Emma Make a trip of it with these afternoon tea suggestions
Isn’t afternoon tea great? Sweet, savoury and you can be a bit devilish with added fizz for a special occasion. We have looked around for afternoon tea experiences that are set in some journey worthy settings. Whether it is in the Holywood Hills of Belfast at Culloden Estate or The Royal Lancaster beside Hyde Park in London, these afternoon tea venues all look fantastic. I wonder how long it would take us to make our way around them all.
Traditional afternoon tea is available from Pastry Chef, Sarah Brion, who was previously Head Pastry Chef at the Michelin accredited Fife Arms, Braemar and has worked in bakeries and restaurants across Paris and Japan.
The afternoon tea is served daily in the stylish Bass Rock Bar between 1 – 4 pm and is priced from £29.50 per person or £39.50 with an accompanying glass of Palmer & Co Champagne.
Sweet treats include chocolate and caramel cake; almond, praline & orange blossom tart; ginger, lemon & clove macaroons; chestnut and mandarin mont blanc as well as the traditional warm scones with clotted cream and raspberry jam. Delicate sandwiches are served with duck egg, mustard cress, mayonnaise; roast beef, horseradish, crème Fraiche, watercress and smoked salmon, cucumber, cream cheese and dill, not forgetting a pork and haggis sausage roll with an Arran mustard mayonnaise.
An impressive collection of loose leaf Canton Tea is served in fine china, with guests having the choice of eight blends, English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Darjeeling, Jade Tips, Triple Mint, Berry & Hibiscus, Chocolate Noir and Lychee & Rose.
To book a table in The Lawn, please visit www.lawnrestaurant.co.uk
For more information about Marine & Lawn, please visit marineandlawn.com or follow Instagram @marineandlawn.
In the heart of Edinburgh, YTL Hotels’ The Glasshouse, is a five-star city sanctuary, famous for its 2-acre rooftop garden with striking views of Calton Hill and award-winning whisky snug. This snug offers a unique setting to unwind in style and enjoy a delicious homemade Scottish afternoon tea in Edinburgh’s city centre. The Glasshouse’s Head Chef has crafted a menu that offers a Scottish twist on the traditional British offering, making use of traditional Scottish staples, and combining them with the delicate tastes of an afternoon tea. Nightly rates at The Glasshouse start from £200 per night. To book, contact YTL UK Reservations Centre at reservations@ytlhotels.co.uk or call +44 (0) 207 657 8200
Treat your Mother to an afternoon fit for a duchess with Hastings Hotels, Northern Ireland. The Culloden Estate has launched a Bridgerton Inspired Afternoon Tea with a delectable menu featuring delightful treats of finely cut sandwiches and cream teas. Savour warm, freshly baked scones served with indulgent homemade jam and lashings of cream. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a delicious array of dainty pastries and cakes. This fabulous experience is complemented with a choice of tea or coffee, served in fine bone crockery. Or why not enhance your experience with optional glass or two of the finest champagne.
The afternoon tea gift cards are available at Culloden Estate and Spa from £35 per person. (https://www.hastingshotels.com/afternoon-tea-gift-cards.html)
(Read about our dinner at Culloden Estate here)
Celebrating 150 years, Palé Hall is the independently-owned luxury country house on the edge of Snowdonia, featuring a woodland garden rolling down to the banks of the River Dee and Snowdonia National Park is on its doorstep. It is dog-friendly, and is one of the greenest hotels in the UK, with a Green Michelin Star for its commitment to sustainable practices, which include having its own clean, completely carbon-neutral source of electricity.
Palé Hall is nearby to the Slate Trail, which has just become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
An overnight stay costs from £245 (122 pp) for two sharing a Classic Room, including breakfast. Call Palé Hall on 01678 530 285 or visit www.palehall.co.uk.
The Afternoon Tea at Palé Hall features quality teas, scones with jam and cream, plus a stacked platter of cakes and sandwiches, all served with vintage china, in the exceptional setting of a grand country house. With local Welsh ingredients including Hafod Cheddar cheese, Welsh black beef and local smoked salmon, you can also opt for a Welsh Tea, with Welsh cakes and Bara Brith with butter and strawberries.
View the full Afternoon Tea menu here – https://www.palehall.co.uk/menus-2/pale-hall-full-afternoon-tea.pdf
Dalloway’s Head Pastry Chef Chris Dodd has infused flavours that complement The Botanist Gin cocktails and used hand-sourced ingredients to create a uniquely Herbal Afternoon Tea.
Elements of nature give a herbal lift to his sweet creations which include carrot cake with tarragon and cream cheese mousse; white chocolate, lemon and thyme cream on pistachio sponge; saffron custard tart with Campari poached rhubarb and dark chocolate, cherry and sage chocolate brownie. The selection of savoury sandwiches includes marinated cucumber and cream cheese on spinach bread; poached salmon and crème fraîche on malted cocoa bread; devilled egg mayonnaise on a brioche bun and pastrami, gherkin and mustard mayonnaise on wholemeal bread. Traditional afternoon scones set to impress include the vanilla and lemon and golden raisin which will be served with Devonshire clotted cream and Scottish raspberry jam.
Book your table at Dalloway Terrace here.
Royal Lancaster London is a 5* hotel overlooking Hyde Park. Stunning suites on the 18th floor have 180-degree views across London’s skyline. Here you can relax and enjoy an irresistible assortment of delicately crafted sandwiches, warm baked scones and deliciously sweet delicacies accompanied by a selection of the finest Camellia’s Tea House teas, served in the hotel’s beautiful Hyde Café.
The new pastry chef is the ex-Fortnum & Mason pastry chef, so expect beautifully intricate and elaborate creations!
Served between 1 pm and 4 pm. Afternoon Tea & Vegan Afternoon Tea. £29 Wednesday to Friday. £35 Saturday & Sunday
For an added treat, why not add a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne and let the afternoon blissfully slip away!
Click here to book your Royal Lancaster Afternoon Tea
One Aldwych is a true modern oasis standing proud within the distinctive, triangular building, former home of the great Morning Post newspaper, at the point where the City meets the West End. With stunning spacious, clean, contemporary interiors by Fabled Studio and Robert Angell, embellished with Art Nouveau flourishes inspired by the building.
Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea
One Aldwych’s famously scrumdiddlyumptious Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea, created in partnership with the Roald Dahl Story Company, has been taken to the next level.
Diners can now expect to feast their eyes and taste buds on a mixture of splendid savouries (think salmon and beetroot macron and Spinach roly-poly); scrumptious sweets (look out for the blue as blueberry chocolate tart and scones with snozzberry jam and all the creams); and fizzy-lifting drinks(including the swudge chocolate milkshake mixed by a waterfall and Strawberry Juice Water Pistol Punch).
Enjoy the new Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea for just £52 per adult and £35 per child (under 12) including savouries, sweets and teas. Or wet your whistle and enjoy afternoon tea with a fizzy lifting drink or glass of champagne from £65 per person – all prices include the promise of a little nonsense now and then.
To book or find out more, please visit: https://www.onealdwych.com/food-drink/charlie-the-chocolate-factory-afternoon-tea/
Celebrating the best of London, Town House at The Kensington invites visitors and guests alike to indulge in the London Landmark’s Afternoon Tea, which takes in inspiration from London’s most recognisable and historic landmarks.
Guests will be taken on a tasty foodie tour of some of the capital’s most famous architectural feats from the opulent surroundings of Town House restaurant. The Afternoon Tea is presented on a London Eye-inspired tea stand, served alongside a beautiful bespoke map of London illustrated by Eleni Sofroniou, highlighting the landmarks featured in the tea, which guests can take home with them. Starting with a skyline of scones and sandwiches, guests will also enjoy a selection of savoury treats including a cockney staple Steak & London Ale Pie and a Colston Bassett Stilton & Broccoli Quiche alongside a bite-size Crab Cake with Tartare Sauce & Caperberries. Those with a sweet tooth will delight with London Landmark creations including ‘The Gherkin’ crafted from White Chocolate with a Dark Chocolate Ganache, ‘The Shard’ made of Carrot Cake & Milk Chocolate, an iconic ‘London Telephone Box’ imagined in Rhubarb Mousse and a ‘Big Ben’ inspired Lemon Curd Tart. Town House is the signature restaurant at The Kensington hotel and is spread across three classically designed drawing rooms, serving locally-sourced, seasonal modern British cuisine. Nestled in the heart of one of London’s most desirable neighbourhoods – complete with stylish décor, hand-picked furnishings and open fireplaces – Town House also provides intimate porticos overlooking South Kensington’s tree-lined avenues.
The London Landmarks Afternoon Tea is available to book now and costs £42 per person or £54.50 with a glass of Perrier-Jouët, Grand Brut NV Champagne, all enjoyed with a selection of rare teas. Afternoon Tea is served daily from 12 noon to 6 pm. The full menu can be viewed here. For more information or reservations please visit: www.doylecollection.com/kensington
Unique Afternoon Tea in a Shepherd’s Hut at Monkey Island Estate
Welcome in the changing seasons at Monkey Island Estate‘s handcrafted Shepherd’s Hut. The cosy winter cabin is the perfect spot to enjoy the Berkshire countryside. The Shepherd’s Hideaway is stylishly furnished with contemporary countryside interiors. Expert hospitality services are paired with gourmet picnic hampers, filled with local treats and chilled bottles of Harrow & Hope English Sparkling Wine; the perfect afternoon tea. Between adventures in the hotel grounds, guests can look forward to a delicious menu, including coronation chicken curried drumsticks, poached salmon and potato salad and a selection of quintessentially British finger sandwiches. Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy millionaire’s shortbread, carrot cake, macaroons and of course traditional scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream. The Monkey Island Estate Brasserie also offers a traditional daily afternoon tea.
The Shepherd’s Hideaway Experience caters for up to 6 guests at £100 per person and includes a gourmet picnic hamper and half a bottle of Harrow & Hope Brut Reserve per person with access to the Shepherd’s Hideaway for three hours. Minimum spend £600. To book, contact YTL UK Reservations Centre at reservations@ytlhotels.co.uk or call +44 (0) 207 657 8200. www.monkeyislandestate.co.uk
Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa, a luxurious hotel in the heart of rural Warwickshire nestled in 11 acres of countryside perfect to indulge in a royal afternoon tea to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee in true Billesley-style. Throughout June, guests will be able to celebrate like the queen with a selection of finger sandwiches and mini tarts, chocolate eclairs and scones, and not to forget a glass of bubbly! Guests can complete the weekend by staying in Billesley Manor’s newly refurbished bedrooms, complete with rich, warm designs, with original 16th-century oak panelling, followed by a relaxing day in the newly renovated spa and stunning restaurant.
Jubilee Afternoon Tea rates are £29.95 per person, subject to availability. Booking is available by contacting 01789 279955
Nightly rates at Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa start from £160 per night B&B based on two people sharing, subject to availability.
Fairmont Windsor Park is a grand and indulgent English countryside hotel located on the edge of Windsor Great Park, surrounded by 40 acres of open gardens.
A calming yet opulent lounge with expert service and guests’ comfort at the heart of the experience, the Orchid Tea Room is the perfect place to enjoy a regal afternoon tea. Named after the original owners of the mansion who collected orchids from around the world, the bespoke crockery used is inspired by the delicate beauty of these flowers and the fragility of the environment. Guests are invited to savour handmade creations from the expert Pâtisserie and Chocolatier team, spearheaded by Pastry Sous Chef, Swapnil Sawant, alongside a world-class tea selection and fine Champagne. Enjoy a varied selection of sandwiches, a range of sweet treats and a selection of scones that no afternoon tea can be complete without.
For more information on Fairmont Windsor Park visit www.fairmont-windsorpark.com
Castle Hotel Windsor will celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a delicious afternoon tea and a specially curated three-night Jubilee stay package, including tickets to The Savill Garden, Windsor Castle and a Windsor Bus Tour.
Available throughout 2022, Castle Hotel Windsor’s Queen’s Jubilee Afternoon Tea has been designed by Executive Head Chef, Suraj Lokhande. The afternoon tea includes a variety of freshly made sandwiches, featuring a Jubilee Coronation chicken wrap with garden leaves and a Severn & Wye Smoked Salmon pinwheel with caviar on rye bread. The pastries and sweets include freshly baked fruit or plain scones and a plethora of delicious patisseries such as the Royal Union Jack cupcake and a Jubilant Macaroon sandwich. Combined with a refreshing glass of champagne or a glass of Windsor Great Park Sparkling wine for a truly regal afternoon. The Queen’s Jubilee Afternoon Tea will be hosted in the hotel’s stunning restaurant, Leaf, which offers indoor and outdoor dining amongst floral surroundings.
Guests can then extend their stay at Castle Hotel Windsor with the wonderful three-night Jubilee package, available for stays throughout 2022. As part of this incredible package, guests will enjoy breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner at the hotel, along with tickets to the beautiful The Savill Garden, as well as a chance to explore Windsor Castle and see the sights on a Windsor Bus Tour. Prices start from £1,036 per room, depending on availability.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee afternoon tea is now available for the entire year from 12 to 5 pm, starting at £30pp. Reservations are recommended. To book, please visit: https://castlehotelwindsor.com/food-and-drink/ or call +44 1753 851 577.
Celebrate the Platinum Jubilee with a 3-night stay at Castle Hotel Windsor. This special package is available throughout 2022, and guests will enjoy breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner at the hotel, along with tickets for Savill Gardens, Windsor Castle and a Windsor Bus Tour. From £1,036 per room, depending on availability. To book, please visit: https://castlehotelwindsor.com/special-offers/
The city of Bath is home to many iconic spots from Bridgerton, including Modiste’s dress shop, Lady Danbury’s townhouse, and Gunter’s tea shop. From the cobbled and picturesque Abbey Green, which stood in for a market square in the series, to The Holburne Museum, which acted as the entry for the opulent ball scenes, guests will be able to recognise many of the famous sites that take place on Bridgerton. Fans may even take a visit to the home of the Featheringtons, No.1 The Crescent which in real life is a museum dedicated to the period.
After a day spent exploring the many Bridgerton filming locations, take a seat at the Francis Hotel and sip on ‘The Daphne’ a signature cocktail inspired by Bridgerton’s heroine (a dry gin drink with Earl Grey tea syrup, lemon juice and rosé champagne) and indulge on Francis Hotel’s Regency-style afternoon tea with delectable finger sandwiches and plain and fruited scones.
Prices for the Bridgerton package start from £227 per night based on two guests sharing. For more information please visit www.francishotel.com/special-offers/
