Afternoon tea in Hertfordshire

What comes first, the jam or the cream? There’s always time for tea in Hertfordshire! Take a look at our five hot spots to take tea in Herts

What comes first, the jam or the cream? There’s always time for tea in Hertfordshire!

And fear not if you’re more of a Calamity Jane than Mary Berry’s next prodigy when it comes to your culinary skills - Hertfordshire has a fantastic range of venues offering cream and afternoon tea for all palettes, so all you have to do is sit down and enjoy. Not a soggy-bottomed scone in sight!

Here are five fantastic Afternoon Tea venues in Hertfordshire. Cue lots of rumbling stomachs…

Where is your favourite place to enjoy afternoon tea? Share your tips and images today on our Twitter and Instagram accounts (@visithertsUK).

The Grove Hotel

For a truly luxurious experience at The Grove, enjoy afternoon tea served in their historic mansion lounges and library. You’ll be treated like royalty, but the atmosphere is so relaxed that you’re free to take your shoes off and curl up on the sofa as you catch up on gossip. Neat finger sandwiches, warm fresh scones folded in linen napkins and a selection of traditional British afternoon tea cakes. And it’s not just for grown-ups! Younger guests can also enjoy a tower of delicious treats, both sweet and savoury with a menu designed specifically for little ones.

Brocket Hall

Enjoy an afternoon of bygone glamour with a heritage afternoon tea at the idyllic Brocket Hall estate, far away from the pressures of daily life. Perfect for a special occasion, or no occasion at all! A selection of traditional finger sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream and jam, cakes and pastries are provided to complement your refreshments. All served in traditional butler fashion with a pianist creating an ambience that matches the elegant setting.

St Michaels Manor Hotel

The informal yet sophisticated atmosphere of St Michael’s Manor provides the ideal setting for this quaintly English tradition. St Michaels Manor’s famous menu offers a large selection of teas, or coffees, served with warm scones and clotted cream and a selection of three home-made treats. Why not upgrade to an Afternoon Tea by including a selection of sandwiches on white and brown breads with classic fillings? You could even treat yourself further by including strawberries and champagne for a spectacularly special treat! Enjoy in the lounge, or on the patio overlooking the classic English garden.

Hanbury Manor

For an afternoon tea with a difference, why not head to Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club to try their Gin Afternoon Tea! Their gin tea infusion is served chilled in Hanbury’s Zodiac restaurant. With all the elegance of a traditional Afternoon Tea offering finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a selection of delicate French pastries - this gin infusion certainly adds an adventurous twist to a quintessentially British custom!

Laura Ashley Hotel, The Manor at Elstree

Set in 10 acres of gardens and natural woodland, a traditional or champagne Afternoon Tea in The Manor’s luxurious AA Rosette Cavendish restaurant is a decadent treat to be enjoyed. Tuck into a selection of finely cut finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a selection of homemade cakes & pastries. Add a glass of champagne, or even a Forenoon Fizz cocktail to really up the luxe!