It’s #AfternoonTeaWeek soon and many establishments are taking part, launching exciting new teas and menu choices. To celebrate, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite afternoon teas in the UK.
So in no particular order here are The Staff Canteen's top UK restaurants for Afternoon Tea:
Bettys Café Tea Rooms
Bettys was opened in Harrogate in 1919 by Swiss baker and confectioner Fredrick Belmont. They now have six Bettys Café Tea Rooms across Yorkshire, their own cookery school and a home delivery service. Renowned for their craft, their cakes, breads and fancies are perfectly complemented by speciality teas in their Lady Betty Afternoon Tea.
The Rosewood Hotels & Resorts brand is known across Europe for their sophistication. Each location said to " reflect the individual location’s history, culture and sensibilities". No exception to the rule, Rosewood London was the result of a sensitive transformation of a 1914 Edwardian, Grade II-listed building in 2013. Their Art Afternoon Tea is held in the Mirror Room with contemporary creations by Executive Pastry Chef, Mark Perkins. Prices start from £50 per person.
Once visited by Gregory Peck, The Angel Hotel is in a central location in the market town of Abergavenny. It has received many positive reviews from attendees of the 2016 Eisteddfod. The Angel is also a member prestigious UK Tea Guild - they previously held an ‘Award of Excellence’. Only nine hotels outside of London have achieved this! Their Afternoon Tea is £22.80 per person, or you can choose to upgrade to a High Tea for just £5 more.
Sandersons is a luxury boutique hotel in London's West End. Until the end of August, they have brought back their whimsical Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea, inspired by Alice in Wonderland! They were declared winners of the 'Best Themed Afternoon Tea' in the Afternoon Tea Awards 2016. There is also the option to have a 'Tipsy' version. Prices range between £48 and £65 per person excluding service, £35 per child for children 4-11 years old. Prices increase on certain holidays. Unfortunately, the hotel requests no fancy dress!
Wedgewood Afternoon Tea at Palm Court at The Langham, London
In 1865, Langham Hotel was crowned Europe's first "Grand Hotel" and since then, they've opened resorts worldwide. They've become a name known globally for their elegance and style. The Wedgewood Afternoon Tea is served in the Langham London's elegant Palm Court restaurant . Prices start from £49 per person.
The Merchant Hotel in Belfast was originally built as the headquarters of the Ulster bank in the 1850's. Fast forward to today and some of that grandeur is still apparent in this beautiful building. The only hotel in the city to receive an AA 5 Star rating, The Merchant offers a traditional afternoon tea and Bert's savoury afternoon tea by head chef Michael Webber - prices for both start from £25 per person.
The River Restaurant , The Lowry Hotel, Manchester
Manchester's luxury The Lowry Hotel is located on the original site of the printing company where ‘The Dandy’ and ‘The Beano’ cartoons were created! It was the first five-star hotel in Manchester and one of only 20 hotels in the UK to be part of Leading Hotels of The World. The River Restaurant has special offers on afternoon tea menus.
Fusion Asian Afternoon Tea at Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham
Ramside Hall Hotel is the largest, privately owned luxury hotel in the North East. Their Fusion restaurant takes inspiration from Asian cuisine, using traditional recipes to create interesting food combinations. Dishes include vegetable and herb dim sum and ginger and green tea cheesecake!
The Rosebery Lounge, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
The Mandarin Oriental hotel group started over fifty years ago in Hong Kong and they have since expanded globally. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is one of London's most celebrated five-star hotels. Afternoon Tea is served in The Rosebery Lounge with a selection of delicately crafted pastries and teas from around the world. Prices start from £53 per person.
Palm Court at The Balmoral refer to themselves as an 'Edinburgh institution' and it's no wonder why. Executive Pastry Chef Ross Sneddon came home last year after various roles in well-known establishments in New York and London. His award-winning afternoon tea is accompanied by a harpist to accompany your dining. Prices start from £40 per person.
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