What began as a tongue-in-cheek internet joke has sparked renewed interest in the timeless tradition of afternoon tea
If you have been scrolling through social media and seen friends announce they’ve been “officially summoned” for tea — don’t panic. You have not missed a government mandate (not yet, anyway).
This delightful slice of British humour comes courtesy of the Tea Licensing Authority — a wonderfully absurd (and entirely fictional) body that, according to its very official-looking website, now requires all good citizens to down tools, put the kettle on, and make a proper cuppa at set times each day. The penalties for non-compliance? None... except perhaps mild social disapproval and the unspeakable horror of a dry throat and an empty biscuit tin.
What began as a tongue-in-cheek internet joke has brewed into something more: a playful movement sparking renewed interest in the timeless tradition of afternoon tea.
Keith Newton, managing director of AfternoonTea.co.uk, said: “We’ve seen a noticeable increase in people enquiring about afternoon tea, thanks to the tea time alarm trend.”
He added: “Some overseas visitors still believe we all stop for afternoon tea daily, and this trend cheekily plays on that stereotype. In reality, afternoon tea is more of an occasional indulgence — but one that clearly still captures the imagination.”
The tea time alarm taps into that nostalgia, inviting everyone — with tongue firmly in cheek — to pause, sip, and savour a moment of British tradition. In a world full of relentless notifications, this might just be one alert we are all happy to keep.
So, why not join in? Set your own tea time alarm and discover the best afternoon tea experiences near you at AfternoonTea.co.uk.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
AfternoonTea.co.uk is the UK’s premier afternoon tea guide, featuring more than 700 venues across the UK & Ireland.
For more information, please contact Keith Newton - 07824 336115 - pr@afternoontea.co.uk
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