“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” Henry James, The Portrait of a Lady This thoroughly British tradition is one that can be enjoyed by all – who doesn’t enjoy a slice of cake or an iced bun accompanied by a fragrant cup of something warm?
A traditional Afternoon Tea consists of a pot of tea, scones with jam and clotted cream, sandwiches and a selection of cakes, and generally requires advance booking. However, Afternoon Tea has evolved over the years and now there are a great range of options – from Champagne Teas for a special occasion, Cream Teas, Vintage Teas and more. The only real question is – which comes first, the jam or the cream on your scone?
Greshams, Ipswich
The Maple Restaurant at Greshams in Ipswich is open 7 days a week and offers freshly prepared favourites from Bacon and Courgette Tagliatelle, to an extensive Burger Bar, plus a weekly changing dessert menu, Sunday carvery, children’s menu and a delicious afternoon tea including a gluten free option.
The Orwell Hotel, Felixstowe
The historic and independent Orwell Hotel is situated in the old town part of Felixstowe, just a few minutes walk from the popular seafront. They have 2 restaurants and a lounge bar which serves a delicious all day afternoon tea. They have 60 rooms and also host many events throughout the year. Find out more about the Orwell Hotel
The Oaksmere, Brome
This luxury boutique hotel just outside Diss offers traditional Afternoon Teas on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 3.00pm to 5.30pm (booking only). Enjoy a selection of sandwiches with home baked bread, a choice of warm homemade scones served with clotted cream and a selection of jams, a selection of freshly baked cakes and pastries and loose leaf tea. Click here to book The Oaksmere
The Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at Stoke by Nayland Hotel all year round – out on the terrace in the summer sunshine soaking up the views of the championship golf course or in the Lounge Bar next to the applewood fire in the winter.
You will be treated to finger sandwiches, homemade fruit scones with fresh clotted cream and jam, chef’s mouth-watering cakes and freshly brewed coffee or tea.
You can also upgrade to a Sparkling Afternoon Tea and add a glass of fizz. And if that wasn’t enough indulgence, why not try the ultimate treat… The Chocoholic’s afternoon tea! Including: Sandwiches, incredible handmade chocolate themed treats such as Chocolate and cherry scones with chocolate and praline spread and Jaffa cake macaron and your choice of drinks (including hot chocolate of course!) This can also be upgraded to include a glass of fizz. Advance booking only. Stoke by Nayland also offer Afternoon Tea vouchers so that you can treat family and friends to a slice of the luxury!
The Wentworth, Aldeburgh
The impressive Wentworth Country House Hotel sits in the Suffolk coastal town of Aldeburgh. You can enjoy your afternoon tea out on the terrace overlooking the sea in the summer months. Choose from a Traditional Tea, a ‘Wentworth Afternoon Tea’ or construct your own using the extensive Afternoon Tea menu. And of course you can add a glass of bubbly!
Tuddenham Mill, Tuddenham, Newmarket
At one of Suffolk’s luxury Hotels you can enjoy a classic afternoon tea or for something more special, add a glass of Champagne. Feast on a selection of sandwiches, scone with jam and clotted cream, a variety of cakes and a pot of tea or coffee. Available Monday – Saturdays between 2.30pm and 5.00pm, and pre-booking is required.
Ufford Park Hotel, Golf & Spa
Afternoon tea served 7 days a week between 2.00pm – 5.00pm. Including a choice of teas or coffee, finger sandwiches, mini sausage roll, fruit scone with strawberry preserve & clotted cream and mini sweet treats. Add a glass of Prosecco to make it extra bubbly.
Booking required – Ufford Park Hotel, Golf & Spa.
The White Lion, Aldeburgh
The White Lion Hotel graces the seafront at Aldeburgh and offers a contemporary twist on dining including it’s Afternoon Tea! Available 7 days a week between 3-5pm you can indulge with several options including French Inspired Teas that feature Macarons and Madeleines plus bubbly or keep it simple with a Traditional Cream Tea (available from 10am-5pm).
Kesgrave Hall, Ipswich
For the finest tea or a glass of Champagne with a delicious selection of sandwiches, cakes & scones served in Kesgrave Hall lounge area or outside on the terrace. Available any day between 3-5pm, and there’s no need to book.
The Westleton Crown, Suffolk
The Westleton Crown is a country Inn in a delightful village close to the Suffolk Coast, so you can work off your Tea or work up an appetitie for it by strolling around Westleton during your visit. The Crown serves a delightful Cream tea from 3pm until 6pm which includes Homemade scone with their own strawberry jam and vanilla cream, sticky toffee pudding cake and shortbread and a large selection of teas, or a glass of champagne.
Hintlesham Hall Hotel, Ipswich
This is one of our finest Hotels, set in magnificent grounds which you can enjoy during the summer months, or snuggle up in front of their open fires in one of their sumptuous stately lounges during the winter. Tea here will be a very special occasion – Suffolk’s equivalent of the Ritz!
Offering a traditional Afternoon Tea with finger sandwiches, homemade fruit scones with clotted cream and preserves, homemade cakes and a choice of tea, tisanes, coffee and luxury hot chocolates or for the ultimate treat how about a Champagne Afternoon Tea which includes 3 tasting glasses of Laurent Perrier Champagne.
Both served daily from 2pm-5pm, must be booked in advance.
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