Ordering afternoon tea in English
What to say when ordering afternoon tea and asking for milk on the side.
Full script
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Polite way to order for 2.
for two = for 2 people; Earl Grey / English Breakfast = tea types
Ask for milk in a separate jug.
with sugar = add sugar; no milk / black = without milk
Ask which goes on first.
Cornwall: jam first; Devon: cream first; clotted cream = very thick cream
Ask for both versions.
just to be fair = to be fair to both; diplomatic = tactful
Quick answers
Say this first: what to say in English
Say “Afternoon tea for two, please.” — polite way to order for 2. for two = for 2 people; Earl Grey / English Breakfast = tea types.
Common tea order: what to say in English
Say “Milk on the side, please.” — ask for milk in a separate jug. with sugar = add sugar; no milk / black = without milk.
A classic UK debate: what to say in English
Say “Jam first or cream first?” — ask which goes on first. Cornwall: jam first; Devon: cream first; clotted cream = very thick cream.
Safe answer: what to say in English
Say “One of each, please.” — ask for both versions. just to be fair = to be fair to both; diplomatic = tactful.