American tries British afternoon tea and issues damning verdict

Daily Record

a day ago

Afternoon tea is a well-loved British tradition and social occasion featuring tea, sandwiches, scones and cakes – and one American living in the UK had his first experience with it
Afternoon tea stands as one of Britain's most cherished customs. Originating in the 18th century, it continues to flourish today as a beloved ritual consisting of tea, delicate finger sandwiches, scones accompanied by clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of cakes and pastries.
Beyond the culinary delights, it serves as a social occasion typically savoured in relaxed but elegant surroundings, such as hotels or dedicated tea rooms. This quintessentially British experience interests tourists and newcomers to the UK, including TikTok creator KJordy, who relocated from America to London and shared his first time experiencing this age-old honoured tradition.
‌
In his TikTok video he confessed he couldn't imagine anything more "posh", "dainty" or "exquisite" than afternoon tea, prompting him to sample it firsthand.
‌
As he arrived at the venue, KJordy was initially presented with an elegant black case containing various tea varieties.
Sitting at his table with the afternoon tea stand before him, his immediate reaction was that it "looks hella bougie."
KJordy gestured towards the top tier which contained the 'sandwiches', but was actually a selection of breads including brioche.
The middle tier featured the desserts, while the bottom was home to the scones he was so "excited" for.
The American began by pouring himself a cup of red tea, before adding a splash of milk. After tasting the brew, he grimaced slightly but concluded it was "not bad".
‌
KJordy then sampled a portion of egg truffle brioche, which he appeared to relish more than the tea. However, he still described it as "not bad".
Moving on to the scones, he sliced one in half and slathered some clotted cream followed by jam onto the lower half before placing the top portion back on.
After tucking into the scone he declared: "A scone is the same as our biscuits. I'm here for scones."
‌
The expat then turned his attention to the desserts, which he described as "interesting". His favourite was the roly poly, which he described as "the best dessert so far".
Delivering his final judgement on this British custom he summarised: "The afternoon tea I think it's just for socialising like [the] presentation is what looks the best. Taste wise, I could give or take. Overall, afternoon tea for me it's a six out of ten."
People weren't happy that KJordy was "disappointed" by the afternoon tea – as many pointed out he was eating and drinking it all wrong.
‌
One remarked: "That tea looked like a rooibos, fruit or herbal tea which should never have milk."
Another user chimed in: "Milk with the fruit tea? Nope... just nope!" A third advised: "If you've never experienced afternoon tea, you should definitely go with someone who's experienced. Milk in fruit tea – yikes."
On the subject of scone etiquette, one person said: "Sir did you just eat that scone like a sandwich? No, no, no, we eat each half separately, it makes it feel like two scones."
Another echoed: "Scone was eaten incorrectly! Eat half at a time."