Home » Blog » Scone Etiquette
Is there a legitimate method to eat a scone at High tea? Why yes, most certainly there is. Find behaviour rules and tips, including well-ordered directions on the best way to eat a scone, the right way.
A scone is a small flour-based shortcake-like baked good. They’re usually plain, crumbly, pillow-like, dense, and lightly sweetened. The traditional English scones served with our High teas are round, not triangular, and they’re served with jam and clotted cream.
If you’re indulging at one of our High Teas, on the table ought to be small serving condiments loaded with clotted cream, jams and strawberries.
These little pots are for the table, so no plunging your knife into them. Rather, utilize the spoons provided (normally sitting appropriately by the little bowls) to scoop out little dollops onto your plate.
Place the spoons back as they don’t have a place on your plate. Make an effort not to cross-contaminate and utilize an alternate spoon for every condiment.
Don’t hesitate to go in for a second serving of jam and cream on the off chance that you’ve completed what’s on your plate, utilize an alternate spoon for every topping.
You’ve now got your jam and cream on your plate. Time to eat the scone.
The best technique is to break and separated the scone into two pieces utilising your hands. I like to break it down the middle vertically and then break that into half so you’re eating a fourth of the scone at once.
Ok, now you can utilise your knife to slather on the jam and cream to your little bite-sized parts of the scone. (Don’t pre-break the scones just yet, take off pieces as you go and spread the jam and cream on each piece.)
The Basics of Eating a Scone Properly
- Scoop out clotted cream and jams onto your plate, enough for one scone.
- Break apart a small bite-sized portion of scone with your hands or if using a knife, cut the scone horizontally.
- Use a knife to slather on cream and jam onto the broken-off piece of scone.
- The bite-sized piece of scone should be eaten in 1-2 bites.
The controversial Cornish & Devonshire Cream Tea
Cream tea has been served in the UK since the eleventh century and contentions encompassing the request of spreading the scone’s conventional toppings have ruminated from that point forward.
While those in Devon normally spread the cream on first followed by jam, the Cornish custom is to spread jam initially followed by cream.
For Devonshire cream teas:
- Cream is like the butter, you wouldn’t put butter on jam.
- It originates from when jam was expensive so you’d just have a bit to put on top.
- You can get more cream on if you load it first!
- It stops you getting cream on your nose. 🙂 (jam on cream lays flatter???).
- If you’re sharing a cream tea with a Cornishman (although unlikely!) you get first dibs on the cream.
For Cornish cream teas:
- It’s easier to spread.
- You can taste the cream better on top!
- You wouldn’t put cream on the bottom of a fruit salad.
Follow us
We love seeing you share your favourite times with us.
Follow us on Instagram and tag @Aimeeprovence for a chance to be featured.
It’s all a matter of preference and what you are used to – the choice is yours.. But more importantly, they’re a simple treat that is comforting in its familiarity. ~Aimee
FAQs
I encourage diners to split the scone into two pieces. A well-made scone can be pulled apart with the fingers. Dense scones will need to be sliced with a knife.
What is the etiquette for scone? ›
I encourage diners to split the scone into two pieces. A well-made scone can be pulled apart with the fingers. Dense scones will need to be sliced with a knife.
What was the etiquette associated with a traditional high tea? ›
Our High Tea Etiquette Tips:
A napkin – not serviette, folded along the diagonal and placed on your lap. Avoid picking items from the tower with your fingers, use your fork if servers aren't provided. Never remove a plate from the tower.
What is it called when you have scones and tea? ›
Afternoon Tea is a lighter meal with sandwiches, cakes and scones whereas High Tea is much more substantial meal usually served in the evening. High Tea can contain the same food as afternoon tea but also contains heavier items such as pies and quiche.
How to eat scones at afternoon tea? ›
The best way to eat a scone is slathered with strawberry jam, then topped with a dollop of cream. The jam-first method — approved by Mary Berry — yields a better scone in looks and texture.
What are three rules for afternoon tea? ›
Proper Etiquette For a Tea Party
- After sitting down, put your purse on your lap or behind you against the chair back.
- Unfold napkin and make sure to place it on your lap. ...
- Never, ever use your napkin as a handkerchief. ...
- Sugar is placed in your teacup first, then thinly sliced lemon.
According to research, what's widely known as the “Devon method” is putting your clotted cream on first and covering that up with jam whereas the “Cornish method” involves spreading your scone with strawberry jam and then topping that layer with clotted cream.
What not to do at high tea? ›
You should never chug your tea or swig your tea back. You should also take small bites of your treats. Never shove and stuff food into your mouth — and finish your bites before you take another bite. Never ever cut your scones in half and dollop them with cream and jam.
What do you eat first at high tea? ›
Tea sandwiches and savories are eaten first. These are small bites that can be eaten in 2-3 bites. It's funny how afternoon tea, which is seen as so formal requires eating with your fingers. Eye the sandwiches and savories first before touching one to bring to your plate.
Can I wear jeans to afternoon tea? ›
Women can wear anything from a dress, to a skirt and blouse, and a nice pair of denim jeans or women's dress slacks. A delicate pair of flats or even heels can add an extra pop to the outfit!
What topping goes first: jam or cream? The two English counties famous for cream teas are Cornwall and Devon, and they differ on order. Cornish cream tea will do jam then cream, Devonians do it the other way around.
What 2 things are scones commonly served with? ›
Classic jam and cream
Whether you prefer the Devonshire version of cream first, then jam; or the more widely known Cornish version of jam first, then cream, there is very little better topping for a classic scone.
What to serve with scones for tea? ›
In the UK, scones are a common accompaniment with afternoon tea, and they are frequently enjoyed with clotted cream and sometimes jam, too. It is their interesting texture that makes them so delicious and alluring. They aren't pastries or biscuits but are not cakes as well.
What is the etiquette for scones? ›
Scoop out clotted cream and jams onto your plate, enough for one scone. Break apart a small bite-sized portion of scone with your hands or if using a knife, cut the scone horizontally. Use a knife to slather on cream and jam onto the broken-off piece of scone. The bite-sized piece of scone should be eaten in 1-2 bites.
How many scones per person for afternoon tea? ›
Usually consisting of a selection of teas, freshly prepared finger sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries with all the trimmings, a light Afternoon Tea should allow for 4 sandwiches, 2 scones and 2 cakes (of different varieties) per person.
Should scones be served warm or cold? ›
Your scone should be served warm. It should be delicate enough that you can separate it in half with a twist of your hand.
How are scones traditionally served today? ›
Traditionally scones are served warm with strawberry jam and clotted cream. However as these little buns are neither truly sweet or savoury it makes them wonderfully versatile, and they can be served in numerous different ways.
Are scones eaten warm or cold? ›
Your scone should be served warm. It should be delicate enough that you can separate it in half with a twist of your hand.
What is the queens way of eating scones? ›
In an interview earlier this year, Darren McGrady, a former royal chef, said that the queen spread a layer of jam on her scone, then added cream. That jam-first method in known as the Cornish style — versus the Devonshire style, which layers cream first.
What is the correct way of eating a scone in Devon? ›
Served the Devon way, scones have the clotted cream spread directly onto each half of the scone, which is then topped with jam. The idea is that clotted cream is more similar to butter – which would usually be spread first on buns and breads – so it makes sense to add the cream first.
