ppeditor There can’t be anything more quintessentially British than a gorgeous afternoon tea. If you’re a fan of finger sandwiches, scones and more, sit back, relax and enjoy the Professional Player round-up.
Words | Emma Harrison
Cliveden House, Berkshire
Savour the quintessentially English pastime of taking afternoon tea at one of the most illustrious hotels in the UK – the Cliveden, a Grade 1 stately 5-star country house hotel in Berkshire. Expect a feeling of grandeur here thanks to the opulent décor and award-winning facilities within 376 lush acres of National Trust grounds. Delivered on a traditional three-tiered stand, their afternoon tea includes an array of soft, freshly cut finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam and a selection of decadent miniature cakes, pastries and delicacies based around red velvet cake.
The Goring, London
As the holder of The British Tea Guild Council’s Top London Afternoon Tea Award and The Award of Excellence, The Going has become renowned for serving one of the capital’s most celebrated afternoon teas. Served in the luxurious, five-star surroundings of The Veranda, you will be delighted by the ever-changing menu of freshly baked homemade scones served warm with Devonshire clotted cream and fruity homemade jam, delicious bakes, fancies, and tarts and more, all accompanied with either a high-quality tea blend or a chilled glass of Bollinger Champagne.
Lime Wood Hotel, New Forest
Originally a 13th Century hunting lodge, this stunning boutique country house hotel in the heart of the New Forest National Park is just an hour and a half drive from London. Noel Gallagher got married there and
it is easy to see why people flock there to enjoy the lavish interiors, beautiful surroundings and sumptuous food which includes their fantastic afternoon tea.
Expect impeccable service and delicious treats like Lime Wood smoked salmon with cream cheese & cucumber sandwiches, light and fluffy fruit and plain scones with Dorset Dairy cultured cream and New Forest jam, and exquisite cakes which includes a delectable chocolate & fennel flowerpot, a lemon cream bun and a strawberry Bakewell tart.
The Lime Wood are also great at dealing with dietary requirements making it a cinch for coeliacs to enjoy a spectacular afternoon tea too.
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
To celebrate the British Bulldog himself, The Orangery at Blenheim Palace has a dedicated Churchill afternoon tea to accompany its Winston Churchill exhibition. Beginning with his favourite champagne – Pol Roger Brut Réserve, the tea features savouries of Swiss rarebit and pickled onion; and Smoked salmon and caviar muffin; homemade Buttermilk plain and fruit scones. Cakes and pastries following including one inspired by Churchill’s personal cook, Georgina Landemare, made from local fruit from Oxfordshire.
Great Scotland Yard Hotel, London
The quirky yet cool Great Scotland Yard offer an afternoon tea with a difference! Working with London, this is more than just a tea, it is a total sensory experience designed to guide guests on a journey through history, nobility, and perfumery.
Full of timeless charm, the menu is inspired by flavour notes of the prestigious Bouquet de La Reine fragrance with traditional patisserie through an assortment of seasonal pastries and cakes such as rose and pistachio drizzle cake, strawberry and jasmine tartwlets and savour treats including a selection of decadent sandwiches including cheddar, gougere and Exmoor Caviar; classic chicken breast with tarragon mayonnaise, and fluffy crab, lime and chilli crème fraîche milk buns.
Wash it all down with a glass of Ruinart Champagne or a selection of delicate teas from the Rare Tea Company.
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath
The historic city of Bath is famous the world over, but they have also garnered an impressive reputation for serving some of the best afternoon teas in the country. The stunning Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa in the heart of Bath serves up a triumphant afternoon tea which includes delicious sandwiches; cut to mouth-watering perfection, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam along with a range of exquisite pastries and cakes – each one dainty enough to eat in one delicious mouthful.
Celtic Manor, Newport, Wales
Calling all cake cravers and patisserie perfectionists, if you are looking for a unique and elegant treat, then a trip to Celtic Manor has to be high on your list. Enjoy a delicious taste of autumn with afternoon tea at The Olive Tree restaurant where you can indulge in seasonal sandwiches, cakes and pastries, and freshly baked fruit and vanilla scones with clotted cream and jam.
The Lanesborough, London
Think of afternoon tea and the splendour of the iconic London hotel The Laneborough springs to mind. From the finely cut sandwiches to the exquisitely presented pastries, every morsel has been thoughtfully created and presented in the elegant surroundings of the in-starred Céleste.
Collaborating with the world-famous bakery, Peggy Porschen, their afternoon tea features some of Peggy Porschen’s signature creations, like Peggy’s Pink Pavlova, lemon & elderflower tartlet, cherry and chocolate chip cupcake, salted caramel and popcorn cupcake, and a slice of lemon, raspberry & rose layer cake.
Harbour Heights Hotel, Dorset
Situated in the heart of Sandbanks (one of the most prestigious areas of the UK) overlooking the stunning Poole harbour, sits the Harbour Heights Hotel. Enjoy a thoroughly delicious afternoon tea which is served daily at the water’s edge. The Haven Hotel’s afternoon tea consists of a selection of dainty sandwiches, home-made scones served with clotted cream and strawberry preserve as well as a selection of cakes.
