Eat Out to Help Out gets Afternoon Tea Week off to a flying start

Afternoon Tea Week is a celebration of one of the nation’s favourite traditions

The government's Eat Out to Help Out Scheme is encouraging people to celebrate Afternoon Tea Week, which starts today (Monday).

Afternoon Tea Week is a celebration of one of the nation’s favourite traditions.

Whether enjoyed in a five-star hotel, tea room, or as a home baked treat, the British love the combination of savoury and sweet treats, accompanied by some of the 165 million cups of tea we drink each day in the UK.

Keith Newton, Managing Director of AfternoonTea.co.uk, said “After months of lockdown, people are now starting to go out and enjoy afternoon tea again."

He added: “Afternoon Tea Week, combined with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme, is the perfect excuse for people to treat themselves to a traditional afternoon tea and give businesses a well-needed boost during this difficult period."

Eat Out to Help Out discounts are available Monday to Wednesday until August 31, with customers enjoying up to £10 per person off their afternoon tea.

The tradition of afternoon tea is attributed to Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, who is said to have complained of "having that sinking feeling" during the late afternoon.

The solution was a pot a tea and a light snack, taken privately at first, then inviting friends to join her, until all fashionable society was sipping tea and nibbling sandwiches in the middle of the afternoon.

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