While Americans commonly use the English term "high tea" to refer to an aristocratic tea ceremony, this usage is actually incorrect. "High tea" refers to the physical height of the table, meaning it is tea served at a full-height table rather than a lower sitting table. In other words, high tea refers to combining the light meal of tea and dinner into a single meal. In fact, in some areas of the UK, dinner is referred to simply as "tea."

So, while it certainly sounds elegant, high tea is distinctly lower-class than the leisure-class tradition of having a "low tea" of light snacks followed by a more elaborate, later supper. Incidentally, "low tea" is a phrase that has largely dropped out of popular use, "afternoon tea" is more representative of how the British would refer to the luxurious tea parties of the scones and crumpets variety (as well as more casual afternoon affairs).

Tea is just about universally consumed in the United Kingdom. While tea is often considered to be a beverage that trends female and upper-class in the United States, the UK and Commonwealth countries look at tea through both aristocratic and working-class lenses. One example of this is "builder's tea" - strong tea drunk with milk and sugar that is named because it is a favorite of construction tradesmen.

Our English Breakfast is combines the best traditions of builder's tea with more aristocratic fine teas. Strong and highly caffeinated, this fine tea will start your morning properly, and keep you going throughout the day.