British teatime

Four o'clock tradition

British teatime is the late afternoon period, traditionally around 4 to 5 p.m., associated with serving tea and light refreshments.

The custom ranges from a simple cup of tea with biscuits to elaborate spreads of sandwiches, scones, and cakes.

In some regions and households, teatime refers to the evening meal itself: The children have their teatime at six.

Related

Earl Grey · porcelain · bone china · tea cosy · china cups · finger sandwiches · jam · lemon curd · biscuits · tiered stand · afternoon · saucers · doilies · sugar cubes · tea trolley · milk jug · Victoria sponge · shortbread

Opposites
meal timing/daily eating schedule

British teatimebreakfast

Day's first eating

dinner · evening meal · supper · midnight snack · brunch

cultural food traditions

British teatimeJapanese tea ceremony

Ritualized matcha preparation practice

pace and formality of eating

British teatimefast food

Speedy prepared meals

desk lunch · working lunch · microwave dinner · power lunch

Family

British, Britain, Briton, Britons, Britishness, teapot, teacup, teatime, time

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Known to kids · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G