Having started life in a hotel drawing room, Afternoon Tea has gone on to become the most delicious of English traditions, and continues to be a hallmark of a luxury hotel stay.
With afternoon tea week around the corner (8-14 August), LateRooms.com reveals the stunning hotels where the dining interiors and settings are as mouth-watering as the edible treats on offer.
The Langham 5*, London
Credited with being the birthplace of afternoon tea back in the Victorian era, The Langham’s luxurious Palm Court is one of the capital’s most elegant spots to indulge in, featuring plush velvet and mirrored walls. You’ll find treats that include truffled duck egg brioche, smoked salmon and strawberry and pistachio cream macaroons. A children’s afternoon tea is also available with jigsaw sandwiches and carousel cupcake swirls.
The Edgbaston Boutique Hotel 4*, Birmingham
Served in the black and gold Art Deco-inspired cocktail Lounge, afternoon tea at the Edgbaston Boutique Hotel is a decadent affair. Vintage crockery nods to the 1920s and restored Victorian surroundings and you can choose from five afternoon tea options that include a glass of Moet & Chandon or Krug Champagne. Artisan sandwiches and seasonal treats are accompanied by organic, loose leaf Jing tea.
The Vermont 4*, Newcastle
On sunny days, take tea in the stunning surroundings of the rooftop bar, or take a seat in the stunning lounge with sumptuous interiors and views over the castle. Choose from the traditional afternoon tea – think dainty finger sandwiches and dinky pastries with a glass of something fizzy – or the Gentleman’s afternoon tea. It’s a heartier take on things with a scotch egg, Ploughman’s, mini burger and pork pie – all washed down with a pint of Wylam Ale.
The Grand 4*, Brighton
Set right on the seafront, The Grand’s ‘Afternoon Tea by The Sea’ has been voted one of the UK’s best and is served in the hotel’s recently refurbished Victoria Terrace. You’ll find luxurious velvets in strong Victorian colours and a botanical mural on the walls. Sweet treats include elegant options such as white chocolate and hazelnut praline éclair, chocolate delice, strawberry filled meringues and blackberry and lemon tart.
Great John Street 4*, Manchester
Set in a former Victorian school house, the boutique Great John Street oozes originality, with nods to its history at every turn. Afternoon tea is served in the hotel’s Oyster Bar, and renowned as one of Manchester’s finest, with delights such as passionfruit and vanilla cheesecake served with a glass of Perrier Jouet Champagne. A ‘Gentleman Jack afternoon tea’ is also available and features heartier fare like chicken and leek pie along with a Jack Daniel’s cocktail to wash it all down with. A children’s afternoon tea is also available.
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa 5*, Bath
Set in Bath’s iconic Georgian crescent, an afternoon of pure luxury is instore at the Royal Crescent Hotel. Choose between the Dower House Restaurant, which overlooks the hotel’s wonderfully secluded gardens, or head outdoors to take tea al fresco in the garden itself. For the ultimate treat choose the Champagne Afternoon Tea Flight, and you can choose from a range of afternoon teas that allow you to select your ratio of sweet to savoury treats.
Landmark Hotel 5*, London
One of London’s most spectacular settings, take your seat in The Landmark’s Winter Garden. The restaurant sits beneath the hotel’s breathtaking and grade 1 listed, eight-storey glass atrium, which fills the space with light. The Winter Garden Afternoon Tea features lapsang souchon smoked salmon and apricot and pistachio flourless sponge. Or cocoa fiends should opt for the Chocolate Afternoon Tea that includes coconut and chocolate macaroons, blood orange and white chocolate mousse and a pistachio chocolate opera gateau.
Salthouse Harbour Hotel 4*, Ipswich
Looking out over the waterfront, this boutique hotel serves up enviable harbour views with its afternoon delights. The restaurant, like the bedrooms, is artfully decorated with contemporary and local artwork to add to an indulgent afternoon. Stylish takes on traditional favourites are on the menu, including homemade scones and clotted cream, light-as-air cupcakes, chocolate eclairs and smoked salmon bagels. Include a glass of champagne for an extra touch of luxury.
All hotels are available to book through LateRooms.com.