The Many Teas of the day

Cuppa / Tassie – A cup of tea at any time of the day. Apparently in Scotland it’s a Tassie, although I think that word must be dying out?

Breakfast Tea - Everyone has heard of Scottish or English Breakfast tea. Usually a blend of teas from different countries; Africa, China and Sri Lanka to create a particular taste. A colonial invention for the Brits. To be enjoyed before during and after breakfast, it’s a full bodied, malty tea that didn’t originally come in a tea bag. (You might find a great loose leaf breakfast blend out there! Otherwise a good Assam or a Yunnan Black is a wonderful alternative in my mind)

Elevenses – 11am cup of tea with a tiffin. Perhaps of English roots rather than Scottish, Orkney butter biscuits were a favourite of mine growing up in Scotland

Afternoon Tea – 4pm sit down meal with cucumber sandwiches, pastries, and fine tea. Often had in a hotel or restaurant. (Fine tea being the key here for the best afternoon tea!) Now the afternoon tea is very popular all over, but it’s not something Scots do everyday! Unfortunately.

High Tea – Less formal than afternoon tea, usually a late afternoon meal after work, before dinner, often served with tea. “Would you like tea with your tea?” The cucumber sandwiches liked so well as part of an English afternoon tea could have been less important than High Tea for the Scots, as this would have been a main meal for many, but elements of both customs were found throughout the UK.

Cream Tea – A simple tea service with, scones, clotted cream and jam. A must for the modern day cake hunter. Our tea The Gathering is a black tea and tastes wonderful with buttered scones, it’s a classic combo.

Royale Tea – Tea service with champagne or prosecco. Today champagne is also often on fine hotel and restaurant Afternoon Tea Menus.

Celebration Tea – An afternoon tea service on a high day or a holiday served with an occasion cake.

Tea – In Scotland, Tea can also be used to describe the dinner meal, perhaps confusing to non Scots.

There are of course, many other teas to be had in a day !

The Blackhouse roasted black tea served at Inver Restaurant