There’s nothing I love more than afternoon tea in the old but vibrant city of London. I went abroad to London twice during college–what can I say? I fell in love with a city and had to go back. I got to experience a lot of afternoon tea’s during my time there. I still dream about all the amazing little sandwiches, buttery biscuits and sweet desserts. Afternoon tea is a huge social event in England. You make reservations months in advance, get all dressed up and enjoy a wonderful evening with friends.

   The Dorchester Hotel London, England

    Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at the Sanderson Hotel London, England

People commonly mistaken afternoon tea with high tea, but the difference between them is pretty clear. Afternoon tea became famous amongst the high class in the 19th century as an entertaining ‘snack’ between lunch and dinner. On the other hand, high tea was common amongst the middle class. Men would finish work and go eat big meals and enjoy dark tea on high tables (hence the name).

 BB Bakery London, England

       The Ritz London, England

So anyways, back to the topic at hand. After over 6 months filled with afternoon tea’s, I was beginning to really miss all the lace and dainty foods. So I did some research to find the most authentically British afternoon tea in Boston. While there are actually more than I thought, I decided to go to Rowes Wharf. I got the ‘abroad gang’ back together, made a reservation and anxiously awaited for the day to come.

It was a cold rainy weekday, with few people in the dinning room–but the experience was just as I remembered. Plus, we got a beautiful view overlooking the harbor. Like always, we got a little carried away with all the finger sandwiches and yummy little desserts. The food coma was all too real, but definitely worth it.