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Hot Debate: What is the Proper way to have an Afternoon Tea?

Brits are probably the only nation that doesn’t wonder what came first, the chicken or the egg. People all across the United Kingdom can’t agree upon the proper way to enjoy their afternoon tea. What goes first, water or milk? Should you spread cream on top of the jam, or vice versa? Is there room for butter in the entire ritual? Everyone, even the Queen, has their say! Just in time to celebrate the National Afternoon Tea month, here at Amazon Slots surveyed more than 200 people in Britain and compared their tea habits with the Queen’s preferences!

“Royal butler claims that the MIF rule, where you pour the 'Milk In First', is reserved for lower classes.”

It seems that we have all learned by now that water should go before the milk. At least that’s how we pour it! According to the royal butler Grant Harrold, the habit of pouring the milk first came from the 18th century, when lower classes couldn’t afford pricey cups that don’t crack. Milk made sure the tea reached the optimal temperature immediately and, more importantly, cups and mugs intact.

But what brand landed on the top of the hot list of most delicious teas? If you ask Queen Elizabeth, the answer is simple - Twinings. Her subjects aren’t loyal to her choices, as 1 in 3 Brits would rather have a cuppa with the PF Tips signature all over it.

Despite the disagreement on tea brands, both citizens of Britain and the Queen go along with spreading the jam first, or to put it another way, the Cornish way. A generous knob of butter is also welcomed, at least among ordinary men. Both believe there is no need to add sugar to the popular drink, but if you choose to add something, it should be a delicious biscuit to dunk. Who would have thought Lilibet couldn’t resist the sweet melting taste in her mouth. 

Hot Debate - Afternoon tea

“Queen Elizabeth II dunks Rich Tea biscuits, but the average Brit prefers classic Digestives. A snap vs a crumble! ”

However, the Queen and her subjects part ways when it comes to scrumptious afternoon sandwiches. While Her Royal Majesty can’t resist smoked salmon, Brits would rather have a simple cheese filling. Also, your Average Joe chooses not to waste the crust and eat it all. On the other hand, the queen likes her sarnie with the crust cut off. Queenie also likes to stick to the official protocol of having tea anywhere between 4 pm and 6 pm. The rest of the nation drinks their tea a bit earlier, between 2 pm and 4 pm.

And who sticks to the rules the most? It could be a generational thing, but ladies living in London, especially those above 64 years of age, follow their Queen with unseen passion, Whereas young Scottish gentlemen aged 25 to 34 don’t really care about the protocol or the tea at all!