How to make afternoon tea at home

Start baking with our afternoon tea ideas, from sublime sandwiches to decadent cakes and sweet treats. Plus, snag the essentials you’ll need to serve the best springtime spread.

Food Editor

Emily Lambe

Treat yourself to a teatime treat with a luxurious afternoon tea. A quintessential English treat, afternoon tea has been a longstanding tradition since the mid-19th century. An afternoon tea service traditionally consists of a pot of piping hot tea, fluffy scones, finger sandwiches, and delicate cakes. It’s a great way to celebrate a special occasion like Mother’s Day or birthdays. While lots of restaurants, cafés and hotels offer an afternoon tea service, it’s pretty easy to throw together at home. Whip up some of our simple recipes or order our top-notch party food to make your celebration even easier.

Order afternoon tea

Afternoon tea essentials

Our Foodhall has everything you need to get your afternoon started. Of course, the first thing you’ll need is a top-quality tea. Our Luxury Gold Tea is 100% Fairtrade and hand-picked for its superior flavour and fragrance. Try a herbal infusion with our fruity strawberry and raspberry blend or a sweet and nutty rooibos. Looking to cut down on time in the kitchen? Try our fluffy Devon Scones, served with Cornish Clotted Cream and jam. And don’t forget our fantastic selection of cakes, from fluffy loaf cakes to beautifully decorated whole cakes. For a luxe addition, serve with a glass of bubbly Champagne or Prosecco.

Explore the bakery

Afternoon tea sandwich ideas

Kick off your spread with a course of savoury finger sandwiches. Our ultimate roast beef sandwich is a great place to start, filled with slices of tender roast beef, tangy Cornish Cruncher Cheddar and leafy greens. Or try our open prawn cocktail sandwich topped with extra-large tiger prawns, creamy Marie Rose sauce and chunky avocado. These truffle club sandwiches are loaded with peppery Italian Salami Napoli, chopped baby artichokes and Collection Parmigiano Reggiano and truffle butter. Once assembled, simply cut your sandwiches up into bite-sized pieces.

More party food

Best scones for afternoon tea

It wouldn’t be afternoon tea without a classic crumbly scone. Load yours up with a generous scoop of clotted cream and dollops of fruity jam. Infuse your scones with an extra zingy kick with this lemon and poppy seed scone recipe. In the mood for a savoury bite? These apple and Cornish Cruncher scones are loaded with punchy cheddar cheese and a touch of subtly sweet apple. Serve with our spicy and tangy Classic Ploughman's Chutney, packed with carrots, swede and gherkins.

Baking inspiration

Afternoon tea cake recipes

After your savoury course, tuck into a sweet treat. Our classic Victoria sponge cake is a real crowd-pleaser, with a light and fluffy sponge, smooth buttercream and generous dollops of strawberry jam. This hazelnut mocha cake compliments a cup of coffee with a kick of espresso, rich dark chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts. Or keep it simple with this zingy citrus loaf cake topped with a drizzle of grapefruit glaze. Make individual treats with strawberry and custard cupcakes, made with our Victoria Mini Sandwich Cakes and topped with juicy Red Diamond strawberries.

Decadent dessert ideas

The perfect afternoon tea set-up

After getting all your food and drinks ready, set the scene for your perfect afternoon tea with our top homeware picks. First, make sure you’re stocked up on mugs for tea and coffee. A matching set like these delicately detailed Hampton Stripe Mugs will add an extra special feel. Create a picturesque tablescape with fresh table linens, like this crisp Pure Cotton Sateen Tablecloth and these textured placemats. Add the finishing touch with a fresh bunch of flowers like this pastel Scented Rose & Freesia Bouquet.

Shop more tableware

Published 2.25.2025