Last week we saw the Fresh Awards judges in Warwickshire working extremely hard, getting through the hundreds of entries and determining the shortlist and results for this year! Keep an eye on the website as the shortlist will be announced on Monday 1 September. We also realised, that it was National Afternoon Tea week, so this blog is dedicated to some of the best Afternoon Tea's available through out the UK.
National Afternoon Tea Week celebrates the great heritage with a week of activities, themed menus and offers in hotels, restaurants and tearooms across the UK in August.
The Week offers tourists and locals alike the chance to step inside and experience some of the country's most exquisite afternoon tea venues. From five-star hotels in London to a castle in North Wales, luxury department stores to double decker buses, there's something for every region, at every budget.
There
is no question that afternoon tea is in vogue. And it has definitely evolved a
lot over the last two hundred years. These days afternoon tea is enjoyed by
many, but most of all it's now an avenue for chefs to express their creative
flair and add new twists to the indulgent British tradition.
The
birth of afternoon tea is credited to Anna Maria, the 7th Duchess of Bedford
around 1840. At the time, it was usual for people to take only two main meals a
day: breakfast and dinner (around 8pm) and Maria is said to have complained of
“having that sinking feeling” during the late afternoon. So, the solution for
the Duchess was a pot of tea and a light snack taken privately in her boudoir
during the afternoon. She then started to invite friends to join her in her
rooms at Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire and the tradition became popular within
fashionable society.
There
are certainly lots of different types to try. Some are made for tourists, but
there are plenty out there that offer a wonderful dining experience to share
with family and friends.
So let’s take a look at some of the Afternoon
Tea’s available throughout the UK.
Situated on Princess Street, Apex Waterloo Place Hotel is a luxurious building that sets the high standard for the Edinburgh city chic. It is located near Waverley train station and some of the most popular shopping areas of Edinburgh. A historic fact about the hotel is that Charles Grey 2nd Earl, the man who invented Earl Grey Yea, was given the Freedom of the City of Edinburgh at a ceremony in 1834 that took place at the Waterloo Hotel.
Elliot's Bar and Restaurant is house within the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel, which is where the hotels fine Afternoon Tea is served. Elliot's Bar combines the traditional listed features of the historic building but combines it with modern stylish design; including an ornate corniced ceiling, Georgian windows and unique fireplaces.
Elliot's Bar and Restaurant is the ideal setting for a traditional Afternoon Tea but with a modern twist on things.
Oulton Hall is a magnificent, Grade II listed, mid 18th century mansion with beautiful gardens, converted into Yorkshire's only 5-star luxury hotel. Lovingly restored interiors, fabulous grounds and a team of staff passionate about making your visit special.
Afternoon Tea is served by a traditional butler in the new Drawing Room, cakes that melt in your mouth and a house scone that boasts chunks of local rhubarb.
Tea 42 is a unique venue in the heart of Manchester's City Centre, offering a traditionally British Afternoon Tea for those looking for a relaxing break from a day of shopping.
Guests can enjoy a selection of freshly made open sandwiches on artisan bread, accompanied by homemade tea infused fruit scones & Cornish clotted cream. As well as traditional Afternoon Tea servings, guests can upgrade their experience to include Champagne, adding a touch of elegance to the tea.
Tea 42 is situated in the heart of Manchester and is a quick 5 minute walk from the Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre.
Come and experience Afternoon Tea with a difference on the BB Routemaster bus. This vintage London double decker bus will drive around Central London, taking in some of the City's best sights, whilst you can indulge in the fabulous BB Afternoon Tea.
Capture the heart of the city's culture and history whilst sipping on a lovely cup of tea and enjoying the exquisite tastes of France, whilst looking out on some of London's most famous landmarks. High tea accompanied with an array of tasty sandwiches and delicious cakes and pastries.
Your uniformed driver will take you round The London Eye, Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St James's Park, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, The Royal Albert Hall, Marble Arch, Piccadilly Circus, Nelson's Column, Downing Street and more.
Built by the Earl of Stainsby in 1850, Horsley Lodge is a charming country retreat in the heart of the Peak District.
Tea can be taken in the "old Restaurant" with its spectacular views of the hills, lakes and the fountain or on the terrace in the summer months.
Featuring gorgeous Vintage china, tableware and themed music, the Champagne Vintage Afternoon Tea experience includes quality teas, fresh baked scones, finger sandwiches, mouth-watering cakes and a glass of champagne each,
For more options or if you are interested in treating yourself to Afternoon Tea, take a look at afternoontea.co.uk for more information.
We hope that this has left your mouth watering and you enjoyed our blog this week.
Have a great week folks!
No comments:
Post a Comment