Making a proper Cornish cream tea

Whistlefish settles one of the greatest debates of our time – what comes first, the jam or the cream?

Cream tea might be a light snack, but it sparks some seriously strong opinions – especially here in the South West. At Whistlefish, we know better than to tiptoe around such a critical issue... so we’re diving scone-first into this delicious debate.

While the afternoon tea ritual was made fashionable by the Duchess of Bedford in the early 1800s as a social pause between lunch and supper, the humble cream tea has its roots even further back. Records show that the monks at Tavistock Abbey in Devon were enjoying scones, jam, and cream as far back as the 11th century. Naturally, Devonians argue this gives them the upper crust when it comes to etiquette – insisting cream goes first, followed by jam. But we’re proudly Cornish, and here we do things differently. Jam first. Cream second. No further questions.

THE TEA

Any proper cream tea begins with the brew. Traditionalists will reach for loose leaf, brewed in a silver pot and poured into fine china. The flavour? A classic English Breakfast or Earl Grey is perfect – strong enough to cut through the cream, gentle enough to sip slowly while you admire the view.

THE SCONE

Now here’s where it gets serious. No knives allowed – a true Cornish cream tea scone must be broken in half by hand. It’s rustic, it’s right, and it leaves plenty of nooks and crannies for your jam to cling to.

THE CREAM

Cornwall's lush pastures and fresh sea air make for happy cows – and that means rich, luxurious milk. When it’s gently heated and left to cool, it thickens into clotted cream: golden-topped, silky underneath, and absolutely non-negotiable. Forget whipped or squirty. It’s clotted or nothing.

THE JAM

Strawberry jam is the classic – ideally homemade or using wild English berries. Its sweetness pairs beautifully with the richness of the cream. If you fancy a twist, sharp raspberry or tart blackcurrant make excellent partners in crime.

Add a slice of Cornwall to your kitchen

If all this talk of jam and cream has made your mouth water, why not bring a taste of Cornwall into your own kitchen? Our Travel Tea Towels celebrate our favourite coastal spots in vibrant style. Whether you’re brewing up a pot or buttering a scone, these cheerful prints add a splash of colour and character to every cuppa.