Afternoon tea ‘expert’ reveals correct way to pronounce ‘scone’

Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our food and drink newsletter for free Get our food and drink newsletter for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy An afternoon tea “expert” has revealed what she believes is the correct way to pronounce “scone”, and has clarified whether jam or cream should be put on the baked treat first. Malyon, who also gives talks about how to do a proper British afternoon tea, said that scone should rhyme with “cone” and that cream should be placed on first before jam, ending the age-old debate. Posh people definitely say ‘scon’, but ultimately both are valid.” As for whether to put the cream or jam on first – the Cornish say jam while Devon dwellers say cream – Malyon said: “I do cream first, but I’m fickle, I feel drawn to putting the dairy on first. If you say cream first, they’re all over you like a rash.” Malyon added that her favourite cakes in an afternoon tea are a mille-feuille and a coffee and walnut slice, while her favourite sandwich is “smoked salmon with lots of lemon and black pepper”.