.Summer isn’t summer without an afternoon tea. Perfect for a special occasion, like a birthday, a graduation, or simply catching up with friends or family members. We have some mouthwatering options here in Rutland…
Barnsdale Hall Hotel are serving a Wimbledon Afternoon Tea – the perfect mid-summer treat, whether you’re a tennis fan or not! Highlights include finger sandwiches with four different styles of filling, with sweet treats including Valrhona dark chocolate and coconut fudge tennis ball cake pops, organic heritage carrot Wimbledon centre court cake, and English strawberry and crème pat tart. Wimbledon Afternoon Tea is available from June 28 to Sunday July 11, between 12pm and 5pm.
Barnsdale Lodge Hotel will spoil you for choice with their afternoon teas. Served daily between 2.30pm and 4.30pm, there’s even a version for the man in your life! Choose from: Barnsdale Cream Tea (fruit scones with clotted cream, jam and lemon curd; Barnsdale Farmhouse Tea (fruit scones with clotted cream, lemon curd and strawberry jam, plus a selection of fingers sandwiches); Gents’ Tea (locally brewed Grainstore beer, black pudding, sausage roll, steak slider, mini pork pie and Guinness chocolate mousse); the ultimate Champagne Afternoon Tea (a full afternoon tea with a glass of Brut Mosaique, Jacquart NV champagne).
The Wisteria Hotel in Oakham offers a choice of three sumptuous afternoon teas. Their Full Afternoon Tea comprises a selection of finger sandwiches, home-made plain and fruit scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam, a selection of home-made cakes, coupled with a choice of local producer Two Chimps’ loose-leaf tea or coffee. The Prosecco Afternoon Tea is Wisteria’s Full Afternoon Tea with the addition of two glasses of Prosecco per person. While for gin lovers, the G&T Afternoon Tea is the perfect option. You will enjoy the Full Afternoon Tea with the addition of two glasses of a gin of your choice per person.
Rockingham Castle makes a particularly memorable backdrop for a delicious afternoon tea. Kavanagh’s tea room in the castle’s courtyard offers an array of fare including five finger sandwiches, a scone with clotted cream and jam, three delicate cakes, and a choice of tea or coffee. For a lighter option, they also offer the Rockingham Castle Cream Tea, warm scone, served with clotted cream and jam, with coffee or tea. Don’t forget to book a tour of the castle to make your experience complete.
Barnsdale Gardens offer an afternoon tea package in The Helenium tea room, an excellent option to round off an inspirational visit to the delightful exhibition gardens.
Here’s what to expect: a selection of freshly made dainty sandwiches with roast beef & horseradish, egg mayonnaise & cress, cucumber & cream cheese, and ham & mustard fillings. (For vegetarians the sandwich fillings are cucumber & cream cheese; egg mayonnaise & cress; brie & cranberry and cheese & tomato). To follow are two homemade scones with clotted cream and jam, mini cheesecakes, Eton mess and mini homemade cakes. All served on bone china with a pot of tea or coffee.
The Finch’s Arms, a gastro pub on the peaceful Hambleton peninsula offers superb views out onto Rutland Water offers a tempting choice of afternoon teas, served between 3 and 5pm, Monday to Saturday. The Full Afternoon Tea comprises a selection of sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream and jam, with a selection of homemade cakes. All served with either tea or coffee. For a special occasion, or just because, you can upgrade your afternoon tea with a glass each of Pimm’s, Prosecco, or Goring Estate English Sparkling Wine.
Pre-order (at least 48 hours in advance) as a special treat or buy as a gift for a garden lover in combination with entry to the Gardens for the perfect day out.
For all of these afternoon tea options it is advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment. You will find more afternoon tea venues at https://www.discover-rutland.co.uk/all/food-drink/afternoon-tea/
Did you know? Afternoon Tea was invented at the home of the Duke of Rutland, Belvoir Castle, by Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford while visiting the 5th Duke in the mid-1840s. She decided the wait until supper was simply too long!
