In Britain, some people have a meal called high tea in the late afternoon instead of having dinner or supper later in the evening. A fairly substantial meal that includes tea and is served in the late afternoon or early evening. a meal of cold food, cakes etc eaten in the early evening
A tradition started in the late 1600's to stave off hunger pains until dinner was served Dinner was usually late Probably because they were all full from High Tea Both the " beautiful bread" scones and crumpets are traditional accompaniments with High Tea but usually something a little more substantial is provided as well, like a little Welsh Rarebit
The name given to a meal served late afternoon-early evening which is a mixture of afternoon tea and dinner The meal comprises a main entree dish sometimes a pudding or dessert served with bread and butter, cakes and tea High tea was the main meal for farming and working classes in Britain in the past