when the seventh duchess of bedford would feel hungry at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, she would request her evening meal to include a tray of tea, bread & butter, and some cake. this late luncheon would be brought to her room every day. soon, the duchess started inviting her friends to join in, and this was the beginning of a trademark english culture that spread across the world and took on many forms.
as it was adapted, the rules became more flexible and today, you may call it afternoon or high tea, have it at 10am or at night, anything goes as long as there are scones involved! pastel colours and appealing decor further added to the aesthetic.
