Originally Posted by
fluffymitten
I suspect the use of the term 'tea' in this context relates to a meal rather than the beverage.
So afternoon tea is a meal served in the afternoon.
Yes but the suggestion of posters above is that the said meal traditionally comprises the drink.
if you book a hotel room inclusive of English breakfast, you’d be miffed if you are brought some toasts but told you have to pay extra if you also want tea or coffee because conventionally those are seen as an integral component of an English breakfast, and extra for eggs and bacon too because your hotel explains many English people have toast for breakfast as again, the conventional understanding of what an English breakfast is involves a hot eggs and meats component.