Downton Abbey Tea Time ; A Homemade Afternoon Tea

A Downton Abbey tea time, in a homemade version that comes almost perfectly close to it.

Downton Abbey Tea Time ; A British Ritual

In 1912, the Crawley family carries on one of the most elegant rituals of English society. This afternoon moment combines tea, treats and the art of entertaining.

The Crawley Family’s Afternoon Tea

The world of the Downton Abbey saga offers an ideal setting to discover the elegance of Afternoon Tea. The article English food trip in Switzerland (in French) already touches on this concept. English cooking and British books (in French) also briefly mentions the book Tea Time à Downton Abbey. This time, a homemade version draws directly on this essential British ritual.

Preparing an Exceptional Afternoon Tea

A gourmet and exceptional moment requires preparation and organisation. An authentic version means visiting several specific addresses to gather all the elements.

Each product is the subject of careful research and discussions with experts. Inspiration comes notably from the young and elegant Nicolas Fairford, who prepares his perfect Afternoon Tea in a very instructive video. The bimonthly magazines Victoria Magazine and Tea Time Magazine also largely influence this approach.

Tea Time Utensils

A sumptuous Tea Time calls for beautiful tableware. In the series, the Victorian style often comes at a certain cost. To find a vintage tea set, the search turns to second-hand shops. A second-hand shop in Chavannes-près-Renens thus provides lovely period tableware. The teapot and jugs come from Facebook Marketplace.

The cake stand comes from Villeroy & Boch, a brand that remains very popular. The plates, from a second-hand shop, showcase pastries, scones and sandwiches. An elegant white tablecloth, pretty napkins and cutlery complete the table. For French readers, Louise carefully selects vintage tableware on Les Collections du Chambonnet.

Downton Abbey Tea Time ; Choosing the Tea

Tea Time means tea. Several addresses offer the perfect drink for this timeless moment. The choice here falls on the Thé des Lords from Palais des Thés (in French), an Earl Grey with a fitting name. Other shops also deserve attention, such as T (in French) in Gland or the English brand Newby Teas (in French).

The Sandwiches

The famous sandwiches sit on the lower tier of the stand. No strict rule governs their filling. The selection here pairs cucumber and cream cheese, said to be among Queen Elizabeth II’s favourites. For variety, salmon and dill sandwiches complete the stand. The brioche bread comes from a bakery known for the quality of its products. The cucumber and salmon come from a supermarket.

The Scones

In the centre of the stand sit the essential scones. Several attempts are needed to get well-risen scones. The recipe comes from the book Angleterre : Tea, piccalilli, pasty. Some are plain, the others with currants. Hard to find, the famous clotted cream comes from Jim’s Market. The strawberry jam is by Wilkin & Sons, also available at Jim’s Market.

In June 2022, food historian Annie Gray and chef Nini Nguyen share the screen in a video devoted to scones. The recipe comes from the book The Official Downton Abbey Cookbook, by Annie Gray. The video also includes a few clips from the series illustrating certain culinary details.

The Pastries

For quality pastries, the choice goes to Flavours (in French) in Lausanne. Two indulgent carrot cakes sit proudly on the top tier of the stand. Their spiced sweetness nicely completes the sweet and savoury selection.

Downton Abbey Tea Time ; Decoration and Music

Beyond the flavours, the atmosphere plays an essential role. Flowers, tableware and music carry guests back to the early 20th century.

The Decoration

The table holds tastefully chosen tableware. Recommended by a floral art expert, two bouquets of flowers bring a touch of freshness. The wood of the table highlights the polished side of the decor.

The Music

In 1912, music played on the gramophone. More than a century later, Spotify, Deezer or YouTube create the perfect atmosphere. Whether the series soundtrack or an eclectic playlist, the magic works immediately.

Downton Abbey Tea Time ; Going Further

This immersion in the world of the series invites you to try the experience at home. A wide range of recipes can be found on Downton Abbey Cooks, a site rich in gourmet and authentic sharing. A few photos of the series’ castle appear in the article Five days in England, London and Newbury (in French). Finally, the Afternoon Tea (in French) category brings together many addresses to extend the discovery.

Published on the release of the film Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale in 2025, this article pays tribute to the refined world of the British series. This last chapter is celebrated through words, to extend the magic a little.

Downton Abbey Tea Time