A Hertfordshire afternoon tea is lovely, isn’t it? But how do you know if you are conducting yourself properly?
One day in 1840, realising that it was quite a long time until dinner, Anna the seventh Duchess of Bedford asked for tea, bread and butter, and some cake to be brought to her room at around four o’clock. Afternoon tea was born and pretty soon she was inviting her friends to join her. Probably so she felt a little less guilty about sitting in her bedroom scoffing cake on her own.
There are now so many choices across Hertfordshire where you can enjoy those little crust-free sandwiches, crumbly scones and light fluffy cake all accompanied by a delicious cup of tea. Indulge us as we suggest a few places you may like to take tea in this stunning county...
The Grove
If you choose to enjoy the quintessential afternoon tea at The Grove, make sure you add the milk second (from tradition, only people with inferior quality china put the milk in first, to stop the cup cracking when the hot water goes in!). With their brand new Taste of Nostalgia experience, you can delight in those beloved British treats, all with a modern twist.
Down Hall Hotel and Spa
Down Hall is situated right on the Hertfordshire border. As you roll up to the impressive entrance of this stately country house in your carriage, you’ll realise you really are moving in some lofty circles. Such a regal location dictates that your pronunciation must be impeccable. When addressing the waitress/waiter remember to say “skon”, it rhymes with “gone”; it is definitely NOT “scone” as in “bone” (apparently). Afternoon Tea is served daily between 2.00pm and 5.30pm as everything is freshly made to order. Did we mention they offer Children Afternoon Tea too?
Hanbury Manor
Looking for the perfect place to indulge in a luxury afternoon tea? At Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club you can experience all the tasty treats that come with an afternoon tea in their Cast Iron Restaurant, providing a unique sense of regal elegance. From finger sandwiches and fluffy scones to light pastries and mouth watering cakes, inspired by the hotel’s idyllic countryside surroundings.
Hotel Cromwell
Hotel Cromwell Stevenage offers a truly delightful cream tea which is served Monday - Sunday from 2pm until 5:30pm. With chef’s special pastries, fresh baked scones and a platter which includes a very English cucumber sandwich. Just don’t sit there with your little finger sticking up in the air as you sip the finest tea.
Tewinbury Farm Hotel
Afternoon tea on a 700-acre farm? Yes, please! A selection of tempting treats await, from freshly cut sandwiches to warm farmhouse scones. Wash it down with your favourite tea, coffee, or bubbles - go on, treat yourself! Served Thursday to Sunday, from 12pm-5pm, the choice is yours. With a children's menu, the whole family can enjoy this day out in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside.
St Albans Cathedral
Staying on the subject of scones (skons); and this applies to all afternoon teas not just the one you may be enjoying at St Albans Cathedral after your guided tour, the correct approach is to tear them into two and not cut them with a knife. In fact, the mark of an exquisitely baked scone is that it can be easily parted with the fingers. You can practise perfecting this at the Abbot's Kitchen where you can enjoy lunch and refreshments throughout the day.
Sopwell House
Nestled in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, you'll find Sopwell House. This luxury hotel and spa offers a delicious traditional afternoon tea with light pastries, homemade scones with Devonshire clotted cream, strawberry preserve and traditional finger sandwiches. Let the team at Sopwell take your afternoon the extra mile, with their exclusive Gin Afternoon Tea, with pastries inspired by the delicate notes of their signature Sopwell House Gin.