Ironically I am currently on a get in shape mission for my wedding in August, however I also love Afternoon Tea and I wanted to share some of my favourites with you. It's an ideal read for anyone planning a special occasion made better with cakes, tea and sandwiches. These are my favourite four for the perfect celebration and have that wow factor.
1. Roman Bath Pump Rooms, Bath Spa
I was lucky enough to be taken here as a surprise for my birthday last year and I wasn't disappointed. Seated in a beautiful hall surrounded by wonderful architecture and with a pianist playing it really was special. Afternoon tea is served from 2.30-5pm and you do need to book a table as it gets really busy. We chose the Celebration Tea and bubbles which was £37, but there is other options available including Searcys Champagne Tea priced at £30. This is an ideal suggestion for Mother's Day or a birthday surprise with the girls. It was quite noisy so I was pleased we were seated on the outside so it wasn't as loud or feel quite so crowded.
The pastries were lovely, and they regular came round to ask if we wanted a top up of tea or coffee. The fresh fruit tart was my favourite and I sneakily ate two before my boyfriend had chance. We were there for the weekend so after tea we went to the baths themselves and they were amazing although I do feel silly when my boyfriend realised I had my swimming costume with me. Wrong spa! For more details on afternoon tea here visit http://www.romanbaths.co.uk
2. Fawsley Hall, Northampton
As one of the amazing hotels offered by handpickedhotels.co.uk the setting is a beautiful country house set in 2000 acres of formal gardens. It boasts 2 rosettes for their dining so afternoon tea there filled me with high hopes. My mother and I chose The Knightley Afternoon Tea at £23.50, and again there are plenty of other options including a young guests afternoon tea which I haven't seen at many places. The presentation is slightly different and although looks beautiful it isn't your traditional three tier stand. The pastries do alter but we were treated to a lovely lemon curd pastry with a soft mousse filling and a curd like topping which was amazing. The only criticism would be that you cannot book The Great Hall (pictured) and seating is allocated on the day with no guarantee of location. The day was beautiful so we were outside in the patio garden, which was our choice and it made for a lovely afternoon.
The hotel offers gardens which you can explore and walk off your cakes, as well as hotel and spa facilities. I just love the overall feel and look of Fawsley Hall and I am going back for a mother and mother in law wedding celebration prior to the big day. Click here to see more http://www.handpickedhotels.co.uk
3. Ruston Hall, Northamptonshire
This really is speculator and my favourite setting for a Traditional Afternoon Tea. Rushton Hall is a picturesque house situated in grounds comprising of groomed gardens and even tennis courts. The Tea is served in The Great Hall amid old paintings, grand features and on huge sofas.
For £25 per person you are treated to an exceptional array of pastries that provide a selection of tastes suitable for everyone. I was concerned when booking that it suggests only 90 minutes is allocated per seating but this was more than enough time and we didn't feel pressured at all which is important during the experience. We made a girly day of it and stayed over with use of the spa. The hotel do a Sunday Special offer so if you are able to I really recommend combining the two. This is what an afternoon tea should be and I wasn't disappointed. Visit http://www.rushtonhall.com
4. The Sanderson, London
The Afternoon Tea of all photographed Afternoon Teas. I think Instagram is full of this Alice In Wonderland inspired offerings from The Sanderson, which is priced at £48. I was lucky enough to go for a good friends 40th and seated in the conservatory it was a light and summery setting. The seating plan means that although it is very busy you don't feel crowded and the service is incredible considering how crazy it must get. The selection of tea is more than I have seen and I went adventurous and chose an Apple Pie Tea, however when I stated I didn't like it they offered me a second choice to ensure I enjoyed the experience. Everything is thought of and the jewellery box for sugar and the plates with cute designs add to the whole concept. Tip from me would be to save the "drink me" bottle until last because it is amazing! Great idea for a big birthday celebration with friends and don't forget the camera. If you want to know more visit https://www.morganshotelgroup.com
Have you been to a fabulous afternoon tea? Let me know about it please as I will venture far and wide for scones :)
LJ xxx
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