DELICATE sandwiches and cakes so light they practically float away, all washed down with slashings of tea. What could be more enjoyable than the very English tradition of afternoon tea? There is a wealth of places to enjoy this late day treat, from contemporary twists to places serving very traditional fare.
Chilston Park Hotel, Maidstone
Enjoy afternoon tea delights at the historic Chilston Park Hotel.
Served in the Marble Lounge, be wowed by the carefully prepared pastries, sandwiches and the finest leaf tea under beautiful chandeliers.
It costs £32 per adult and £14.40 per child, served from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
Where: Boughton Road, Sandway, Maidstone ME17 2BE
More information: handpickedhotels.co.uk
The Castle View Restaurant, Leeds Castle, Maidstone
End a visit to Leeds Castle with afternoon tea at on-site cafés and The Castle View Restaurant.
Indulge in the delicious finger sandwiches, sumptuous mini cakes and golden-baked scones served with British cream and strawberry jam.
Where: Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1PL
More information: www. leeds-castle.com
Frasers of Egerton, Ashford
Exquisitely presented array of delights can be served at Frasers of Egerton. Making the most of the seasonal produce, the afternoon tea uses the finest locally sourced ingredients to make food with a modern British flair.
Where: Coldharbour Farm, Barham's Mill Rd, Nr, Ashford TN27 9DD
More information: frasersegerton.co.uk
William & Thomas, Ashford
From tentative beginnings, William & Thomas, Ashford, continues to grow and adapt the family business. They have created a wonderful new space for customers to come and choose food to eat in or take away, plus there's a pretty courtyard area at the front of the Tearoom with tables for warmer days
Open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am-4pm.
Where: 177-179 Faversham Rd, Kennington, Ashford TN24 9AE
More information: williamsandthomastearoom.co.uk/
Secret Garden, Ashford
Afternoon tea is made fresh onsite each morning at the Secret Garden in Ashford.
The Secret Garden is an elegant venue with two smaller private rooms to hire or the larger main room.
Where: Mersham Le Hatch, The Courtyard, Hythe Rd, Mersham, Ashford TN25 6NH
More information: secretgardenkent.co.uk
Church View Tea Rooms, Ashford
The team at Church View Tea Rooms have been serving delicious homemade food in the shadows of St Mary's Ashford since 2002.
Book ahead for the very reasonable priced afternoon teas with all the trimmings.
Where: 63 High St, Ashford TN24 8SG
More information: churchviewtearooms.co.uk
The Little Teapot, Ashford
The Little Teapot is a family-run cafe in Ashford.
They play music from the 20s, 30s and 40s while providing customers with
delicious, fresh, homemade food and afternoon tea.
The Little Teapot has been in central Ashford since 2016 and is run by Russell and Jacqui, their children.
Where: Unit 4, Park Mall, High St, Ashford TN24 8RY
Nancy's Tea Rooms, Tonbridge
More information: facebook.com/nancy
Nancy's Tea Rooms do traditional afternoon teas with a magical twist.
From Beauty and the Beast theme to Alice in Wonderland, there is something for everyone.
Where: Lambert yard, Tonbridge
More information: facebook.com/nancystearooms/
Marie's Tea Room, Gravesend
Unlimited tea and coffee accompanies the afternoon tea at Marie's Tea Room in Gravesend, or upgrade on the day to gin or processo for £1 off menu price.
They hand blend their own loose-leaf teas and serve a diverse menu covering light bites and main plates for any time of the day.
Where: 23 High St, Gravesend DA11 0BQ
More information: www.mariestearoom.co.uk
The Moat Tea Rooms, Canterbury
Steeped in history, the The Moat Tea Rooms in Canterbury serve a whooping 47 varieties of loose leaf teas. They can adapt the tea to people’s special occasion and they can add that extra sparkle by adding a glass of champagne.
Where: 67 Burgate, Canterbury CT1 2HJ
More information: moattearooms.co.uk
Hempstead House Hotel and Spa, Sittingbourne
Hempstead House Hotel and Spa puts on a lovely spread with goodies such as smoked salmon with lemon mayonnaise, cream cheese and cucumber and egg mayonnaise and cress.
There's homemade fruit and plain scones served with clotted cream and strawberry preserve and a selection of cakes and pastries made daily.
Where: London Rd, Bapchild, Sittingbourne ME9 9PP
More information: hempsteadhouse.co.uk
Alice the Hatter, Herne Bay
Alice the Hatter is a place to lose yourself for an hour or two. There is a welcoming family atmosphere and a “curious” ambience. The décor includes themed wall art, chequered floor, throne chairs and grassy nooks.
Where: 24 William St, Herne Bay CT6 5EQ
More information: aliceandthehatter.co.uk
The Vintage Empire, Herne Bay
The Vintage Empire in Herne Bay serves some seriously delicious cakes.
It is a 1940s themed tearoom which will take you back to a time while dish up some delicious delicacies.
Where: 104 High St, Herne Bay CT6 5LE
More information: Search “The Vintage Empire Tearoom” on Facebook
Anna's, Folkestone
Expect a friendly atmosphere and very tasty food at Anna's in Folkestone.
The traditional tea room specialises in afternoon tea, home baked cakes and scones to eat in or takeaway. It is also the place to go for bottomless bingo and lovely boozy lunches.
Where: 23 Cheriton Place, Folkestone.
More information: Search “Anna’s Folkestone” on Facebook
The Tulip Tree Tea Rooms, Edenbridge
The Tulip Tree Tea Rooms is open 9am to 5pm every day. The converted coach house has a cosy, country feel.
Snuggle up next to the wood burner and relish every mouthful of your afternoon tea.
Where: The Village, Chiddingstone, Edenbridge TN8 7AH
More information: thetuliptree.biz/pages/tea-room
More information: thelittleteapot.co.uk
