Guests of Cheshire Life enjoyed sweet and savoury treats at Residence in Nantwich, writes Rebekka O’Grady

There were no mad hatters or white rabbits in sight, in fact, there was no sign of Alice either, but what guests did have at the latest Cheshire Life dining event was a delightful afternoon tea in the glamorous surroundings of Residence in Nantwich.

After enjoying a gin and tonic from sponsors Warner Edwards Gin in the stylish new cocktail bar area, we were taken through to a beautiful dining room for our afternoon tea. The bar and restaurant, located inside this Grade II listed Georgian mansion, last year underwent a major facelift and extension to create chic new dining and socialising areas.

‘There has been an amazing response from customers old and new. We’ve had double the footfall since,’ said the owner, Ben Rafferty, who reopened after the refurbishment ten years to the date of when he launched in 2007. ‘My wife Emma and I worked closely with interior designer Paul Danson Imagineering. The entire interior was transformed within three weeks.’

The results are stunning and the perfect location for an afternoon tea - or in fact, any dining experience.

Many guests commented on the fabulous lampshade lights and the vintage china – but the best was yet to come.

Residence’s pastry chef, Felicity Martin is not only a pro at baking scrumptious cakes, but is also a multi-award winning medallist in the Special Olympics. The rhythmic gymnast created exceptional cakes for the occasion, including black forest gateau trifle, macaroons with chocolate ganache, dainty Victoria sponge cakes and moreish lemon profiteroles, plus melt-in-your-mouth scones topped with jam and cream.

We also indulged our savoury palate; sandwiches included roast beef and horseradish, hummus and sun-blushed tomato and smoked salmon with cream cheese. None of this would be complete, of course, without perfectly brewed tea, which was provided by sponsor, Tea From The Manor.

To book afternoon tea, call 24 hours in advance. Standard is £18 and a deluxe version is available £40 for two people.

Residence Restaurant & Bar, 9 Mill Street, Nantwich, CW5 5ST

Tel: 01270 629100, www.residence.uk.com