Tea for two?
Henry James, in The Portrait Of A Lady, wrote: ‘There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.’ Here, The Lady scours the nation to find the best places to indulge in this elegant ritual.
Claridge’s
Famous for its hospitality and art deco interiors, Claridge’s luxurious surroundings transport you back to a bygone age while you enjoy an indulgent champagne tea.
Price: From £68.
Address: Brook Street, London W1. 020-7629 8860, www.claridges.co.uk
The Balmoral Hotel
The Balmoral’s stately surroundings complement the sumptuous tea created by top chef Jeff Bland.
Price: £35.
Address: 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh. 0131-556 2414, www.roccofortehotels.com
Luton Hoo Hotel
Take high tea in the surrounds of neoclassical architecture designed by Robert Adam. The menu promises tiers of plates piled with sandwiches, cakes and scones.
Price: £35.
Address: The Mansion House, Luton, Bedfordshire. 01582-734437, www.lutonhoo.co.uk
Roman Baths and Pump Room
Tea is served in the Pump Room Restaurant, a beautiful Georgian ballroom where you will be serenaded by a pianist.
Price: From £22.50.
Address: Stall Street, Bath. 01225-444477, www.searcys.co.uk
Coombe Abbey
The childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I is now a beautiful hotel, with luxurious rooms and a delicious afternoon tea on offer.
Price: From £19.95.
Address: Brinklow Road, Binley, Warwickshire. 02476-450450, www.coombeabbey.com
The Cavendish Restaurant at Chatsworth
Wonderful afternoon teas fit for a duchess are served, including home-made dainty sandwiches, freshly baked scones, quiche and a selection of cakes and pastries.
Price: From £19.50.
Address: Bakewell, Derbyshire. 01246-565300, www.chatsworth.org
Mellington Hall
Twelve miles from Wales’s famous Powis Castle, Mellington Hall offers a beautiful tea using locally sourced ingredients.
Price: £25 for two.
Address: Mellington, Churchstoke, Powys. 01588-620456, www.mellingtonhallhotel.com
Ellenborough Park
One of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels in the Cotswolds, Ellenborough Park’s famous afternoon teas offer a fine selection of teas, cakes and savouries.
Price: From £22.
Address: Southam Road, Cheltenham. 01242-802842, www.ellenboroughpark.com
Claridge’s
Famous for its hospitality and art deco interiors, Claridge’s luxurious surroundings transport you back to a bygone age while you enjoy an indulgent champagne tea.
Price: From £68.
Address: Brook Street, London W1. 020-7629 8860, www.claridges.co.uk
The Balmoral Hotel
The Balmoral’s stately surroundings complement the sumptuous tea created by top chef Jeff Bland.
Price: £35.
Address: 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh. 0131-556 2414, www.roccofortehotels.com
Luton Hoo Hotel
Take high tea in the surrounds of neoclassical architecture designed by Robert Adam. The menu promises tiers of plates piled with sandwiches, cakes and scones.
Price: £35.
Address: The Mansion House, Luton, Bedfordshire. 01582-734437, www.lutonhoo.co.uk
Roman Baths and Pump Room
Tea is served in the Pump Room Restaurant, a beautiful Georgian ballroom where you will be serenaded by a pianist.
Price: From £22.50.
Address: Stall Street, Bath. 01225-444477, www.searcys.co.uk
Coombe Abbey
The childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I is now a beautiful hotel, with luxurious rooms and a delicious afternoon tea on offer.
Price: From £19.95.
Address: Brinklow Road, Binley, Warwickshire. 02476-450450, www.coombeabbey.com
The Cavendish Restaurant at Chatsworth
Wonderful afternoon teas fit for a duchess are served, including home-made dainty sandwiches, freshly baked scones, quiche and a selection of cakes and pastries.
Price: From £19.50.
Address: Bakewell, Derbyshire. 01246-565300, www.chatsworth.org
Mellington Hall
Twelve miles from Wales’s famous Powis Castle, Mellington Hall offers a beautiful tea using locally sourced ingredients.
Price: £25 for two.
Address: Mellington, Churchstoke, Powys. 01588-620456, www.mellingtonhallhotel.com
Ellenborough Park
One of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels in the Cotswolds, Ellenborough Park’s famous afternoon teas offer a fine selection of teas, cakes and savouries.
Price: From £22.
Address: Southam Road, Cheltenham. 01242-802842, www.ellenboroughpark.com