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Devonshire Cream Tea etiquette

25th June 2021

Categories: Visitor News

Happy National Cream Tea Day – the day in which we can celebrate one of Devon’s greatest traditions, the Devonshire Cream Tea. We know there is a lot of debate about the proper way to enjoy a cream tea (we saw Dawn French’s tweets and we respectfully disagree!), but while we might be biased, here is the ultimate guide to enjoying a Devonshire Cream Tea.

Step 1

Establish whether you are going to make your own or whether you are going to go out and enjoy a cream tea at one of our many cafes, restaurants and hotels. Once that is decided, you will be able to properly prepare for the upcoming joy of a cream tea.

Step 2

Now you know whether you’re sat at a table in an eatery or whether you’re at home entertaining, it is time for the tea. When it comes to a Cream Tea, the tea is one of the most important aspects, so make sure to get a good quality tea. If you’re at an eatery, they’ll already know the best kind of tea to accompany scones, but if you’re at home, go loose leaf in a tea pot – its not only tradition, but it also has the best flavour! Top tip, serve a second pot of hot water alongside your teapot, just in case the tea is over brewed.

Step 3

The brewing. To make the perfect brew, allow the tea to infuse for around 3 minutes before serving, that gives it long enough to really come into its flavour and if it is a little too strong for you – that’s what your second pot is for!

Step 4

Whether you’re at home or out, you must know the proper etiquette for pouring the tea. Tradition states that the person nearest the pot should pour for everyone, though with Covid restrictions, this might not necessarily be possible.

Step 5

The tea has been poured what next? Unlike those heathens over the pond, milk comes second. Pour the tea, then the milk, so you can accurately judge the required strength before adding any sugar/sweetener.

Step 6

You should always have a saucer and once you’ve stirred your tea, your spoon should be placed on said saucer. Not only does it save the table cloth and help out your server/save you having to clear it up, but it also adds to the experience. Having a cream tea is a special treat, so go all out!

Step 7

Your first sip of tea – always sip your tea before starting on your scones and jam, it’s the done thing. Also, please don’t stick your pinky out, you don’t need to, that’s just a myth!

Step 8

Now you’ve had your first sip of tea, it is scone time, depending on where you are, your scones will either be ready parted or you will be given a knife to slice them in half. A traditional scone should simply break apart with one twist, but we don’t want to waste all those crumbs, so if you are using your hands, make sure your saucer is ready to catch them!

Step 9

Spoon and then spread.
The table should have bowls of jam and cream, but rather than dip your cutlery into them willy nilly, it is good practise to spoon the desired amount onto your own plate and then spread them over your scones.

Step 10

This is the controversial bit. Here in Devon, we go cream first then jam. Ignore what they say over the border. Jam then cream is just wrong.

Step 11

Enjoy and repeat!

Now you know the proper etiquette for eating a Devonshire cream tea, make sure to go and sample as many as you can while visiting Devon or embodying Devon from the comfort of your own home.