The woman recently shared a clip of herself trying a cream tea. But followers were flabbergasted by one thing – and it wasn’t the age-old debate around the order of cream and jam

An American woman in the UK has attempted to lay the age-old debate around which order to put jam and cream on a cream tea – but people were left flabbergasted by one thing she did. The woman, who regularly posts videos of herself trying UK food on TikTok, where she is known as carfoodreview_uk and has 27,000 followers, recently shared a clip of herself trying the quintessentially British treat.

But followers were left baffled by one thing in the video. Opening the clip, she presents a plate with two scones cut in half, each with a different combination of toppings. One just had jam and another just had clotted cream, while another had cream on top of jam, and the fourth had the reverse.

“Today I’m going to see which way tastes the best,” she says. “I have jam, clotted cream, and scones. First I’m gonna try the clotted cream on its own just to see how good it is.”

After taking a bite she says: “I don’t even know what to compare that to in America, but it’s good.” Continuing, she says: “Now let’s try just the jam. I was told it isn’t a specific type of jam. Usually it’s strawberry, but it can be blueberry, boysenberry. This is apricot because this is what we had in the fridge. So let’s give this a try.”

After taking a bite she says: “Love it. Amazing. I love scones.”

Moving to the two pieces with both toppings on, she says: “Ok, let’s try clotted cream first and then jam on top.” After tasting it she says: “I’m not gonna say anything yet, I’m gonna wait until I try the other one. So here’s jam first and clotted cream on top.”

After trying the final piece she says: “Ok, I’m noticing you’re getting more of the jam flavour when it’s on top.” Indicating to the piece with the cream on top, she says: “This, it’s ok. I think I’m gonna go for clotted cream on the bottom and jam on top.”

Many people in the comments section had the same reaction. One wrote: “Apricot jam on scones!!! What are you doing?” Another said: “What the heck kind of jam? No! It’s strawberry only.”

But someone else wrote: “Apricot is actually my favourite. Is this the M&S basic one? That’s the best apricot! Cream on the bottom is also the best choice.”

A different user wrote: “Blackcurrant and raspberry is the best! It’s also nice with jam and cheese in my opinion!” And another said: “Raspberry or strawberry jam is more usual, but nothing is out of bounds. If you want to start a war – try it with Nutella!”

Which is the right order to put jam and cream on a cream tea?

The woman dodged the ancient debate around whether cream or jam goes on the scone first by trying both. But which is the correct way? The answer differs depending on who you ask.

According to tourism website Active England, in Cornwall the jam goes on first with the cream on top. “The cream and the jam then don’t mix and allows for the jam to be easily spread, with a thinner consistency first,” the site says.

But over the border in Devon, they do things the other way round. “The Devonshire way follows the logic of the cream acting like butter,” the site says. “Therefore, you would spread butter on toast before jam and thus spreading cream on a scone first and then jam is the more logical order.”

In reality, there isn’t a correct way to do it – just do it the way that tastes best to you. In fact, if you’re already cutting your scone in half, why not try both and decide which one you like best?

Dunham Massey (Image: Tim Edwards)

From wandering through the grand Lyme Hall — famous for the iconic Pride and Prejudice scene where Colin Firth’s Mr Darcy plunges into the lake — to discovering one of the country’s most stunning gardens, there are plenty of budget‑friendly days out that won’t break the bank throughout the week. All visitors have to do is show a lottery ticket on arrival.

DUNHAM MASSEY

This National Lottery Open Week (7–14 March), the historic home is opening its doors and inviting people to uncover the lesser-known stories, spaces, and behind-the-scenes moments that your support helps bring to life.

From secret corners and untold histories to rare opportunities to peek behind the scenes, there’s something for everyone to discover.

Lyme Park offers plenty to do whatever the forecast (Image: Google Maps)

A spokesman said: “”Whether you’re exploring the wonders of nature or enjoying the beauty of the outdoors, your visit helps care for these special places.

LYME HALL

The historic hall in Cheshire will be open from March 7 to 14

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE MUSEUM

Guided tours will take place at the museum on March 12

RHS Bridgewater

RHS BRIDGEWATER

From 7-14 March 2026, use any National Lottery ticket for £1 entry per person for up to four people, booked via the link provided.

RHS Bridgewater feels like a world away. A day at the garden is a great way to take some time for yourself or to enjoy a day out with friends and family. Children will love exploring the Wind in the Willows Garden Adventure trail, new for this year, following Mole, Ratty and Badger chase after naughty Mr Toad on an expedition across the garden.

A spokesman said: “If your visit to RHS Bridgewater inspires you to recreate some of its magic at home, you can pay a visit to our garden centre. It’s not just the garden that is a treat for the senses. The fresh, seasonal produce in our cafés is something to savour too. Try a freshly baked pizza at the Stables Café or linger over a long lunch in the Bridgewater Café.”

GUIDE DOGS REGIONAL CENTRE NORTH WEST

Free tour on March 12 at the centre in Atherton.

A spokesman said: “Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at Guide Dogs? Come to one of our centres to find out more about each guide dog’s journey to become a life-changer. Join us for an amazing visitor experience; we can’t wait to show you around!”

RUFFORD OLD HALL, ORMSKIRK

For fans of the Tudors, this historic home dates back to the 16th century and is billed as a fine home of its period situated in a woodland waiting to be explored.

Free entry between March 7 and 10 and March 13 and 14

SPEKE HALL, LIVERPOOL

Another stunning Tudor mansion will be opening its doors for free from March 7 to 14

CHETHAM’S SCHOOL OF MUSIC LIBRARY

Free entry March 14

Chetham’s Library is the oldest public library in the English-speaking world. As part of this year’s National Lottery Open Week, the library is throwing open its doors and inviting you to join us for an afternoon behind-the-scenes event.

A spokesman said: “To celebrate the launch of our ‘Lost and Found’ exhibition, visitors will be able to explore the medieval building, encounter items from our collections and discover how we preserve them for future generations. Children and grown-ups alike can also take part in a fun scavenger hunt in the building.

“The event will run from 1pm-4pm, with last entry at 3pm. Entry is free for one adult and up to two children under 16 with a valid National Lottery ticket.”

“ We are a hidden gem,” says Sian-Louise Mason of Chetham’s. “We are the oldest working medieval building in the north of England. We are the original medieval quarter of Manchester and yet most Mancunians have either never heard of us or never been through our doors before, which is wild. It’s the most common thing that people say: ‘I’ve lived in Manchester my whole life, never been in’.

For more information on all of the above openings, including whether booking is necessary, and other places taking part in the open week, please visit https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/open-week

Huntley suffered significant head trauma from his injuries and his life support was switched off at lunchtime on Friday (March 6) after brain tests showed he was in a vegetative state, The Sun said.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “A man who was attacked at HMP Frankland in Durham last week has died in hospital this morning.

“Ian Huntley, 52, was taken to hospital with serious injuries following an incident in the workshop on the morning of Thursday, February 26.

“A police investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing.

“A file is being prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration for charges.”

Durham Constabulary has not identified the suspect, but on the day of the attack, the force said a man in his mid-40s had been detained.

After the death of Huntley in hospital, a Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “The murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman remain one of the most shocking and devastating cases in our nation’s history, and our thoughts are with their families.”

Sources told the BBC Huntley was found lying in a pool of blood after being bludgeoned with a make-shift weapon at a prison workshop at HMP Frankland – the high security prison in County Durham.

Why was Ian Huntley imprisoned?

The disappearance and murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in Soham, Cambridgeshire, captured the attention of the nation in 2002.

Huntley killed both 10-year-olds after they left a family barbecue to buy sweets, and then dumped their bodies in a ditch.

He was their school caretaker and put himself forward as a volunteer to help search for them after they went missing, and was interviewed by reporters on camera.

The efforts to locate the girls in the 13 days after they disappeared have been described as one of the most intense and extensive in British criminal history.

Huntley was convicted of murdering both girls in December 2003 and sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment.

His girlfriend Maxine Carr was also jailed in 2003 after being found guilty of conspiring to pervert the course of justice for giving him a false alibi. She has since been released.

In 2010, robber Damien Fowkes slashed Huntley with a home-made weapon, causing a “severe, gaping cut to the left side of his neck” with a 7in (18cm) wound which required 21 stitches.

Fowkes asked a prison officer: “Is he dead? I hope so.”

A man reportedly assaulted a customer at the Angel Hotel in New Quay Road, Whitby, on Wednesday, February 4, North Yorkshire Police said.

The force said the offence reportedly happened at 9.30pm.

“We appealing for any help that would lead to the identification of the male shown in the two still image taken from CCTV at the hotel,” a force spokesperson said.

“If you can help, please email david.fulford@northyorkshire.police.uk, or contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Constable 1222 David Fulford.

“Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number: 12260021718.”

James Ward has been jailed for the ‘senseless killing’ that took place in 2024

A man who mowed down a devoted dad on Christmas Day has been jailed for 13 years. Kirk Marsden died in hospital on Boxing Day in 2024 after being dragged under the Toyota Landcruiser driven by James Ward in Blackburn.

The men had argued in the Gate Street Bar and Grill before the fatal collision, which happened outside. Preston Crown Court heard how Kirk had gone to the pub with family when the row broke out over a gold chain, shortly after 4pm. During this altercation, a member of Ward’s group suffered an injury to his lip and tooth.

Ward and his group left the pub on Livesey Branch Road and got into a Toyota Landcruiser which was parked outside on Moorgate Street. Ward got into the front passenger seat of the vehicle and one of his associates got into the driver’s seat, Lancs Live reports.

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When Kirk emerged from the pub, the Landcruiser was deliberately driven at him, but he managed to jump out of the way on that occasion. Ward then got into the driver’s seat of the Landcruiser and reversed it down towards where one of his group was on the pavement with Kirk.

As Kirk headed back towards the pub, Ward deliberately struck him with the Landcruiser before reversing back over the injured victim. Ward stopped to let his associate get back into the car before driving them to a carpark in nearby Brindle Street.

Ward and his associate got into another 4×4 car, drove back up to Moorgate Street, stopped alongside Kirk for six seconds and then drove off. Kirk, 37, suffered catastrophic internal injuries and died on the following afternoon.

James Ward handed himself in at Greenbank Police Station on December 28. He answered no comment to all questions put to him in interview.

Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Ward, 27, now of no fixed address but formerly of New Wellington Street, Blackburn, was charged with Kirk’s killing.

In November, he was unanimously found guilty of Kirk’s manslaughter following a two-week trial at Preston Crown Court. He was also convicted of causing death whilst driving without insurance.

Appearing at the same court today (March 6) Judge Graham Knowles KC also disqualified Ward from driving for 11 years and 11 months. He must also take an extended re-test.

In an impact statement to the court, Kirk’s mum Evelyn wrote: “I never imagined I would be standing here today, writing this. In just 14 months, I’ve lost both my husband and now my youngest, Kirk, who was tragically taken from us. The pain is beyond words. I’m broken. My heart is shattered.