If you’re in the mood for something a little lighter but still utterly indulgent, cream tea might be just the thing. Originating from Devon and Cornwall, cream tea consists of warm scones served with clotted cream, jam, and, of course, a pot of tea. No sandwiches, no cakes – just pure, buttery, jammy goodness.
As well as offering a luxurious floral afternoon tea package, at Milly’s we also do cream tea. Our cream tea package, priced at £10 per person, includes freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam, accompanied by a pot of tea. But we like to add a little extra indulgence—so we also include two of our signature macarons! With a selection of 10 macaron flavours available in-store (because macarons are our speciality!), there’s something for every sweet tooth to enjoy.
Join Us for Afternoon Tea at Milly’s Patisserie
Now that you know the difference, why not treat yourself to the real thing? At Milly’s Patisserie in Potters Bar, we serve a beautifully presented afternoon tea experience, complete with freshly baked scones, delicate sandwiches, and exquisite sweet treats. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just fancy a little luxury in your day, we’d love to welcome you!
Book your afternoon tea with us today and indulge in a taste of tradition, done the Milly’s way.
