Autumnal afternoon tea: a few

Autumnal afternoon tea

There’s just something about sitting down to a ‘proper’ Afternoon Tea that feels so deliciously indulgent. It’s not just about the ingredients (though only the finest will do) but the ritual of pouring, the ceremonial choosing, the sense of opulence and occasion. Here are just a few of our favourite places to enjoy this quintessentially British pastime this Autumn.

Pictures Christian Warren

A delightfully Victorian affair

For a special occasion Afternoon Tea fit for a Queen, look no further than Albert Cottage Hotel, in the very building where Queen Victoria herself enjoyed and popularised this most quintessentially British ceremony during her Royal residences. Extracts from Queen Victoria’s journals at the age of just 13 in 1832 – and again in 1837 when she first became Queen – speak of her love for this elegant ritual. In fact, the word “tea” alone occurs 7,587 times in Queen Victoria’s journal records.

Treat yourself to an array of dainty finger sandwiches, delicious scones with jam and local clotted cream, mini Victoria sponges, cakes and tempting sweet treats – all freshly made in the Albert Cottage kitchens and served with a choice of traditional, flavoured or fruit teas. Enjoy all this in the beautiful restaurant or Garden Terrace in the stunning grounds.

Albert Cottage Hotel, East Cowes albertcottagehotel.com Instagram: @albertcottagehotel Booking essential 01983 299309

Tea by the sea

Inns of Distinction are renowned supporters of local produce and suppliers, and The Boathouse’s freshly made afternoon teas feature the best our garden Isle has to offer. Autumnal flavours abound in this classic ‘Afternoon Tea for Two’, featuring scones with jam and clotted cream, a selection of delicate sandwiches and rolls, cake and miniature desserts with a choice of tea or coffee. For an extra special treat, why not upgrade to a Prosecco or Pimms instead?

Here, you may meet The Boathouse’s new General Manager Megan Aird, whose host of hospitality experience offers the perfect pairing with existing Head Chef Joel Yearsley – watch this space for more exciting events from this dream team in 2022!

The Boathouse, Seaview theboathouseiow.co.uk Instagram: @boathouse_iow Booking essential 01983 810616

Farm fresh ingredients

At Bluebells Café, you’ll find a tasty selection of cream teas to suit any occasion or appetite. Featuring homemade fresh fruit scones, golden butter, and clotted cream made from their very own Guernsey cows, even the jam (delicious raspberry and loganberry from Newchurch smallholding ‘The Fruit Bowl’) is handmade locally.

New for 2021 is the full Bluebells cream tea. With freshly prepared sandwiches on Grace’s Bakery bread – filled with Brownriggs Farm free range egg mayo, Briddlesford cheddar or slow cooked honey glazed ham – an array of homemade cakes and scones and choice of hot and cold refreshments, it’s the perfect treat for those who fancy a little extra.

Bluebells Café at Briddlesford Lodge Farm, Wootton | briddlesford.co.uk | 01983 882885 Instagram: @bluebells_cafe

Megan

Detail and decadence

Now settled into his new position heading up The Hambrough, Michelin-starred Executive Chef Matthew Tomkinson brings his Traditional Afternoon Tea to this stunningly sea-viewed restaurant. Featuring dainty finger sandwiches, scones served with clotted cream and seasonal preserves that have been made in-house, and a selection of delicate sweet treats hand baked by chef Craig Englefield, this is the perfect Afternoon Tea to celebrate a special occasion.

Beautifully and stylishly presented with white starched tablecloths and linen napkins, guests can enjoy a selection of teas and coffees or indulge in a decadent glass of champagne. Larger parties may book The Hambrough Garden Room with exclusive use of the Secret Garden.

The Hambrough, Ventnor thehambrough.co.uk Instagram: @thehambrough Booking essential 01983 856333

Afternoon – or evening – Crêpe Tea

A traditional favourite with a fun and vibrant Sweet Charlie’s twist. Freshly made to order, featuring tasty traditional finger sandwiches, stacks of delicious mini-pancakes with a choice of toppings, all topped off with a tempting top tier of fresh traybake bites, mini cakes and a selection of fresh fruit. Served with a pot of tea across a wide range of choices, there are also vegan and gluten-free options available.

And the best bit about this one-of-a-kind treat? It’s not just for afternoons – Sweet Charlie’s is open until late, leaving you to create special memories with friends and family well past teatime.

Sweet Charlie’s, Newport Sweetcharlies.co.uk Instagram: @sweetcharliesnewport Booking essential 01983 240339