High Tea: At the Sebel Playford Adelaide on North Terrace in the Adelaide City region of South Australia

As the pace of modern life quickens from fast to frantic some traditions seem more and more important like the taking of tea. From London to Leabrook, the ritual of an afternoon cuppa is as widespread as the old tentacles of Empire.

I caught up with Stephen Twining, a tenth generation descendant of Thomas Twining, who established his teashop in London's Strand back in 1706. Stephen continues to help spread the word.

Give the Sebel Playford Adelaide Hotel on North Terrace some advanced warning and they'll organise a high-tea platter with scones, cupcakes, egg and salad sandwiches - the lot. But first, pouring the tea - do you put the milk in the cup first or the tea?

"If I had made tea for myself in a teapot I would put the milk in first," explained Stephen. "If I knew you well and knew how much milk you liked I would put the milk in too."

The taking of tea has long been a mark of high society and has led to some strange mannerisms like the extended little finger. According to Stephen that goes back to the days when porcelain china teacups didn't have handles.

"In those days to show off the purity and how delicate you were as a lady it was all done through your hands." The lighter the skin the purer the lady. "And the smaller and more delicate the bone structure obviously the more delicate a lady you were. Because you have to hold a hot cup they would put three fingers on the top and the thumb underneath to hold it and drink it. Thus leaving the pinkie exposed."

Tea has now become an everyday treat thanks to the Twinings.

"That didn't happen until 1784 and afterwards, because of the high taxation on tea no-one could afford to drink it. I'm delighted to be able to report to you that it was Thomas' grandson, Richard Twining who was instrumental in persuading the British Prime Minister of the day to reduce the tax on tea."

From kitchens to cabinet rooms - the taking of tea is an everyday event.

High Tea? That's a different matter. Should you want to indulge contact the Sebel Playford Adelaide.

Sebel Playford Adelaide
Ph (08) 8213 8888