Creating a truly authentic British Afternoon Tea in the USA is harder than it should be. This complete guide covers everything you'll need and where to find it, including that most elusive of ingredients: fresh Clotted Cream.

What is Afternoon Tea?

Afternoon tea is a British tradition that dates back to the 1800s. It was introduced by the Duchess of Bedford when she was looking for a light refreshment between lunch and dinner. Due to her status, the trend soon caught on and has transformed into the afternoon tea we know and love today. 

The popularity of TV shows like The Great British Baking Show, Downton Abbey, The Gilded Age and (of course) Bridgerton have introduced the concept of a formal Afternoon Tea to a brand new audience and sparked a renewed interest in hosting British-style Afternoon Tea in your American homes, with many fans serving Afternoon Tea inspired foods during their watch parties. Our collection is perfect whether you're looking to host your own Regency-inspired tea party or a more modern twist on the traditional

What Foods And Refreshments Are Traditionally Served With Afternoon Tea?

A traditional afternoon tea consists of three tiers of elegant foods: scones, cakes and dainty, crustless sandwiches containing savoury fillings (these are referred to as finger sandwiches). The food is accompanied by your chosen tea, or if you want to elevate your experience, swap the tea for some bubbles.

The finger sandwiches vary in filling and have evolved through the decades. Some traditional fillings include cheese and cucumber, egg mayonnaise and coronation chicken, all made with a variety of breads.

The scones are one of the key features of the tea. The secret to a perfect scone is not jam, but a generous dollop of rich, velvety clotted cream. This thick, luxurious cream, essential to any proper afternoon tea, is notoriously difficult to find in the USA, but we’ve made it our mission to bring you genuine, high-quality clotted cream, ensuring that your Devon or Cornish cream tea is authentic down to the last bite. 

Like the sandwiches, the cakes have also changed throughout the decades but typically include something fruity like a strawberry tart, a chocolate option and something a little more savoury like a pastry. 

What is clotted cream and how is clotted cream different to whipping cream?

This is one of the most common questions from afternoon tea lovers across the USA, and it's a great one. Unlike whipping cream, clotted cream is thick, indulgent, and gloriously rich. It holds its shape beautifully and spreads effortlessly onto a warm scone, delivering that signature taste and texture that makes British afternoon tea so iconic. If you've been using whipping cream as a substitute, fresh clotted cream will be a revelation.

If you've ever tried to recreate an authentic British afternoon tea in the USA, you've likely run into the same frustrating roadblock: finding real, fresh clotted cream. Until now, that quest has been nearly impossible - but not anymore.

Our clotted cream is made from cream sourced from pasture-raised Wisconsin cows and made in small batches, a first for the American market. 

A Taste of Home: Our British Afternoon Tea in the States

Our afternoon tea collection offers a full range of supplies to create an experience fit for royalty (or for a binge-watching session of a certain popular period drama!). Our set includes;

• Scones: The perfect vehicle for your cream and jam, our classic scones are baked to a traditional standard.

• Jams: A selection of classic fruit preserves, our best-selling strawberry jam is ready to pair with our clotted cream.

• Fine tea: From robust English Breakfast to delicate Earl Grey, our teas complete the traditional spread.

Order Afternoon Tea Online

Your search for the most special British supplies in the USA, especially that elusive clotted cream, is over. Explore our full Afternoon Tea Collection and bring the authentic taste of Britain home.