There are few things more quintessentially British than the ritual of afternoon tea. Whether it is an indulgent weekend treat or a sophisticated celebration, it is a practice that captures the very essence of relaxation and decadence.
Here at Langage Farm, we love Afternoon Tea! After all, what is afternoon tea without the perfect, luxurious dollop of our famous, award-winning Devonshire Clotted Cream?
A Slice of History
The origins of afternoon tea are often traced back to 1840, when Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, found herself feeling a little “sinking” feeling in the late afternoon. To combat the hunger pangs between lunch and a late dinner, she requested tea and light snacks to be brought to her room. It quickly became a fashionable social event among the elite, and it has remained a beloved British staple ever since.
However, we Devonian folks know our own history just as well! The roots of our iconic cream tea go back even further, to the 11th century in Tavistock, where local monks served bread with cream and jam to workers.
The Golden Rule: Cream First!
If you ever find yourself debating the proper way to assemble a scone, let us settle it for you right now: it is always cream first! This is the proper Devon way. By spreading a generous, velvety layer of our Langage Farm Devonshire Clotted Cream onto your warm scone before adding the jam, you create the perfect bed for your fruit preserves. It is not just a preference; it is a point of pride!
Interesting Facts to Impress Your Guests
The “Sinking” Feeling: The Duchess of Bedford’s afternoon hunger was technically known as “syncope” (fainting), which she cleverly treated with a little tea and cake.
World Record Holders: Did you know we were part of the 2013 world’s largest Devon Cream Tea event? We certainly know how to put on a spread!
Jersey & Guernsey Goodness: The secret to our clotted cream’s rich, golden colour and unbeatable flavour lies in the milk from our happy Jersey and Guernsey cows, which we turn into our famous products right here in our Devonshire creamery.
Tips for the Perfect Afternoon Tea at Home
Quality over everything: Start with the best ingredients. From fresh local jam to premium tea leaves, every element matters. And, of course, ensure you have a fresh tub of Langage Farm Devonshire Clotted Cream ready!
Warmth is key: Always serve your scones slightly warm. It helps the clotted cream melt just enough to become even more indulgent.
Keep it simple: You don’t need a fancy hotel setting. A picnic blanket in the garden, your favourite china, and good company are all you need to create a little heaven from Devon.
So, this Afternoon Tea Week, treat yourself to the very best. Pick up a tub of our clotted cream, bake a batch of scones, and celebrate in true Devon style!