Daily: 2:00pm – 6:00pm

The History of High Tea

Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford is often credited with the invention of the tradition afternoon tea in the early 1840’s.

During this period dinner was not served until 8.30 or 9.00 in the evening and the Duchess often became hungry, so she ordered a small meal of bread, butter and other small snacks, to be brought secretly to her boudoir.

When she was exposed she was not ridiculed, as she feared, but her habit caught on and the concept of a small meal of niceties such as cakes, tarts, biscuits and tea, became popular and eventually known as “Afternoon Tea”.

Please enjoy our home made selection of niceties along with the carefully chosen Teas and enjoy your time at the Jumeirah Essex House.