TOWNELEY HALL
high tea
A SPECTACULAR SETTING Beautiful in all seasons, approach the majestic Towneley Hall through tree lined avenues as we welcome you for high tea at the hall. Set in the grandeur of the Regency Rooms amongst historic paintings, chandeliers and sculptures, enjoy an elegant high tea accompanied by live music.
© Jon Thompson
HIGH TEA AT THE HALL The British tradition of high tea began in the mid-1700s as a late afternoon meal for the wearied working man to replenish him during the long working day. It would be taken standing up or sitting on tall stools, thus the term evolved, ‘high tea’. For the upper classes, high tea was a more social event to stave off that ‘sinking feeling’ in the afternoon, perhaps serving as a substantial meal before attending the theatre, this would then sustain them until supper could be taken later in the evening.
Gradually, this afternoon meal became known as an important event on the social calendars of ladies and gentlemen, accompanied by light music and sometimes even a little dancing, rather than a meal for the working man as originally intended.
Cakes, scones, sandwiches, omelettes, pies or even cheese on toast would have been on the menu, maybe with the addition of pigeon, veal or fruits for the upper classes.
Today we celebrate this quintessentially English tradition in the grandeur of the Regency Rooms here at Towneley Hall. Enjoy a perfect afternoon whilst sampling a selection of delicate bites, accompanied by elegant whole leaf tea, whilst overlooking the beautiful Italian Gardens.
SERVING... SANDWICHES & SAVOURIES
SCONES & PASTRIES
TEAS & COFFEE
Smoked Ham & Cucumber Ketchup
Freshly Baked Fruit Scone & Homemade Jam
Everyday Brew Tea
Four Cheese & Sundried Tomato
Miniature Berry Tart with Honeycomb
Mao Feng Green Tea
Poached Salmon & Prawn
Rich Chocolate Brownie
Earl Grey Strong Tea
Coronation Chicken Breast
Fig Frangipane
Liquorice and Peppermint Tea
Individual Pork & Beef Patties
Lemon and Ginger Tea
Demi Soup of the Moment
Super Fruit Tea High tea served 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Alternatively, filter coffee is also available on request
TRADITIONAL HIGH TEA £19.95 pp PROSECCO HIGH TEA £24.95 pp HIGH G&T £24.95 pp A selection of soft and alcoholic drinks will also be available to purchase. Should you have any dietary requirements or food intolerances, our allergen menu is available upon request. Whilst we permit photography, we ask that photographs are taken discreetly.
© Jon Thompson
© Jon Thompson
THE STORY OF TOWNELEY This 14th Century, Grade 1 listed hall has a rich history with many stories to tell; with grand period rooms decorated with oil paintings and sculptures, covering several centuries of life at the hall which was the family home of the Towneley's for nearly five centuries. Today the hall hosts an eclectic collection including an Egyptian Mummy, the Whalley Abbey vestments, Lancashire-made oak furniture, Pilkington Pottery and Kashmir Embroidery. The Art Gallery boasts a spectacular collection of oil paintings including works by Sir Lawrence Alma Tadema, John William Waterhouse and Johan Zoffany. A programme of exhibitions in the galleries cover a wide range of arts and crafts and there is always something new to see. Your high tea ticket gives you access to the rest of the hall, please feel free to have a look around.
The Victorian kitchen will be open, where you can explore all the wonderful culinary gadgets with the resident cook, or go up to the family dining room and see how you would have eaten in the company of Lady O’Hagan. The Burnley Room is always an interesting place to find out about how innovative and entrepreneurial Burnley has been over the years. For younger families there are activities and tours available in the shop and don’t forget to visit the interactive natural history room, giving Bill the Bear a wave on your way past.
a place for all seasons
VISITING TOWNELEY HALL Arrival for High Tea
Parking Options
The entrance for afternoon tea events is through the main doors at the centre of the building, into the Great Hall. You will then be escorted into the Regency Rooms.
Parking is available at the Riverside car park, which is sign posted as you drive into the grounds of Towneley. Parking here allows you to take in the beauty of the estate as you walk up the avenue towards Towneley Hall. We recommend this walk, particularly in fine weather.
If you are in a wheelchair or have limited mobility which will prevent you from climbing the steps to the front of the hall then access will be via the gift shop to the far right of the building. Please make us aware of access requirements at the time of booking so we can allocate an appropriate table and ensure your visit to Towneley Hall is a comfortable one. High tea guests are also eligible for the following; Mini one hour tours of the hall run at 1pm and 2.30pm. These tours have limited availability and are booked on a first come first served basis. Discounted private tours of 1½ hours which include a tour of the cellars can be booked for groups of 10 or more at a cost of £5 per head. Pre-booking is essential. To book a tour please contact the hall directly on 01282 477130 once you have confirmed your high tea.
Additional limited car parking spaces and disabled parking is available in front of the hall. All parking is pay and display. Toilets We feel it is important that you are aware in advance that all toilets are located on the opposite side of the building to the Regency Rooms, through the gift shop.
HOW TO BOOK For all enquiries and to book please contact the events team at Burnley Mechanics box office, Monday to Friday between 11am & 4pm and Saturday’s between 11.30am & 2.30pm on 01282 664400. All bookings will need to be paid for in full at the time of reservation in order to secure your place. Your table will be reserved for 1½ hours from the booking time, this will not be altered for late arrival. Bookings will not be taken any later than 3pm on the Thursday preceding the Sunday high tea. Please note that bookings cannot be made by contacting Towneley Hall directly.
Special dietary requirements At the time of booking it is important that you make us aware of any special dietary requirements or allergies as we will be unable to meet any specific needs on the day. Bringing little ones? Let our events team know at the time of booking if you are attending with children and we’ll set the table appropriately. Please let us know if you require a high chair as we only have a limited number available.
© Jon Thompson
over 400 acres of burnley pride make it yours...
Towneley Hall - Towneley Park - Burnley BB11 3RQ towneley.org.uk - 01282 664400