Afternoons, teaspoons & treats

For celebrations, get-togethers or one of those Springtime treats that are just a sheer delight - the tradition of taking afternoon tea is tops - So raise a pinkie and indulge yourself with a trip to one of Bristol’s finest hotels or tearooms

ASHWELL & CO

32 Alma Vale Road, Bristol BS8 2HY

Tel: 0117 904 2898 Web: ashwellandco.com

Often described as one of the quirkiest places you can have afternoon tea in Bristol, Ashwell & Co pride themselves not only on their unique setting within a vintage boutique, but they also rate as one of the best afternoon teas in Bristol. Everything is handmade or locally made with love to create a proper, traditional afternoon tea experience. From the bread to the cakes, the scones and even the Ashwell & Co signature homemade clotted cream, everything is made with care and attention to give their lovely customers an experience to remember. Afternoon teas are served on Fridays and Saturdays and they also offer takeaway, delivery options and party packages. Prices start from £25 per person.

Harvey Nichols

27 Philadelphia Street, Quakers Friars, Cabot Circus, Bristol BS1 3BZ

Tel: 0117 916 8898 Web: harveynichols.com

The Bristol

The River Lounge and River Grille at The Bristol Prince Street, Bristol, BS1 4QF

Tel: 0117 923 0333 Web: doylecollection.com/bristol

The Bristol’s highly popular G&Afternoon Tea celebrates the best of Bristol creators and artisans in partnership with legendary street artist SP: Zero, Bird & Blend Tea and Bristol Dry Gin. Sink into a sumptuous armchair and watch the world go by as you indulge in classics like freshly-baked scones served with jam and Cornish clotted cream, finger sandwiches and sweet treats, alongside tea-infused cocktails. With vegan, diary-free & gluten-free options available on request, there is something for everyone to indulge in. Enjoy the classic offering with a wide range of herbal teas and barista coffee for £25 per person, or add a G & Tea Cocktail, or a glass of Rathfinny English Sparkling Wine for an additional £12 per person. Available Thursday to Saturday, 12:30 – 16:30

Decorated in decadent gold, the stylish setting of Harvey Nichols Bristol’s Second Floor Restaurant is the perfect place for an indulgent treat after a day of shopping. The traditional afternoon tea includes a trio of sandwiches, a selection of homemade cakes, homemade mini scones with clotted cream and a choice of Harvey Nichols preserves, all served with unlimited house tea. For an extra bit of indulgence, you can add a glass of Champagne, perfect to celebrate a special occasion in style. Champagne tea is priced at £35 per person; afternoon tea, £25 per person. Served Thursday-Saturday 3-4:30pm, Sunday from 2.30pm.

Berwick Lodge Hotel

Berwick Drive, Bristol BS10 7TD

Tel: 0117 958 1590 Web: berwicklodge.co.uk

A proudly independent and totally unique venue, on the outskirts of Bristol, which blends the spirit and romance of the arts and crafts movement with a touch of the East. Enjoy your afternoon tea outside in the 18 acres of magnificent gardens; or sink into the cosy sofas in the lounge, a beautiful wood panelled room with feature fireplace and views overlooking the grounds. An indulgent and seasonally changing menu is all handmade or locally sourced supporting nearby businesses, such as Wogan coffee. The traditional afternoon tea for £29.95pp includes sandwiches, cakes, and freshly baked scones, topped with lashings of fragrant jam and gooey clotted cream. Or upgrade to the signature Berwick afternoon tea for £36.95pp to include delicious savoury accompaniments. For extra indulgence, Champagne can be included for an additional £10pp. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options are available, as well as a children’s tea – there’s something for everybody to enjoy. Served Monday – Friday 12pm – 2:30pm, Weekends 12pm, 12.30pm, 3pm or 3:30pm.

THE AZTEC HOTEL & SPA

Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4TS

Tel: 01454 201090 Web: aztechotelbristol.co.uk

De Vere Tortworth Court

Wotton-Under-Edge, Gloucestershire GL12 8HH

Tel: 01454 263000

Web: devere.co.uk/tortworth-court

Set within the picturesque countryside of South Gloucestershire, De Vere Tortworth Court is a Grade II listed Victorian mansion house, offering a unique setting to enjoy afternoon tea. Afternoon Tea is served in the 1853 Restaurant and Bar which features elegant oak panelling and ornate furnishings. In the summer months, take tea al fresco on the terrace with view over 30 acres of manicured gardens and Victorian arboretum. Enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, including Severn & Wye smoked salmon with chive & lemon creme fraiche, sultana scones with clotted cream and fruit jam, and indulge in an apple tart, orange and thyme finger and a chocolate smores tart. Afternoon tea starts from £25 per person and sparkling afternoon tea starts from £34 per person. Available to book now.

Created by the hotel’s experienced pastry chef, the Aztec Hotel & Spa afternoon tea is a firm favourite for any celebration, occasion or treat. Served daily, it’s a treasured tradition of delicious and imaginative offerings full of great quality ingredients and tempting regional flavours. Beautifully presented and served on a tiered cake stand, the artisanal sandwiches include West Country Keens cheddar and chutney on rye, Severn & Wye smoked salmon, Devon caught white crab & mayonnaise on rye, Somerset cider glazed Wiltshire ham with Tracklements piccalilli and Burford brown free-range egg mayonnaise with Evesham watercress on freshly baked white bread. Get carried away with locally sourced Gloucester old spot, chorizo, black bee honey and caraway seed sausage rolls but leave room for heaven-sent desserts such as black bee honey and hazelnut custard tart, dark chocolate, almond and Evesham blackberry verrine and spiced rum, ginger & orange sticky loaf. The freshly baked Devon buttermilk scones served with strawberry preserve and Cornish clotted cream are the cherry on top. Spa packages including afternoon tea are also available.