The frequent portrayals of refined afternoon tea in the British drama "Downton Abbey" vividly showcase the sophisticated lifestyle of the British aristocracy.

When visiting England, indulging in authentic afternoon tea is a must-have experience.

In the mid-19th century, around 1840, during the Victorian era, the aristocracy consumed only two meals daily, with dinner served at 8:00 p.m.

This prolonged gap between meals led one aristocrat to instruct servants to prepare a simple yet satisfying meal at around 4 p.m. – a few slices of bread with butter and jam served alongside a pot of black tea.

To alleviate the solitude of dining alone, the host invited friends to join, turning this combination of satiety and camaraderie into a widespread practice among British high society.

From then on, "afternoon tea" symbolizes aristocratic living and embodies a delightful "half-day of leisure."

Picture this: on a warm and sunny afternoon, friends dressed in elegant attire gather in a splendid living room or on the manor lawn. They savor exquisite pastries, lift dainty bone china cups, and gracefully sip black tea – a moment of relaxation that gratifies taste buds and the senses.

Britain has successfully transformed tea into its unique and globally admired food culture. The elegant and sumptuous "English afternoon tea" has gained international acclaim.

Contrary to the misconception that afternoon tea is merely about dressing up, authentic English afternoon tea adheres to a set of elaborate and strict etiquette, including:

1. Napkin: Fold the napkin in half into a rectangle and place it on both legs, with the opening facing out. Women can face the opening inward to wipe lipstick discreetly. When leaving the table during the meal, place the napkin on the chair and return it to the table after finishing the meal.

2. Pouring tea: Pouring milk first is a traditional practice to "warm the cup." Although modern teacups are not susceptible to heat, the ceremony of pouring milk first persists.

3. Tea cups: If sitting at a normal-height table, lift the tea cup directly to drink. If the cup is on a lower coffee table or you prefer to lean back, use the left hand to lift the cup holder and teacup together.

4. End tea: Hold the cup handle with the right thumb, index finger, and middle finger, keeping the ring finger and little finger outward. Alternatively, use all five fingers to pinch the handle without inwardly hooking the cup handle.

5. Stirring: Stir tea and milk in a straight line (6 o'clock to 12 o'clock) without touching the cup's walls. Avoid making noise with the spoon. After stirring, gently place the spoon back into the cup holder.

6. Scones: Break scones in half horizontally by hand.

7.Cream and jam: Place cream and jam separately on your plate. When eating scones, don't put the halves together; enjoy the cream and jam separately.

8. Order: Consume the three-layer snack plate from the bottom to the top, progressing from salty to sweet.

9. Sitting posture: Maintain an "upright" posture, with women keeping their legs together and elegantly tilting their knees to one side. Avoid resting elbows on the table throughout the entire duration.