When hosting or attending afternoon tea, the food may get the spotlight, but the tea itself is the true foundation of the experience. The right tea not only complements the food but also sets the tone for the entire occasion. Whether you’re new to the tradition or curious to upgrade your teaware, understanding the key types of tea and how to serve them will enhance your afternoon tea offering.
Creating your own afternoon tea at home can be a wonderfully rewarding experience. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, building the perfect menu is key to a successful event. Here’s how to balance savoury, sweet, and tea with ease even if you’re new to it all.
Tea may be a global drink, but nowhere is it more ritualised than in Britain. While many people use terms like afternoon tea, high tea, and cream tea interchangeably, they actually describe very different experiences. If you’re planning to indulge in a tea outing whether in the UK or abroad, knowing the difference can help you choose the perfect setting.
Afternoon tea may seem simple on the surface, pour, sip, and nibble. But beneath the surface lies a series of subtle social cues that can shape the entire experience. These aren’t the kind of rules you’ll find printed on a menu or explained by your server. They’re the quiet cultural codes that make afternoon tea feel special, and sometimes even a little intimidating to first-timers.
In this post, we explore the unspoken behaviours that help you move confidently through any tea setting from traditional hotels to modern cafés.
Sky Lounge, Sapporo, ANA Crowne Plaza
Sky Lounge Sapporo View at ANA Crowne Plaza offers a seasonal “Haru no Oto” Strawberry Afternoon Tea with 10 themed sweets, savouries, palate cleansers, unlimited Haagen-Dazs, and TWG Tea. Served on the 26th floor with panoramic city views, it’s perfect for couples, friends, or solo indulgence. Available until 31st May 2025 with limited daily sittings. Booking is required three days in advance. Priced at ¥4,200, with an optional wine add-on and take-home cake set available online.