WHAT started as a quick pick-me-up for a flagging duchess is enjoying something of a renaissance in Sussex.

The heady mix of sugar, cake and caffeine that is afternoon tea is being re- imagined for the modern customer.

Hen parties, stressed-out workers and even teenagers have discovered a fresh fondness for the vintage offering and they are helping to fuel a boom in the afternoon tea tradition in Brighton and beyond.

Helen Taggart, co-owner of Metro Deco vintage-style cafe in Upper St James’s Street, Brighton, said: “We have gone from serving ten to 20 every week to 150.

“It is definitely on the increase and we sometimes think when is the bubble going to burst and people are going to want to have something else?

“Certainly I think the vintage element is part of it, being in a nice surrounding while partaking in something that is traditional.

“We do gentlemen’s afternoon tea as well.

“It has more of a focus on the savoury and rather than Prosecco we offer whisky and real ale.

“It is becoming more and more popular.”

The tradition of afternoon tea started in the early 19th century when the 7th Duchess of Bedford complained of a “sinking feeling” during the afternoon.

More than 200 years on cafes, restaurants and hotels are celebrating this week during Afternoon Tea Week.

Dean’s Place Hotel, in Alfriston, is among the many Sussex venues offering special deals to celebrate the occasion.

James Dopson, from the hotel, said: “We have noticed a substantial increase in popularity these last three years and in fact have doubled the number of afternoon tea bookings here since 2012.

“We find that the majority of bookings are groups of ladies having a catch up, but we have also noticed a growing popularity for groups of women on hen parties to start their celebrations with afternoon tea.

“One of the main factors is the great selection of teas available. We use a wonderful company called Joe’s Teas which supplies a really lovely variety of flavours.

“The success of The Great British Bake Off also helps as people have really taken to baking again – and who doesn’t love eating cake.”

Bella Cripps, 26, from Worthing, was among the customers enjoying tea yesterday at Hotel Du Vin in Ship Street, Brighton.

She said: “I love afternoon tea because it’s always such a treat. It’s also a nice excuse to get together with friends or family on special occasions.”

TOP PLACES TO DROP IN FOR A CUPPA

TOP spots to take afternoon tea, as recommended by Afternoontea.co.uk

  • Stanmer House, Grade-II listed mansion inside Stanmer Park, north-east Brighton: afternoon tea from £14.95pp, Monday to Sunday from 3pm until 6pm. 
  • Hotel du Vin & Bistro, 2 Ship Street, Brighton: afternoon tea from £18.50pp, Monday to Sunday 3pm until 5pm. 
  • Dean’s Place Hotel, foot of South Downs National Park, Alfriston: afternoon tea £15, Monday to Sunday from 3pm until 5pm, with 25 per cent off during Afternoon Tea Week. 
  • Murrays restaurant at the Ship Hotel, North Street, Chichester: Down the Rabbit Hole luxury afternoon tea, until August 31. Menu includes liquorice pipe and playing card sandwiches. £25pp. 
  • Alexander House, mansion set within 120 acres of parkland, near Crawley: afternoon tea from 1pm to 5.30pm every day. From £26.50pp.