The Real Tea
A few months back, I had an opportunity to sit around the table and enjoy a birthday celebration that encompassed a lady’s afternoon tea. I feel as though this is becoming more popular with ladies of a certain generation and that the appreciation of tea and all that it means has become an opted social event.
An avid coffee drinker, tea was never on my beverage radar for social tempts, but there is something quite classy and more intimate about tea time. I decided to do some research on this long time tradition in the UK.
High Tea vs Afternoon Tea
Yes, there is a difference. Afternoon Tea is also known as Low Tea and consists of what most people mistaken for High Tea here in America. It includes lighter fare like finger sandwiches, scones, little cakes, and bread with accompanying spreads while High Tea is a heartier meal. High tea would be served as the working classes arrived home after a long day and would be served on a high table. In the South, this would be equivalent to supper. Low originated in the early 19th century as was considered an affair of the upper classes while high tea began in the late 19th century as a working class meal. Once this tradition was mirrored in the United States, and just as Americans make it their own, the two teas became interchangeable, but still denoting a refined and elegant social occurrence.
“A woman is like a tea bag - you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.”
Photo by: Jo Ann Breaux at The Queen’s Library Tea Room
The Spilling of the Tea
You would think this term was created in some Marie Antoinettesque room with doily covered tables and stacks of little cakes strewn about. Then you would be wrong. This very famous saying was coined by the Black and LGBTQ+ ballroom and drag communities referring to gossip or “T” for truth. I find the term quite clever and use it pretty often when referring to some scandle or hubbub within my sphere.
Photo by: Jo Ann Breaux, The Queen’s Library
Logisticalltea Speaking
I’ve been delving into tea slowly for the past couple of years. I think I’m prepping myself for some proper UK travel in the near future. I’ve also enjoyed the tea room experience here in Richmond. It’s like it forces us to be a little classier than just meeting up at Starbuck’s. We have some lovely spots you should check out!
The Queen’s Library Tea Room: This little hidden gem is a perfect homage to the tea rooms from way back when in an 100 year old building in downtown RVA. It’s whimsical, unsuspecting, and a great backdrop for photos. Owner Clarissa Luna’s ownership is a story after my own heart and it is also very cool that this is a Latina-woman run business.
Floris at VMFA: Richmond’s newest tea room doesn’t disappoint with beautiful views and a sizeable menu. Although it is inspired by French and English tea service, it is less traditional.
Tea with Kip: If you are looking for a bright and festive spot to have your spot, this is the place. Offering a great mix of teas and morsels, Kip brings on the Southern hospitality.
T Caf Salon de Thé: This place is uber cute and cozy. You’ll feel right at home here in the heart of Scott’s Addition.
Apothec: Aesthetically pleasing and event rousing, this gorgeous tea house comes equipped for wellness and a bit of mystery.
Tea at the Jefferson: Last, but definitely not least, Afternoon Tea at the Jefferson is occasion to dress to impress, pinkies up, and bring the class and the long awaited reservation. Plan well in advance to indulge in the decadent seasonal menus.
