Afternoon Tea in Finland — Where Does the Tradition Come From?
The Afternoon Tea tradition began in the 1840s, when Anna, Duchess of Bedford, complained of a "sinking" feeling in the afternoons, caused by the long gap between lunch and a late dinner, often served as late as eight o'clock. Her solution was to order tea and small bites to her own rooms at Woburn Abbey, and she soon began inviting friends to join her. The custom quickly became part of the daily rhythm of the British upper class, and the tradition also settled into an elegant three-tier serving stand: sandwiches on the bottom, scones in the middle, and sweet pastries on top.
Afternoon Tea only really caught on more widely in Finland and the rest of the Nordics in the 2010s, partly thanks to Downton Abbey and a broader fascination with British history. Since then, the tradition has found a particularly fitting home in historic settings, just like ours at Cafe Qwensel. It's no coincidence that the tradition sits so well in 18th-century buildings: both tea culture and houses like these carry the same spirit of slow enjoyment and careful craftsmanship.
At Cafe Qwensel, Afternoon Tea is served in the courtyard of the Turku Pharmacy Museum, in a setting that's been lived in for over 300 years. Our selection includes three options: Classic, combining three sweet and three savory classic treats with fresh brewed tea or filter coffee; Vegan, the same selection made entirely plant-based; and Premium, where seasonal specialties change throughout the year.
Booking is always required in advance through our booking system, since everything is prepared fresh. Many people think of Afternoon Tea as a special occasion, but it works just as well for an ordinary Saturday afternoon with a friend, or a quiet moment to yourself surrounded by history.
Next time you're wondering where to find a genuine Afternoon Tea experience in Turku, remember Turku's most secret café, Cafe Qwensel!
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