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Afternoon tea usually resonates with assortment of dainty sandwiches, salads, pastries and the likes of scones, complete with a pot of tea. So, what is the difference between afternoon tea and high tea, one may ask?

Even though we may spent some eight years living in the UK, I was never quite a huge fan of afternoon or high tea until I had the true experience at Bettys in Yorkshire on a road trip. The tea room in Harrogate which opened in 1919 is probably one of the oldest and most popular spot in the U.K. for afternoon tea. So this hasn't quite answered the question posed above - the difference with high tea but allow me to provide some history.

Afternoon tea originated in the early 19th century, a time where tea consumption was on the rise. Initiated by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, who complained of 'having that sinking feeling' during the late afternoon, As such, afternoon tea was introduced at about 4pm daily just before the fashionable promenade that takes place at Hyde Park. It is however not intended to replace dinner but rather to fill in the long gap between lunch and dinner as the latter is typically served at 8pm. As such, afternoon tea typically comprises light snacks such as sandwiches and scones with a pot of tea to revive flagging spirits. Lifestyles however have changed since and afternoon tea is somewhat regarded as a treat, rather than a stop-gap in the modern world.

The high tea that some may be more familiar with is actually a more substantial meal of the day than an afternoon tea as it was meant for the middle and lower classes. Timing of service is also typically later at 5-6pm, in place of a late dinner and the differentiation in name came from the height of the tables on which the meals are served - high tea being served at the dinner table while afternoon tea served in the comfort of parlour chairs (usually lower in height) or in the garden.

Now that we had the 101s to afternoon tea, let us share our experience at L'Espresso, Goodwoodpark Hotel, often regarded by many as the "place for elegant teatime pursuits".

blueberry. Served warm alongside an assortment of strawberry jams, orange marmalade, blueberry jam and clotted butter & cream, we could not resist helping ourselves to a second serving.

Apart from the usual sandwiches, these open-faced sandwiches, almost canapes-like, caught our attention. With each thoughtfully planned to be bite-sized portions, it is almost inevitable to over-indulge, unknowingly. Our favourites have got to be the Atlantic shrimp cocktail with raspberry aioli and the handmade pork terrine with rosemary apricot chutney! However, if your preference is indulgence, duo of smoked salmon with Avruga caviar or the salami & truffle mille-feuille should please.