Afternoon Tea

‘Sandwiches intended for afternoon tea are dainty trifles, pleasing to the eye and palate, but too flimsy to allay hunger where it exists.'
Mrs Beeton 1892

The tradition of taking Afternoon Tea was reputedly introduced by Anna Maria, seventh Duchess of Bedford, in the early 1840s to appease her ‘sinking feeling’ in the long hours between an early luncheon and a late supper. She asked for a pot of water, bread and butter and cakes; and brewed her own tea.  In a letter to her brother-in-law sent from Windsor Castle in 1841, she writes: 'I forgot to name my old friend Prince Esterhazy who drank tea with me the other evening at 5 o'clock...’ By the end of the decade Afternoon Tea was a widespread social event. The small, crust-less sandwiches, biscuits, and cake were easy to eat without soiling gloves, prior to a fashionable promenade in Windsor Great Park.

The British love the combination of savoury and sweet treats, accompanied by some of the 165 million cups of tea we drink each day in the UK and there are few traditions more deliciously decadent than Afternoon Tea.

Afternoon Tea at Coworth Park's Drawing Room

Meadow Afternoon Tea at Coworth Park

Coworth Park’s elegant Drawing Room enjoys views over 240 acres of Berkshire countryside. In a delicious twist on tradition, Coworth Park’s pastry team pays homage to the hotel’s English roots, taking inspiration from hedgerows and reinventing the classic English Afternoon Tea. The accompanying tea menu features over 20 varieties including Coworth Park’s own Meadow Blend, with lavender picked from the hotel’s grounds.
From £60 per person
Reservations: 01344 876 600 

Afternoon Tea at Windsor's Castle Hotel

Royal Afternoon Tea at Leaf, The Castle Hotel Windsor

Located opposite Windsor Castle, The Castle Hotel Windsor offers guests an exquisite Afternoon Tea that is fit for royalty. Served in their quintessentially English lounge, the Afternoon Tea menu applauds Windsor's rich royal heritage with delicious and indulgent treats taking centre stage.  It's a feast for the eyes as well as a triumph for the tastebuds!  Treat little ones to a children's Afternoon Tea which includes a range of finger sandwiches and mini fruit scone with cream and jam, followed by chocolate brownies, fruit kebabs and an indulgent hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows. This is a tradition they are sure to fall in love with.

The Castle Hotel's tea selection includes green teas from Darvilles of Windsor, holders of the Royal Warrant for 70 years, who continue to supply teas to the Royal Household at Windsor Castle.
From £40 per person, £22 per child
Reservations: 01753 851 577

Dogs, as well as their owners, can enjoy Afternoon Tea at Great Fosters

Doggy Afternoon Tea – Great Fosters

Served in the historic Anne Boleyn drawing room, or on the terrace overlooking the parterres garden, this elegant affair at Great Fosters involves bavarois, eclairs and a changing array of fancies served alongside warm, freshly baked scones and sandwich selection. Accompanying four legged friends will be served savoury sausages, dog bakery biscuits and treats with a puppycino and water.
From £35 per person and £20 per dog.
Reservations 01784 433822 (option 3) to book you & your furry friend in for tea.

Orchid Tea Room Afternoon Tea – Fairmont Windsor Park

Baron and Baroness Schroder, the original owners of the mansion house, collected orchids from around the world and displayed them in this room. Fairmont Windsor Park's bespoke crockery reflects the flowers’ beauty for an altogether indulgent experience. The expert Pâtisserie and Chocolatier teams ensure an outstanding presentation of home-made food including beetroot bread, cheese scones, prawn & crayfish tartlets, and Valrhona chocolate opera served with world-class teas.
From £55 per person
Reservations: 01784 535 555

Afternoon Tea at the Runnymede Hotel

Afternoon Tea by the river – Runnymede Hotel

What makes Afternoon Tea at The Runnymede even more special is the picturesque riverside location. After a morning exploring the nearby town of Windsor, enjoy a long, lazy afternoon overlooking Bell Weir lock as boats, people and their dogs pass by.  Vegans, vegetarians, adults and children are all catered for, each of the menus using delicious, seasonal ingredients. Afternoon Tea is served Monday – Saturday from 1.30pm – 3.30pm.
From £35 per person
Reservations: 01784 220999

Vegan Afternoon Tea – Cliveden

Central to great moments in history starring a cast of colourful characters, take afternoon tea at Cliveden – a place oozing glamour, intrigue, and drama. Served on fine bone china, the Astor Tea Service is based on an original design commissioned especially for Lady Astor. Executive Chef Christopher Hannon has curated an exquisite vegan menu consisting of traditional savoury dishes, scones, sandwiches, and sweets with a selection of teas. Traditional Afternoon Tea also available.
From £55 per person (a National Trust fee of £10 per person will be added to the bill and covers access to walk around the gardens.)
Reservations:  01628 668 561

Cliveden's Floating Afternoon Tea boat picnic

Floating Afternoon Tea – Cliveden

Board one of the Cliveden’s private boat flotilla, cruising down Cliveden reach, the most beautiful stretch of the River Thames. Belmont is a 33-foot restored wooden River boat, built in the 1930s. She accommodates up to four guests with a hamper of finger sandwiches and savouries, scones, seasonal cakes and pastries, hot drinks and Laurent-Perrier Champagne. Boats available to hire on an hourly basis or for the day from April until October. A river cruise to Bray takes 1 hour, and to Windsor takes 2.5 hours.
Boat hire: First hour £300, subsequent hour £165.
Picnic £160 for two sharing
Reservations: 01628 668561

Afternoon Tea at The Savill Garden Kitchen

Afternoon Tea – The Savill Garden

Surrounded by the backdrop of the award-winning Savill Garden, Afternoon Tea at The Savill Garden Kitchen comes with a selection of cakes, sandwiches and scones, served with your choice of tea.  Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 February 2024 then every Friday and Saturday from 16 February 2024.  Served at 3pm.  A vegetarian alternative is also available.
From £29.50 (adult) and £13.50 (child).
Book online: windsorgreatpark.co.uk/afternoontea

Afternoon Tea at Royal Berkshire Hotel

Luxury Afternoon Tea – Royal Berkshire Hotel

Enjoy Afternoon Tea in a quintessially English setting at Royal Berkshire Hotel. Begin with freshly-cut finger sandwiches and savoury quiche followed by a selection of plain and fruit scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve.  Sweet treats include Earl Grey Tiramisu, Pistachio and Cardamon Cake and Baileys Cheesecake. 
From £42 (adult) and £22.50 (child).
Reservations: 01344 623322
Find out more and book online www.exclusive.co.uk/royal-berkshire/food/afternoon-tea/

Windsor Carriages picnic hamper

Perfect Picnics on The Long Walk with Windsor Carriages

In favourable weather, savour an al fresco dining experience against the breathtaking backdrop of Windsor Castle within Windsor Great Park, expertly serviced by Windsor Carriages. Should the weather change, entrust Windsor Carriages to transport you to a variety of locales, from Michelin-nominated restaurants to exclusive private members-only clubs within the estate. This service is exclusively available on tailor made carriage bookings, requiring advance reservation and subject to availability. Included as a standard feature in all Royal Ascot week bookings.
Reservations required: 01753 981980