Few British food traditions create as much friendly debate as the cream tea.

At first glance, a Devon cream tea and a Cornish cream tea look almost identical: a warm scone, strawberry jam, clotted cream and a pot of tea.

So what’s the difference?

The biggest point of difference is the traditional order in which the cream and jam are added.

The Devon way

In Devon, the traditional method is cream first, followed by jam.

The scone is split, clotted cream is spread across the bottom half and strawberry jam is added on top.

Devon Heaven’s own cream tea guide describes this as the Devon way.

For visitors to Devon, following this tradition can be part of the fun.

The Cornish way

In Cornwall, the traditional order is generally described as jam first, followed by cream.

Both versions contain the same basic ingredients, but the order creates a different visual presentation and, for many people, a different eating experience.

The debate is often playful rather than serious — but if you’re visiting either county, trying the local tradition is part of experiencing the region.

What goes into a Devon cream tea?

A traditional Devon cream tea usually contains:

• Scones
• Clotted cream
• Strawberry jam
• Tea

The Cream & Afternoon Tea Hampers collection provides several versions of this traditional experience.

The Devon Cream Tea by Post includes four plain scones, clotted cream, strawberry jam and Devonshire tea.

Can you enjoy a Devon cream tea outside Devon?

Absolutely.

That’s the attraction of cream tea delivery.

A Devon Cream Tea by Post can bring the ingredients needed for a traditional cream tea directly to your home.

It’s also an easy gift for someone who has moved away from Devon or simply loves West Country food.

What if you want a larger afternoon tea?

For something more substantial, the Afternoon Tea Hamper includes the traditional scones, cream, jam and tea alongside brownies, flapjack and shortbread.

The Afternoon Tea & Cake Hamper offers another variation with additional cakes and sweet treats.

What about savoury food?

Modern afternoon tea doesn’t have to be entirely sweet.

The Cheese & Savoury Hampers range can add a savoury element to a food gift.

For a Devon-inspired evening rather than a traditional cream tea, the Cider & Cheese Hamper combines cheese, snacks, chutney and cider.

Build your own Devon food experience

If you can’t decide between sweet and savoury, a Create Your Own Hamper can give you more flexibility.

You can create a combination around the recipient’s favourite foods.

Devon or Cornwall — what should you try?

Rather than treating the two traditions as competing experiences, why not try both?

If you’re visiting Devon, try the Devon method: cream first, jam second.

Then, if you’re visiting Cornwall, try the Cornish approach.

Either way, the essential ingredients remain the same: good scones, quality clotted cream, strawberry jam and a proper cup of tea.