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In the British Isles ''tea'' is not only the name of the beverage, but also the name of a meal. Even more confusing is that the kind of meal that a person means when talking about tea depends very much on their social background and where they live.

In the British Isles ''tea'' is not only the name of the beverage, but also the name of a meal. Even more confusing is that the kind of meal that a person means when talking about tea depends very much on their social background and where they live.

For some, especially in the upper social classes, tea is of an afternoon light meal, often just cake, buns, scones or sandwiches served, irrespective of the beverage consumed with it. [[Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford]] is credited with the creation of the meal circa 1800. She thought of the idea to ward off hunger between lunch (served between 12 and 2 pm) and dinner (usually served after 7pm). The tradition continues to this day. There used to be a tradition of [[tea room]]s in Britain which provided the traditional fare of cream and jam on scones, a combination commonly known as ''[[cream tea]]''. However, these establishments have declined in popularity since [[World War II]]. In Devon and Cornwall particularly, cream teas are a speciality. ''[[Lyons Corner House]]s'' were a successful chain of such establishments. It is a common misconception that ''cream tea'' refers to tea served with cream (as opposed to milk). This is certainly not the case.

For some, especially in the upper social classes, tea is of an afternoon light meal, often just cake, buns, scones or sandwiches served, irrespective of the beverage consumed with it. Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford is credited with the creation of the meal circa 1800. She thought of the idea to ward off hunger between lunch (served between 12 and 2 pm) and dinner (usually served after 7pm). The tradition continues to this day. There used to be a tradition of [[tea room]]s in Britain which provided the traditional fare of cream and jam on scones, a combination commonly known as ''[[cream tea]]''. However, these establishments have declined in popularity since World War II. In Devon and Cornwall particularly, cream teas are a speciality. ''Lyons Corner Houses'' were a successful chain of such establishments. It is a common misconception that ''cream tea'' refers to tea served with cream (as opposed to milk). This is certainly not the case.

For others, especially working classes in South Wales and much of the North of England, the term 'tea' means the main evening meal. This is usually served soon after the family members have arrived home from work, school etc. typically between 5 and 6 pm. The question "What time are we having tea?" is about a meal and not a drink.

For others, especially working classes in South Wales and much of the North of England, the term 'tea' means the main evening meal. This is usually served soon after the family members have arrived home from work, school etc. typically between 5 and 6 pm. The question "What time are we having tea?" is about a meal and not a drink.

In areas where "tea" refers to the main evening meal, the meal eaten in the early afternoon is called "dinner" generally replaces "lunch" as the term used to refer to a midday meal. Thus school lunches are often referred to as school dinners and the time at which the evening meal is eaten is called "tea time". Even more confusingly for foreigners, working-class and middle-class children and some adults in the South of England refer to the meal eaten at tea time as "dinner" and yet refer to lunch time as "dinner time".

In areas where "tea" refers to the main evening meal, the meal eaten in the early afternoon is called "dinner" generally replaces "lunch" as the term used to refer to a midday meal. Thus school lunches are often referred to as school dinners and the time at which the evening meal is eaten is called "tea time". Even more confusingly for foreigners, working-class and middle-class children and some adults in the South of England refer to the meal eaten at tea time as "dinner" and yet refer to lunch time as "dinner time".

At work, the time for taking tea the drink is known as a "tea break" and not "tea time". At home, tea the beverage is drunk at any time so "tea time" will not refer to a time for drinking the beverage. When a person can no longer wait for someone else to make the tea they usually declare "Okay, I'll put the kettle on" and they then leave the room. The others then wait in eager anticipation for the arrival of their beverage, often accompanied with a [[biscuit|"biccy"]] or two.

At work, the time for taking tea the drink is known as a "tea break" and not "tea time". At home, tea the beverage is drunk at any time so "tea time" will not refer to a time for drinking the beverage. When a person can no longer wait for someone else to make the tea they usually declare "Okay, I'll put the kettle on" and they then leave the room. The others then wait in eager anticipation for the arrival of their beverage, often accompanied with a biscuit or two.

[[File:Tea box hg.jpg|thumb|left|Box for the storage of loose tea leaves known as a tea caddy.]]

[[File:Tea box hg.jpg|thumb|left|Box for the storage of loose tea leaves known as a tea caddy.]]