During the early 19th century, Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford complained of "a sinking feeling" late in the afternoon. At that time, it was usual for people to take only two main meals a day- breakfast then dinner around 8pm- so the Duchess’ solution to fill the gap was a pot a tea and a light snack, taken privately in her boudoir in the afternoon.
Later, friends were invited to join her in her rooms at Woburn Abbey and the practice proved so popular that the Duchess continued it when she returned to London. Other social hostesses quickly picked up on the idea and afternoon tea became an occasion for the drawing room. Before long, all in fashionable society were sipping tea and nibbling sandwiches in the middle of the afternoon.
We've compiled a list of our favourite Afternoon Tea spots (and it just so happens that they all serve a great range of Suki Tea!)
The Coffee Yard’s Afternoon Tea is made up of three delicious layers: homemade soup and miniature sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam and a selection of their desserts and tray bakes, all accompanied with a pot of Suki loose leaf tea or coffee. Presented on custom-made oak stands, it’s a real treat.
Available Monday - Saturday, 2pm - 4pm. £14.95 per person. Booking is required.
NOVELLI AT AC HOTEL, CITY QUAYS BELFAST
Indulge in delectable treats such as opera cake and smoked Irish salmon sandwiches in this contemporary and stylish restaurant, a part of the AC Hotel Belfast.
The Afternoon Tea menu was created by multi-Michelin starred and AA Rosette-winning celebrity chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli. Inspired by the local area, Novelli has sourced local ingredients to put a unique spin on the quintessential Afternoon Tea. Guests can indulge in delicious savoury items such as smoked Irish salmon with horseradish creme fraiche that can be enjoyed before delightful sweet treats such as blueberry and almond friands. Served with a pot of the hotel’s wide range of Suki Teas, there’s also an option to add some fizz for an extra special occasion.
Afternoon Tea is served in the Riverside Restaurant, which boasts impeccable waterfront views and allows guests the option to enjoy Afternoon Tea on the terrace to take full advantage of the stunning backdrop.
A recent addition to the hotel’s already extensive menu, the Fir Trees’ afternoon tea menu is not only delicious but fantastic value for money starting at just £16.95 per person.
Featuring mouth-watering home-baked scones with clotted cream and jam, a selection of finger sandwiches and an array of delicious bakewell tarts, carrot cake, chocolate fudge brownies and mixed berry shakes all accompanied by a variety of Suki Tea’s loose leaf teas. With the option to add a cocktail or prosecco, what better way to treat yourself or someone special!
Afternoon tea is served between 12noon and 5pm Mon- Sat and you are advised to book a minimum of 24 hours in advance.
The award-winning butchers and delicatessen recently added Afternoon Tea to their bistro offering and so far, it’s been going down a treat. We just love that as well as the main afternoon tea menu, children can order a special Little Afternoon Tea! The grown-up version features a selection of gourmet sandwiches, warm freshly baked scones with cream and jam, McCartney’s ever popular freshly baked sausage rolls, cocktail sausages with caramelised onion and a selection of little sweet treats. Served with a pot of Suki Tea of your choice (or coffee), this afternoon tea with a twist is just £16.95 per person.
If you want to make your afternoon tea experience a little bit more special, you can bring your own bottle of prosecco or champagne (now we like the sound of that!)
If you want to enjoy a special treat with the kids, Little Afternoon Tea is available at £7.95 per child. Featuring a choice of sandwiches, cocktail sausages, a mini bun, a Kinder Surprise egg, a mini milkshake and a mini hot chocolate with marshmallows. The perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Served Mon- Sat, 2-4pm bookings are advised.
THE IVORY CHAMPAGNE BAR, VICTORIA SQUARE BELFAST
The Ivory Champagne Cafe Bar boasts superb panoramic views overlooking Victoria Square and is the perfect spot to kick back, relax and watch the world go by. It’s also the perfect setting for Afternoon Tea. Featuring a demitasse of soup and a selection of tasty sandwiches, a choice of freshly baked scone served with Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry preserve and a selection of three cakes and pastries all served with your choice of Suki Tea or coffee. Prices start at £22.95 with a champagne option for an extra special day out!
PATISSERIE VALERIE, UK-WIDE & NOW 3 BELFAST LOCATIONS
London's favourite handmade cakes and pastries are now available in three locations in Belfast: Donegall Square West, Castle Lane and the brand new store in Forestside Shopping Centre. Traditional Afternoon Tea starts at £12.50 per person, with an amazing selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and Patisserie Valerie's famous mini patisserie slices. And Suki Tea of course! Even just staring in the window will have you drooling!!
WOBURN ABBEY AND GARDENS, BEDFORDSHIRE
Gift Vouchers for Afternoon Tea at The Duchess' Tea Room make a perfect treat, providing a special day out for family and friends. Afternoon Tea Gift includes a selection of sandwiches, homemade cakes and scones with clotted cream and jam, a pot of Suki tea or coffee of your choice and entry into the beautiful gardens.
Experience the traditional way to spend an afternoon with a Shetland Afternoon Tea at the Moorfield. Available every afternoon at just £10pp, enjoy a choice of sandwiches with freshly made cakes and scones, served with a pot of loose leaf Suki Tea.
Wow that's a lot of writing about Afternoon Tea, we think that deserves a trip into town for some research!! Enjoy!
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