Essential Etiquette Rules for a Traditional English Tea

Tea is the most widely drunk beverage in the world after water, yet even among the most passionate tea drinkers there are still heated debates.

Milk First or Last?

Teacups were originally made of delicate porcelain, and milk had to be poured first to stop them from cracking. Today’s cups are more durable, so pouring milk first or last makes no difference in that respect. However, according to research by British chemical engineer Dr Andrew Stapley, putting milk in first is the right way. It seems that if you pour cold milk into hot tea, the milk does not heat evenly, causing its proteins to lose their structure and clump, which can affect the taste and sometimes leave a film on the surface.

Sugar or Lemon First?

If you take your tea without milk, a different debate arises: lemon or sugar first? The common practice is to add and stir in the sugar first and add the lemon last.

Little Finger Up or Down?

In the Victorian era, raising the little finger while drinking tea was associated with refinement. Today, the gesture is mocked as elitist or “nouveau riche”.

Lift the Saucer or Leave It?

When seated at a table, leave the saucer where it is and lift only the cup to drink. If you are standing at an event, however, hold the saucer with four fingers underneath and steady it with your thumb on top.

Stir or Sweep?

Most tea drinkers stir in circles with the spoon, but some advocate moving the spoon back and forth between the 12 and 6 o’clock positions. Whichever you do, do it quietly and avoid clinking the spoon against the cup. When you have finished, place the spoon on the saucer behind the cup, never in the cup. “And never put the spoon in your mouth!”

Sip from the Cup or the Saucer?

Tea was originally drunk from bowls, but in the early 1700s saucers appeared in Europe to catch drips, hold the spoon and rest the cup when not in use. Their wide surface also helped the tea cool. Many workers preferred to drink straight from the saucer because it saved time, and some people still like to “drink from the saucer” today.

Cream or Jam First?

Finally, scones with cream are an essential part of a traditional English tea, and this debate continues to this day. In Cornwall the jam goes on first, while in Devon the cream comes first. The rest of the British nation, and much of the world, remains divided.

For tips on serving tea at its best, our tea etiquette training covers everything from elegant table settings to perfect brewing methods. For details, visit our British Tea Tradition training page.