英式下午茶，一直都是绅士、淑女，与上流身份的代表。浓郁的茶香，配合精致、美味的各色茶点，带来的肯定是一段美好而难忘的下午时光。不过，享用英式下午茶可不是随便的事情，需要认真对待，应该注意礼节。
The British have many traditions but there is nothing more quintessential than taking afternoon tea. We know the Brits have a love affair with drinking tea, with more than 160m cups drunk every day, but it was the invention of afternoon tea that turned sipping1 tea into a popular pastime.
This sociable2 feast involves drinking good quality tea whilst nibbling3 on dainty sandwiches, scones5 with jam and cream and a selection of small cakes. And, of course, it can only happen in the afternoon! It is a ritual dating back to the 1840s, designed as a light snack to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner. It went on to become a fashionable social occasion for the upper classes.
Now there is a resurgence6 in its popularity in the UK and its available to anyone who can afford it. Although it can be enjoyed at home, the best way to experience it is at a smart hotel or cafe. Some of the most famous places to indulge are Claridges, The Savoy or at The Ritz in London. But if youre thinking of visiting such a place to tuck into a plate of sweet and savoury treats washed down with a steaming hot brew7, remember the rules you must adhere to, to avoid being asked to leave.
1.Make sure you order the correct thing it is afternoon tea not high tea, or a cream tea. These are something different.
2.Dress smartly its an important occasion. Certain places demand a man wear a jacket and tie and ladies should wear a hat.
3.When you sit down, place a napkin on your lap. It will keep your clothes clean and can be used to wipe small crumbs8 from your face.
4.Stir your tea correctly do not clink your spoon against the cup and do not leave it in the cup! Stir back and forth9 not around in circles.
5.Hold the tea cup by its handle with your thumb and forefinger10 together, and then use your middle finger to support and balance the cup underneath11. Do not allow your little finger to stick out.
6.Start by eating the sandwiches first before moving onto the sweet things.
7.The sandwiches are called finger sandwiches and therefore eaten by hand not with a knife and fork. They should have their crusts cut off.
8.Dont saw your scone4 in half. Ideally it should be pulled apart, creating 2 equal halves.
9.When eating take small delicate bites. This will allow you to join in conversation without always having a full mouth.
10.Although you can ask for more sandwiches and cakes, dont stuff them in your pockets to eat later!
Writer Henry James once noted12 that there are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated13 to the ceremony known as afternoon tea. Im sure once youve tried it, you will agree.
