Afternoon Tea Etiquette: the truth laid bare

The dos and the definitely don’ts for our most eccentrically English pastime.

At The Goring, we pride ourselves on our anything-goes attitude. However, we do like to do things properly – and one of those things is afternoon tea, which we’ve been serving for over a century, ever since we opened our doors in 1910. 

A royal precedent 

It’s never a bad idea to take your cues from Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, whose manners – honed over a lifetime of service – were the epitome of charm and grace. Worried about whether cream or jam comes first on your scone? Our late monarch preferred jam, then cream, so the debate has ended as far as we are concerned. In terms of dress code, we don’t like to suppress your sartorial style, but we will gently redirect you to the terrace if you’re wearing sports kit or caps, even if you have just come from tennis at The Hurlingham Club. 

Doing things properly

When it comes to the all-important etiquette of the actual partaking of tea, we bring in Afternoon Tea Manager Martin Burianek to lay down the law. “There is a way you should eat Afternoon Tea,” he states, and that does not include attacking your amuse-bouche with a knife and fork – this is finger food, ladies and gents. The same principle applies to your scone: a gentle twist in the hands is quite enough to split it in two, and please do not then break it into chunks. Should you raise your pinky while drinking tea? Do we really need to answer that? 

Tea tales

Our tea menu is extensive and it’s easy to get lost in it, so please ask. If you favour a “builder’s brew", Martin recommends The Goring Afternoon Blend, a fragrant black tea of Assam and Darjeeling; or Earl Grey, said to be a favourite of the late Queen. Never, ever add milk to a green tea or an infusion, which sounds obvious, but we’ve seen more curdled milk than we’d care to admit. Try not to tip over your side table, where the teapot lives, as one guest once did, which led to tea leaves splattered all over The Veranda windows and the swift laundering of clothes. The guests in question, meanwhile, waited in the bar and had extra Champagne; dignity was restored with admirable speed. 

Above all, enjoy yourself

Ultimately, we want you to have a splendid time when you come to The Goring for Afternoon Tea (although bawdy shouting is considered too much fun). We’re very attentive and will actively encourage you to have more – is one round of sandwiches ever really enough? Throughout the year, our Afternoon Tea changes with the seasons, around themes like Wimbledon, Christmas and accompanying London exhibitions. What’s consistent is proper Goring service, English style and utter deliciousness. Just don’t lift that pinky. 

Reserve your table for an afternoon of tea, finger food and fancies here or call us to make arrangements.