Afternoon tea has upped its game across our fair county with everything from Victoriana style spreads to Under the Sea themed teas and even a splash of G&T on the menu! So, what are you waiting for? Have your cake and savour it. We spill the beans about the best places to enjoy afternoon tea across Essex…
TEA AT THE GEORGE, 116 HIGH STREET, COLCHESTER
A lesson in Victorian elegance is served up at the 500-year-old George Inn, where the beautiful pale pink tearoom boasts stylish panelling, mirrors, cherry blossom and lavish flowers. The décor aims to showcase Colchester’s charming and fascinating past. When you take afternoon tea here you’ll be served up a cup of history. Pastry chefs at the venue have expertly handcrafted quirky fancies, delicate finger sandwiches, homemade buttery scones, and strawberry preserves to take you on a unique experience. Whether it’s Christmas, Summer, Easter or Spring – staff work hard on making your experience one to remember. The George tearoom has partnered with The Tea Makers of London and guests can have their fill of the company’s award-winning and sustainably sourced artisan teas. Afternoon tea is served at the George Inn from 12pm-5pm, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Teas start at £28 and vegan, and gluten free options are available. Private hire of the rooms are available. www.suryahotels.co.uk/teaatthegeorge/
MAD DOGS AND ENGLISHMENT, 1349-1353 LONDON ROAD, LEIGH-ON-SEA
The tea parlour at Mad Dogs and Englishmen, is one of the most exquisite spots to take tea in the county. We're talking smoked salmon and cream cheese finger sarnies plus cakes galore, including 'warm from the oven scones on which you can slather as much clotted cream and jam as you like. From July 8 to September 3 the venue will be hosting an ‘Under the Sea’ themed afternoon tea where you’ll be joined by mermaids and underwater creatures. Teas cost from £40 per person weekdays and £45 at weekends. maddogsandenglishmeninteriors.co.uk
TALLISTON HOUSE, NEWTON GREEN, GREAT DUNMOW
Deep in the heart of Essex, Talliston House is a veritable labyrinth of magic and wonder, with rooms including The Hall of Mirrors, the Haunted Bedroom and The Room of Dreams. The unusual attraction also does a terrifically unique afternoon tea. Visitors can experience the indulgence of Victorian high tea in a deliciously unique experience. Starting with a guided tour of the house and gardens, you will then relax in the Victorian watchtower, ready for high tea. Your tea will be served out of vintage bone China, and you can expect a fresh spread of homemade scones, sandwiches and beverages. This is a must for anyone interested in history, architecture or just someone who would love to escape for a few hours and step into our timeless world. The tea experience starts at £34.99.
Talliston-com
GREENWOODS HOTEL SPA AND RESTAURTANT, STOCK ROAD, INGATESTONE
Hailed as one of the finest afternoon tea experiences in Essex, Greenwoods offers a traditional afternoon tea which includes a selection of fresh cakes and scones with clotted cream and jam, together with delicious Wiltshire ham, smoked salmon and cream cheese and cucumber finger sandwiches. You’ll also be offered your choice of the finest tea or coffee. If you want to push the boat out you can always grab a prosecco upgrade to enjoy in the lush lounge and bar area with views over the terrace and impressive water fountain. As well as the traditional menu, the multi-award-winning venue also has themed events throughout the year, including a Fairytale Princess Afternoon Tea in November for £45 each. For vegans, there’s an afternoon tea which includes selection of delicious vegan finger sandwiches, scones with jam, cakes and sweet treats.
Greenwoodshotel.com
DOWN HALL HOTEL AND SPA, HATFIELD HEATH
This glorious hotel and spa is an ideal place to quaff a delectable afternoon tea. Everything on your plate is freshly made to order and the hotel regularly hosts themed afternoon teas. Tea is served daily between 2pm and 5.30pm weekdays and from 1pm at the weekends. Tea is £40 midweek and £42.50 at weekends, why not add a glass of bubbly for £14? The hotel has recently brought in afternoon tea with a G&T! Diners can splurge on tea and cakes then enjoy gin cocktails served in traditional porcelain tea cups! This treat costs £47.50 during the week and £50 at weekends.
Downhall.co.uk
THE SECRET GARDENS TEAROOMS, 7 WRITTLE ROAD, WRITTLE, CHELMSFORD
This lovely little find is off the beaten track but once you find it you’ll berate yourself for not going before. The full afternoon tea is served for £18.50 and includes homemade sausage rolls, finger sandwiches, homemade scones with jam and cream and a selection of mini cakes. The venue is quite small but cosy and there is plenty of outdoor seating during the summer in the picturesque courtyard and garden. The venue also offers a host of other food choices including lunch, breakfast and light bites and booking 24 hours in advance is essential for afternoon tea.
Secretgardentearooms.co.uk
WIVENHOE HOUSE HOTEL, WIVENHOE PARK, COLCHESTER
The popular hotel in the heart of Constable country is renowned for its afternoon teas- and there’s plenty to choose from. There’s a traditional afternoon tea for £25, a prosecco afternoon tea for £32.50 and a lovely bubbly champagne afternoon tea for £37. With all of them you’ll get finger sandwiches, Patisserie cakes include tiramisu and white chocolate and pomegranate macaroon, scones served with clotted cream and of course a river of tea to wash it all down with. Afternoon tea is served in the hotel’s Brasserie, from Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm-4pm. A kid’s afternoon tea and vegan options are available.
Wivenhoehouse.co.uk
ROSLIN BEACH HOTEL, SOUTHEND
Famous for its bespoke rooms with tailor made furniture, the seafront hotel is also hugely popular for its afternoon teas. You’ll need to book here, but it’s worth it. Sumptuous cakes, pastries, exquisite finger sandwiches await- including Scottish Highland smoke salmon Tiptree jams and Devonshire cream. Traditional afternoon tea is £37.50 at weekend whole the sparkling tea is £45.50. Children’s afternoon tea for youngsters aged 12 and under is £16. When it comes to a brew you can chose from a variety of flavours including the deluxe Raspberry Choc Kiss- an aromatic black tea blend with the tartness of raspberry with a subtle hint of chocolate and vanilla.
Roslinhotel.com
THE PAVILION, 20-21 MIDDLEBOROUGH, COLCHESTER
This high-end lounge bar and restaurant is the perfect retreat for a few hours of elegance and relaxation with afternoon tea. Choose from traditional, Prosecco or Royal afternoon tea (which includes a glass of bubbly) ranging from £25.95 to £35.95. The cakes and sweet fancies here are exceptional. Chocolate opera cake? Passion fruit cheesecake? Choux buns with white chocolate and raspberry? They are all on the mouth-watering menu.
pavilion-restaurant.co.uk
