Tea at 4pm. Is this a meal or a scone and cuppa?

A buffet can be light or heavy though. Having a big family of big eaters - we always had 'extras' in the minibus. Once, we were caught at a 'buffet style' wedding tucking into huge sandwiches and brewing tea with a camping stove - although we had parked as far away as possible!

I'd never worry about what time to leave, just follow the herd.

Why do I want to know? Welbeck I think it's the ambiguity. Should I be prepared to leave by 6 so they can prepare their evening meal?
Or, as many suggest, it's a party as a buffet suggests

Tea and cake.

Well, I’m a ‘Southener’ so sorry about that, but I’d still ‘have had my tea’ by 6pm and be ready for a tipple or two ……… 😳

4pm, “you’ll have had your tea”

Buffet was specially mentioned. I think that implies more than just tea and cake. Is it a particular celebration?

Germanshepherdsmum

A bit early for alcohol?

For some, maybe.

4pm is tea & cake. However, go prepared with a bottle and olives, as it may extend to 6pm. 😉

well you know what a buffet is, somewhere you can graze along picking up nibbles.
so you'll get something to eat.
why do you need to know more than that.
i'd just be grateful to be eating. and cup of tea.
what does it matter. seems churlish to enquire further, as if making some kind of judgement.

Germanshepherdsmum

A bit early for alcohol?

Fizzy alcohol perhaps eg Prosecco?

Or champagne if it's very posh 🥂🍾

Thanks everyone . A bottle in my bag won't go amiss.
I'll let you know

A bit early for alcohol?

Riverwalk

Isn't 4 a bit early for High Tea?

Exactly, anytime after 5, I would hesitate, but at 4?

Riverwalk, yes, too early. We never had 'high tea' - only afternoon tea - growing up. It caused endless problems if we took friends home after school for 'tea'.

To us, it was/still is a snack between lunch and dinner (dinner - or supper - served around 7 - 7.30 pm). To other families, though, it was the main evening meal!

If it's some sort of party then I'd expect a substantial buffer of savoury and sweet things. Tea/coffee and probably alcohol too. Should be fun. Enjoy.

High tea includes a hot dish, like fish and chips.

Tea, cake, sandwiches, or canapes and drinks. Either is fine, I'd guess.

Cake sandwiches and tea. I think.

Isn't 4 a bit early for High Tea?

‘High Tea’ I guess …

What Riverwalk says. Maybe with a sausage roll or vol au vent as well.

I'm not in Scotland but would expect sandwiches, cakes and tea at that time.

put a bottle of wine in you bag but expect tea and cake