Great British Holiday Traditions: The Cream Tea

If you take a rural self-catering holiday or any holiday in the British countryside, you will likely encounter a tea room serving cream teas. A traditional cream tea in the company of friends, family or a loved one is one of those understated pleasures that remain etched in your memory long after you have returned home.

What is a Cream Tea?

A cream tea is a traditional British afternoon tea that typically consists of tea, scones, clotted cream (always clotted cream) and jam. It is a popular treat in England, especially in the country's southwestern region, particularly in Cornwall and Devon, where tea rooms abound in popular visitor locations. Cream teas are often served in tearooms, cafes, or hotels, where they have become a quintessential part of British culinary tradition. They are a delightful treat for afternoon tea or as a light meal to be enjoyed with friends or family.

The centrepiece of a cream tea is the scone, a slightly sweetened, crumbly baked good. The scones are usually served warm and accompanied by clotted cream and strawberry jam. Clotted cream is a thick, rich, and indulgent cream made by heating unpasteurized cow's milk until a thick layer of cream forms on the surface. It is then carefully skimmed off and served with the scones.

What is a scone?

A scone is a small, lightly sweetened baked good originating in the United Kingdom. It is a type of quick bread, typically enjoyed as part of breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a snack. Scones have a crumbly and tender texture, similar to a biscuit or a cake, but they are distinct in their own way. Traditional scones for cream teas are often plain or lightly flavoured with ingredients like raisins or currants. They are typically round and slightly smaller than other types of scones. The scones are typically split in half horizontally before being served.

The essential ingredients of a scone include flour, baking powder, sugar, butter or another fat (such as lard or margarine), and milk or cream. Sometimes eggs are also added to enhance the richness of the scone. The dough is typically mixed until combined, ensuring it remains light and flaky.

Scones can be flavoured with various ingredients, such as dried fruits like raisins or currants, chocolate chips, nuts, or citrus zest. They can also be made savoury by adding ingredients like cheese, herbs, or even bacon. As a result, the flavours and variations of scones are diverse, allowing for a wide range of taste preferences.

The dough is usually rolled or patted into a round or square shape and then cut into individual portions before baking. The scones are typically baked until golden brown and can be served warm or at room temperature. They are often enjoyed with butter, jam, clotted cream, or other spreads.

Scones are a popular part of British and Irish cuisine and have gained popularity worldwide. They are versatile treats that can be customized to suit different tastes and occasions, whether enjoyed as a simple breakfast item or as part of an elegant afternoon tea.

How should you eat a cream tea?

To enjoy a cream tea, you would typically spread the clotted cream and jam on a halved scone. Some people prefer to put the jam on first, followed by a dollop of clotted cream, while others prefer the opposite order (see cream tea traditions below). The scone is then eaten with a cup of tea, usually black tea, although other tea types can also be enjoyed.

Are there any cream tea traditions?

You bet! They are all part of the fun. Several cream tea traditions are associated with serving and enjoying this delightful British treat. While customs may vary slightly depending on the region or establishment, here are some standard rules and practices:

1. Jam First or Cream First: There is an ongoing debate and regional divide regarding how clotted cream and jam should be spread on the scone. In Devon, it is traditional to apply the clotted cream first and top it with jam, while in Cornwall, the jam is spread first, followed by the clotted cream. This difference has led to the terms “Devonshire cream tea” and “Cornish cream tea” to distinguish between the two methods. But, of course, the correct way is to spread the jam first when in Cornwall and the cream first in Devon. That way, you will be perfectly safe!
2. Pronunciation: Do you call them scones (as in cones) or Scones as in Scon)?
3. Presentation: A proper cream tea should never arrive at your table with the scones already spread with cream and jam. It spoils the fun! In effect, you build your own tea, cut the scones, and then decide whether to apply equal quantities of jam and cream or be biased towards one of the ‘topcoats’. Likewise, your tea should arrive in a teapot – not already poured into a cup or mug. Pouring the tea and layering up your scones is vital to the cream tea tradition. Think of it as a kind of British version of a Japanese Tea Ceremony but with sticky fingers!
4. Tea Selection: Cream teas are traditionally enjoyed with freshly brewed black tea, such as English Breakfast or Earl Grey. However, personal preferences may vary, and some tearooms or individuals may offer a selection of teas, including herbal or flavoured options. For example, try lemon and ginger tea on one made with fresh mint leaves and a hint of sugar.

1. Serving Style: Cream teas are best served on a tiered tray or cake stand. The bottom tier holds the scones, while the upper tiers may feature other pastries, sandwiches, or treats. Accompaniments like butter, clotted cream, and jam are usually served in small dishes or individual portions. The cream should be served in a china dish. If it comes in a plastic sachet, leave a one-star review condemning such a sinful practice.

Cream Tea Rules of Etiquette

Cream teas are typically enjoyed in a leisurely manner, allowing for relaxed conversation and enjoyment of the food and tea. Scones are usually eaten with the hands, broken apart or sliced with a knife, and then spread with cream and jam. Eating the scone in small bites is customary rather than trying to consume it in one go.

Occasions: Cream teas are commonly associated with afternoon tea, a light meal served between lunch and dinner. They are often enjoyed as a social activity with friends, family, or as part of a special celebration, such as a birthday or bridal shower. The best, and indeed the most popular way is to go for a long walk in the countryside to burn off a few calories and then pile them back on by concluding your perambulations at a tea room.

These traditions and practices add to the charm and experience of enjoying a cream tea, making it a delightful and memorable occasion.

More Cream Tea information

Read the Exmoor Cream Tea Trail blog listing our favourite Exmoor Tea Rooms.

If you have a favourite cream tea establishment that you would like to recommend, then please email us (info@mfhc.co.uk) with its name and contact information. We will investigate, and if it passes muster, add your recommendation to this article.