Afternoon tea with gran often meant more than just a hot drink – it came with a familiar selection of biscuits and sweet treats from the cupboard.
Many of these classics have been part of British life for decades, bringing comfort and a touch of nostalgia with every bite.
This article is for general information only. Product availability, recipes, and packaging may vary across regions and over time. Photos are illustrative.
1. Digestive Biscuits
McVitie’s digestives, first baked in 1839, were a regular feature in biscuit tins across the country.
Plain or chocolate-coated, they were simple, versatile, and perfect for dunking in tea. Their balance of sweet and savoury flavours made them a household staple.
2. Custard Creams
Custard creams, launched in 1908, became one of the nation’s favourite sandwich biscuits. With a patterned design and sweet vanilla filling, they added a little indulgence to everyday tea breaks.
Children often enjoyed twisting them apart to reach the cream inside.
3. Rich Tea Biscuits
Rich tea biscuits might have looked plain, but they were dependable companions to a strong cup of tea.
Introduced in the 1890s, they were designed to complement rather than overpower the flavour of tea, and their crisp texture made them excellent for dunking.
4. Bourbon Biscuits
Created in 1910, bourbons combined cocoa biscuits with a chocolate cream filling. Their rectangular shape and distinctive punched holes gave them an instantly recognisable look.
Gran might have kept these for weekends or special visitors.
5. Garibaldi Biscuits
Named after Italian general Giuseppe Garibaldi, who visited England in 1864, these currant-filled biscuits were thin, chewy, and distinctive.
Their appearance earned them the nickname “squashed fly biscuits,” but their fruity flavour and crisp pastry kept them popular.
6. Jammy Dodgers
First appearing in 1966, Jammy Dodgers paired buttery shortbread with a sweet raspberry jam centre. The heart-shaped window in the biscuit made them stand out in any tin.
Both fun and flavourful, they were often a favourite with children.
7. Ginger Nuts
Ginger nuts, with their firm texture and warming spice, have been enjoyed since the 1800s. They lasted well in the cupboard and paired perfectly with tea.
Their robust crunch made dunking almost essential, rewarding you with a burst of ginger flavour.
8. Fig Rolls
Introduced by Jacob’s in 1892, fig rolls combined pastry with a sweet fig filling. Their chewy texture and natural fruit sweetness made them feel like a slightly healthier option.
They were often packed for journeys or enjoyed as an afternoon snack.
