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National Cream Tea Day

27th June 2018

Categories: Visitor News

Make sure you know your cream tea etiquette for National Cream Tea Day

A very important date in all our calendars is of course National Cream Tea Day, a day in which it is practically the law for you to enjoy a cream tea. Now, there has long been a debate about the proper way in which to enjoy a cream tea – we’re slightly biased when we say we think the Devon way is the best, but if you want to enjoy a cream tea properly, follow these rules on cream tea etiquette as suggested by the Cream Tea Society.

Firstly, get the tea right.
It is recommended that you use loose leaf tea, none of this bagged nonsense. Brew the loose leaves in a teapot, but remember to serve a second pot with hot water so you don’t over brew. No one wants an over brewed tea. You should allow the tea to brew for at least three minutes before pouring, it gives you enough time for the full flavour to infuse!

Next up, strategically plan the seating, the person nearest the pot should pour for everyone else around the table. Thems the rules. Clumsy people should therefore sit as far away from the pot as possible.

If you are being served tea, make sure you do tea then milk. That way you can accurately judge the required strength, then only then do you add sugar or sweetner if you are so inclined.

A good cream tea will always come with spoons and saucers for everyone. Once you’ve stirred your tea, place your spoon on the saucer, put it anywhere else at your own peril.

Now, it is time for you to take a sip of your tea, the first thing you need to remember is contrary to popular belief, do not outstretch your pinky. Always hold the cup between your thumb and forefinger. Sticking your finger out doesn’t make you look like you’re from fine upbringing, neither is it the correct way to enjoy a cup of tea. So just don’t.

Right, you’ve sipped your tea, and you know it is the exact right strength, it is in fact, just how you like it. So, let’s move on to the scones that you will have no doubt noticed on the table in front of you.

Pick up your scone and simply break it apart, don’t rip it, twist it, a proper scone will come apart cleanly with a simple twist. Make sure to do this over a saucer though, no one likes crumbs.

Next up, don’t double dip. Your table will have jam and cream in pots in front of you to share. Don’t be dipping your knife in one and then the other. Don’t mix your cream and jam before it has even seen scone, it just isn’t done. Instead, each person on the table should spoon your desired amount of jam and cream onto your plate before spreading them over your scone.

Now, this is the divisive bit. The main reason there may be a civil war on the Devon/Cornwall border is over the order in which to put your toppings on the scone. Debrett, who are etiquette gurus say that it needs to go jam and then cream. Sorry Devon. Apparently the Queen likes to go jam first too.

Finally, a word on the cream. Cream needs to be clotted, never whipped. You heathens.