Top Afternoon Teas To Treat Your Bridal Party

Freshly baked scones, savoury sandwiches and a beautifully brewed cup of tea from fine bone china are some of the delights you can expect from a high tea experience. This timeless tradition takes us back to the Regency era, when splendid garden parties and pretty afternoon tea functions took place in the most beautiful drawing rooms, just like in the ever-popular Bridgerton series. First introduced by the seventh Duchess of Bedford in 1840, afternoon tea has been, ever since, a precious moment to gather family and friends for a mid-afternoon treat.

The UK is filled with exquisite high tea settings couples can enjoy together or with their wedding parties, and here are some of our favourite locations for an afternoon tea worthy of any bride-to-be.

Fortnum & Mason

Set in London’s chic city centre, Fortnum & Mason proposes a refined afternoon tea experience for all of those who prefer an elegant and tranquil time with their special ones (up to 14 guests are accepted). Known around the world for its precisely-cut sandwiches, decadent cakes, unsurpassable scones and glorious tea, there’s no better way to spend quality time in the capital. Their signature afternoon tea experience includes Fortnum’s tea blends, light and delicious treats, and their Instagram-worthy Camellia range of teaware, all served in their Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate with all of your nearest and dearest.

fortnumandmason.com

The Culloden Estate and Spa

When in the city of Belfast, you can’t miss a splendid afternoon tea amidst the luxurious five-star surroundings of Culloden Estate and Spa. Served in one of Northern Ireland’s finest restaurants, Vesper offers the perfect backdrop for a high tea celebration. Blessed with natural lighting and lavish furnishings, the location is as regal as it gets. And, with their refreshed menu to tantalise your tastebuds, you’ll leave with special memories. From the fresh patisserie selection named after some of the most well-known locations to using only locally sourced products to create the menu, The Culloden brings the best of Northern Ireland on a plate together with the finest blended teas.

cullodenestateandspa.com/dining/afternoon-tea/

The Montagu Arms

The Montagu Arms is the perfect English escape in the magical surroundings of the New Forest. Couples looking for a quiet corner will feel right at home here, and after savouring their refined feast of goodies, they’ll surely be back for more. Their Afternoon Tea is a superb tasting journey, commencing with thinly-sliced finger sandwiches and closing with delicate pastries and warm scones smothered with fruity homemade jam and thick, soft clotted cream. For the ultimate Regency experience, book your table amidst their tranquil English country garden and delight in their Eccles Cake, Violet Cream Pastry, Sherry Trifle and Chocolate and Cherry Brownie - which are all to die for.

montaguarmshotel.co.uk

Thornbury Castle

Sip tea and nibble refreshments at the historic Thornbury Castle nestled in the natural surroundings of Gloucestershire, once a beloved retreat for Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. With the option of sitting in the estate’s dining rooms or lounge areas, you are bound to enjoy a culinary fete worthy of royalty. Whether you prefer a refined selection of teas to accompany their tempting sandwiches and scrumptious sweet delights or a refreshing glass of Champagne, Thornbury Castle will transport you to a past era with their tasty Afternoon Tea menu. 

thornburycastle.co.uk

Pan Pacific London

For a high tea experience with a twist, The Pan Pacific London welcomes you to delve into Southeast Asian delicacies that pay homage to the the hotel’s Singaporean roots. Set in their ambient Orchid Lounge on the ground floor, the oriental ‘Kopi Tiam’ menu will awaken your palate and lead you on a unique culinary journey. Alongside sweet bakes and classical scones with rhubarb jam and lemon curd, you'll encounter an array of savoury dumplings, delicious sweet potato balls encrusted with coconut flakes and pillowy steamed buns filled with salted egg yolk and custard. The exquisite presentation is a vision to behold, including dishes served out of an ornamental bird cage beside delicate glasses of award-winning English sparkling wine. This is not one to miss! 

panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pp-london.html