Afternoon tea is a British pastime that shows no sign of wavering anytime soon. More and more venues across the UK are launching their own spin on the traditional treats, with everything from Beauty and the Beast-themed teas to Alice in Wonderland-inspired dishes. So in honour of Afternoon Tea Week 2017 (14-20 August), we've rounded up a few of our favourites – starting with this pretty pink tea from Bluebird!
Bluebird, London:
This Chelsea restaurant has created London's first all pink afternoon tea, but if you want to sample it for yourself you'll have to get in quick. The Think Pink afternoon tea, created in association with Château Minuty rosé, is only available between Thursday 17 – Sunday 20 August between 3pm-4.30pm.
The all-pink tea includes cupcakes with rose petal icing, pink macarons, scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam and freshly prepared sandwiches, all served with a glass of Château Minuty's Provencal Rosé, shimmering Rosé Champagne or a Lychee Rose Martini. It costs £22.5o per person, with a percentage of the proceeds going to the Pink Ribbon Foundation.
Royal Garden Hotel, London:
This beautiful five-star hotel is located in central Kensington, a stone's throw from Kensington Palace and Gardens and Hyde Park, making it the perfect pit-stop after a morning of sightseeing. The award-winning afternoon tea is served in the stunning Park Terrace restaurant, and features unlimited sandwiches, scones and fresh cakes such as a blueberry and lime macaron and millionaires tart. It is all served with fine loose leaf tea, or you can upgrade to the Royal Tea for an indulgent glass of champagne. Afternoon tea costs £31 per person, or £41 for the Royal Tea.
Ye Olde Bell, Barnby Moor:
For the perfect indulgent day you have to try the new 'Afternoon Unwind' package at Ye Olde Bell hotel and spa, which combines afternoon tea with a pampering treatment and access to the new multimillion pound spa.
First, tuck into a selection of finger sandwiches, mini patisseries, scones with clotted cream and preserves, served with a choice of tea, coffee or champagne. Then make your way to the new spa where you can take a dip in the pool or visit the outdoor relaxation areas, and indulge in a complimentary 30-minute treatment of your choice. The Afternoon Unwind is priced at £85pp, it includes 3 hours spa access from 3-6pm, a 30-minute treatment and afternoon tea.
Landmark London:
Enjoy afternoon tea in the beautiful surroundings of The Winter Garden at the Landmark London hotel, where you can choose between a traditional afternoon tea or the indulgent chocolate afternoon tea, which sees pastries and scones replaced with chocolatey treats. Afternoon Tea is available from Monday – Friday 3pm – 5pm and Saturday – Sunday 1:30 pm- 5:30pm and is priced at £55 per person including a glass of champagne.
Bourgee's Afternoon Tea On The Lawn:
If you're not such a fan of sandwiches and scones, you'll love the alternative savoury treats on offer at Bourgee. Served daily between 12-5pm at Bourgee in Chelmsford, Southend-on-Sea and Bury St Edmunds, dishes on offer include an open toasted Bourgee lobster bagel, steak and caramelised onion brioche and mini doughnuts with cinnamon sugar. You can also choose to swap your tea for a jug of cloudy lemonade or add a glass of prosecco for £6. The afternoon tea costs £15 per person.
Gillray's:
For afternoon tea with incredible views, it doesn't get much better than Gillray's, which is located within the five star London Marriott Hotel County Hall. You'll be able to look out towards the London Eye, Big Ben and Houses of Parliament while tucking into sandwiches, cakes and sweet and savoury scones. Gillray's also offers afternoon tea served with free flowing bubbles for £42 per person on a weekend, and £39 per person Monday to Friday.
Miyako at The Andaz:
The traditional British afternoon tea gets a Japanese twist at Miyako, based at the Andaz London Liverpool Street. Your unique afternoon tea will be served in a traditional bento box and consist of both sweet and savoury dishes that are crafted to look like a Japanese meal. Treats include include Matcha, Strawberry & White Chocolate Roulade, Coconut Rice "Sushi" garnished with Mango & Mandarian Caviar and pink guava macaroons.
Thomas's café at Burberry, London:
For a truly fashionable take on afternoon tea, head down to Thomas's Café in Burberry's flagship store at 121 Regent Street, London. Your afternoon tea includes a complimentary glass of Nyetimber rosé, served with an assortment of finger sandwiches and cakes, including Victoria sandwich and lemon drizzle. £32 per person.
The Tamburlaine, Cambridge:
You can truly relax over afternoon tea at The Tamburlaine Hotel in Cambridge, which is served in the beautiful Garden Room, filled with lush green plants and plush velvet sofas. Afternoon tea includes finger sandwiches, sultana scones, cakes and pastries served with your choice of fresh teas, with cocktails and champagne also on offer. From £21.50 per person.