To me, tea is a wonderfully thirst quenching and restorative hot drink, that is taken at anytime of the day. But breakfast and afternoon are my favourite times to drink tea. For breakfast with buttered toast and marmalade, and in a nice mug. Afternoon tea is an absolute treat, with small savoury sandwiches, a variety of small cakes, and a scone with jam and clotted cream, and always in a china cup and saucer with matching small plates. This may seem a little over the top, but it is an absolute treat to go out and enjoy, or be invited out for it. It is very special, and you do not need anything else to eat until the next morning!
I go with a group of friends to small places that specialise in afternoon teas, and we research new places too. It is a special treat at Christmas time because a glass of mulled wine is also on the menu. When family members come to visit, I will book an afternoon tea - as opposed to a meal, it is much more fun and enjoyable. The timing will generally be between 4pm and 6pm, and booking a few weeks in advance is essential - especially in the run up to Christmas.
The tea is aways 'loose tea leaves' and in a tea pot, there are an infinite (nearly) variety of teas that are available, some that are taken with milk, with lemon, or without any addition, and of course with or without sugar, and each person can have a separate tea pot depending on the tea preference
There are some very good tea bags available too, and they are convenient, but freshly made tea is delicious. I also love green tea, but it is so easy to get it wrong - water too hot, brewed too long etc. Green tea has supposed health benefits, but I really do think it needs to be the loose tea leaves as opposed to green tea bags - to me it does not taste as good. Mint 'tea' is also lovely; I place a handful of lemon balm or mint leaves in a jug, pour over hot water, leave to steep for a few minutes, and pour into a mug to drink. Lovely and refreshing on a warm day. I have never drunk cold or iced tea, and 'instant tea powder' is just wrong.
At other times of the day I will drink coffee (fresh or instant), and if forced to choose between the two, I would choose to keep the tea. I always drank tea when I was young, coffee for convenience when I left home, but tea will be always my favourite. Family members also continue to drink tea - weak, strong, with or without milk or sugar. My son's girlfriend does not drink tea or coffee, it has taken me a little while to get used to this!