The British tradition of enjoying a pot of tea goes back to the 1660s and the reign of King Charles II. In comparison to China, the British love of a cuppa cha, is a fairly new thing, the Chinese have been enjoying a brew since at least the third millennium BC.
In Britain, while we have been warming the pot since around the mid 17th Century, the concept of afternoon tea originated in the mid 19th Century. Invented by Anne the seventh Duchess of Bedford, who would becoming a little bit peckish at around 4pm, and needed a light meal to tide her over until dinner.
The first London hotel to feature Afternoon Tea on the menu was the Langham, and Afternoon Tea quickly became synonymous with London’s finest hotels.
But you don't have to travel to London to enjoy a spectacular afternoon tea, and below we have six of the best in the north west.
Georgian Tea Rooms
Georgian Tea Rooms is a family business based in central Macclesfield. Afternoon Tea is served the traditional way: a pretty tablecloth with lace cover, silver-plated cutlery, vintage bone China crockery, comfortable chairs, and relaxing classical music. Then there’s the food, served on a stand: mostly homemade sandwich fillings – some family recipes – with homemade fruit scones, delicious handmade strawberry jam, and clotted cream. Lynda also bakes the dainty cakes to sit on the top tier. The tea is leaf tea, properly prepared. Prosecco is available if you are celebrating, and special diets are no problem. Afternoon Tea is available during their normal opening hours, 48 hours’ notice is required.
Address: 43 Chestergate, Macclesfield, SK11 6DG
Tel: 01625 424 327
Website: www.georgiantearooms.co.uk
Email: hello@thegeorgiantearooms.co.uk
The Lambing Shed Farm Shop & Kitchen
Address: The Lambing Shed Farm Shop & Kitchen, Moseley Hall Farm, Chelford Road, Knutsford, WA16 8RB
Tel: 01565 631 027
Website: www.thelambingshed.com
Email: shop@thelambingshed.com
Champneys Mottram Hall
If you are looking for a traditional afternoon tea in Cheshire, then our charming atmosphere and exquisite food and drink are the perfect choice. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, or just fancy an indulgent treat, we’ll spoil you with a homemade selection of freshly cut finger sandwiches and warm scones smothered in jam and clotted cream. Alternatively, our champagne afternoon tea allows you to mark the occasion with a glass of bubbles.
Address: Wilmslow Rd, Mottram, SK10 4QT
Tel: 0343 210 1625
Website: www.champneys.com/hotels/mottram-hall/dining/afternoon-tea/
Email: reservations@mottramhall.com
Palm Court at Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa
Enjoy a refined take on the quintessentially British dining experience in opulent surroundings at Palm Court, the AA Rosette-awarded restaurant within Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa near Chester.
The signature afternoon tea includes freshly-baked scones, handmade finger sandwiches and a selection of delicate and delectable sweet treats, served with your choice of loose leaf tea from the fine selection or freshly-ground coffee. Alternatively, trade in tea-time tradition for a tipple with the impressive selection of worldly wines, Champagne and specialty cocktails to accompany your afternoon treat.
Your occasion will be elevated by the unparalleled ambiance of this stunning garden room restaurant, which welcomes live pianists on selected dates to accent your decadent afternoon treat.
Served: 12pm - 4pm (Monday - Saturday). Advanced booking required.
Address: Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa, Wrexham Road, Pulford, Chester, CH4 9DG
Tel: 01244 570 560
Website: www.grosvenorpulfordhotel.co.uk/dine/palm-court/
Email: reservations@grosvenorpulfordhotel.co.uk
The Fishpool Inn
Not just known for its award-winning gastropub fayre, The Fishpool Inn offers a delicious afternoon tea including home-baked scones, freshly-prepared finger sandwiches and a selection of seasonal cakes and sweets.
The inviting country restaurant is the perfect setting for a treat, with comfortable nooks and pub corners in which to while away an afternoon. During sunnier days, enjoy afternoon tea in the sprawling and picturesque beer garden with views overlooking the nearby Delamere Forest.
Served: 2.30pm-5pm (Monday-Friday). Advanced booking required.
Address: Fishpool Road, Delamere, Cheshire, CW8 2HP
Tel: 01606 883 277
Website: thefishpoolinn.co.uk
Email: info@thefishpoolinn.co.uk
The Manor at Greasby
Located in the heart of Greasby, The Manor is a centuries-old manor farmhouse restored to a stunning, contemporary yet inviting restaurant following an extensive refurbishment.
The latest addition to the Nelson Hotels & Inns collection offers a varied all-day dining concept and follows in the tradition of its sister sites with the addition of afternoon tea. A dedicated pastry team crafts this delectable afternoon offering including scones freshly-baked in house, finger sandwiches with seasonal fillings and a delicious array of sweets.
The Manor afternoon tea is served with your choice of artisan tea or freshly-ground coffee, or can be enhanced with the addition of a glass of Prosecco, Champagne or signature cocktail from the extensive bar selection.
Served: 12pm-3pm (Monday-Saturday). Advanced booking required.
Address: 91 Greasby Road, Greasby, Wirral, CH49 3NF
Tel: 0151 677 7034
Website: themanorgreasby.co.uk
Email: info@themanorgreasby.co.uk
