We love afternoon tea

We may no longer be a nation of bowler hats, clipped accents or regimental ties, but there is still one part of British life recognisable from prewar novels or Ealing films.

When the clock strikes four, everything stops for tea - at least according to a new tourist guide.

That's when Britons sit down to enjoy small sandwiches, scones or crumpets.

'Afternoon tea is a British tradition enacted daily in homes, tea shops and grand hotels,' says the latest DK Eyewitness Travel Guide to Great Britain. It informs visitors that the tea is usually from India or Sri Lanka, served with optional milk and sugar, but it can be scented China or herbal tea served with or without lemon.

It adds: 'Small, delicately cut sandwiches are eaten first: fish paste and cucumber are traditional fillings.

'These may be followed by scones, jam and cream, especially in the West of England. Other options include buttered toast or crumpets, but leave room for a slice of fruit cake or jam sponge, a chocolate eclair or a regional speciality such as Scottish shortbread.'

And forget curries, pizzas or Chinese - we still love the chippie.

The guide says: 'Fish and chips with salt and vinegar, all wrapped in paper, is not only a British cliche but a national institution.'

It praises restaurants for providing vegetarian meals but adds that wine in Britain 'is always pricey' while bottled water can be ' disproportionately expensive'.