Arranged by season, with extra chapters on a Classic afternoon tea as well as a Showstopper afternoon tea, Will Torrent showcases his no-nonsense approach to the key techniques involved in patisserie, baking, chocolate work and serving savoury dishes in these beautifully illustrated recipes. An invaluable source of inspiration, there are also six guest recipes from top restaurants and hotels, including The Ritz, The Dorchester, The Gramercy Tavern, The Berkeley, Harrods and Raymond Blanc's Les Manoir aux Quat'Saisons.

Starting with a brief history of afternoon tea and how it came to be such a British institution, Will then offers up store cupboard recipes for basic jams, spreads, butters and curds – everything you might need to serve alongside a carefully planned afternoon tea. Recipes include classics such as Smoked Salmon & Whipped Cream Cheese sandwiches, Cherry & Almond Bakewell Tarts, Vanilla Shortbread and Fruited Scones; classics with a clever twist such as Malted Milk Egg Custard Tarts, Cucumber Sandwiches with Yuzu & Chive Butter and Crab Mayonnaise Eclairs; as well as more adventurous offerings of Prosecco, Lime & Mint Jellies, Roasted Walnut & Miso Shortbread, Lemon & Lime Matcha Tea Friands and a very decadent Apricot & Lavender Almondine from Raymond Blanc at Les Manoir aux Quat'Saisons.