Jo Steer

Jam and cream should then be spread onto each piece before eating.

Although there is a debate as to which should be spread first, jam followed by cream or cream followed by jam.

Finally, it was considered good etiquette to eat and drink in a slow, leisurely manner, alternating between sips and bites.

Afternoon tea encouraged people to remain present, to taste, savor, and truly appreciate the experience.

This brings us to the present day, where afternoon tea remains a popular British pastime.

And it's now enjoyed all around the world,

as people everywhere look to recreate its charm.

It's still served with all its formalities in glitzy tea rooms and hotels.

Elsewhere, it appears at social gatherings, an elegant treat to enjoy among friends.

But while afternoon tea has retained its reputation as a celebratory treat, on the whole, it's lost most of the rules and formalities.

For the most part, nowadays, there's no dress code required, and you can sip your tea however you wish.

What it stands for still is friendship and comfort.

It's a time to slow down and appreciate the food, the tea, and the people around us.