Afternoon Tea Menu During the early nineteenth century Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, complained of having “that sinking feeling” during the late afternoon, as at that time it was usual for people to take only two main meals a day. The solution for the Duchess was found in a pot of tea and a light snack. This private event was soon shared with friends and became so popular that other social hostesses picked up on the idea. Before long, all of fashionable society was sipping tea and nibbling sandwiches in the middle of the afternoon.