Monday 13 – Sunday 20 August is Afternoon Tea Week. The perfect excuse to sit back and scoff an abundance of cakes, scones and sandwiches with a cuppa or two. Here are a few places for you to try on every day of the week...
Curious Manor
Tea with a view is always nice. And Curious Manor will have you gazing down at the hustle and bustle of Trinity Square and its cheeky Deliveroo riders as you enjoy your afternoon. The interior is also impressive, giving you the option to sit underneath the quirky Alice in Wonderland “Tea Tree,” while sipping away at a quality brew. They don’t scrimp on the sandwich sizes either, so you get more bang for your buck.
White Rabbit Teahouse
Hidden down Bridlesmith Walk, you’ll find the White Rabbit Teahouse. The afternoon tea experience here is second to none, and they offer an array of homemade cakes as well as the option to make your experience bottomless. If you’re looking for a traditional option, definitely bear this one in mind, you won’t regret it.
Hart’s Hotel
As one of Nottingham’s most renowned places for an afternoon tea, Hart’s Hotel regularly changes up their menu with themed teas according to the time of year. At Christmas, there’s a festive tea; they recently offered up a Wimbledon version, and next week they have a special on for Afternoon Tea Week. Choose from a range of jing teas as well as sweet treats sourced locally from Hambleton Bakery.
The Pudding Pantry
If you haven’t been to The Pudding Pantry yet, next week is the perfect opportunity. Their afternoon tea will give you a sample of all their different tasty treats, including the “incredibly indulgent” petit-fours. There’s also an option to swap tea for a milkshake, if you’re feeling a bit Mrs Mia Wallace.
Sushimania
If you’re after something less traditional, but still want a great experience, Sushimania have put a Japanese twist on a British classic. They’ve replaced the sandwiches with bao buns, the cakes with egg tarts and matcha puddings, and the cake stand with a bird cage. Enjoy the afternoon alfresco in the sun or opt to head inside and try out their tea lounge.
Wonderland Café
Tucked down an alleyway on Station Street, next to Hopkinson’s vintage store, is Wonderland Café, another venue themed on Alice in Wonderland. And why not? She did attend the world’s most famous tea party after all. This place really does embrace the Mad Hatter’s vision though, with live roleplay actors, and a room designed completely to look like the Walt Disney classic. You get the option of having tea with Alice, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare or the Queen of Hearts. Behave yoursens, or it’ll be off with yer bonce.
Thea Caffea
Another quintessential English tea room for you to add to the list, this really is one for the die-hard tea fans. Claiming to serve “the best loose-leaf tea the world has to offer,” you’ll get the choice of many different speciality teas, flowering teas, or your bog-standard English breakfast. Head to their website to swot up on your tea knowledge before choosing perfect fit.
The Embankment
For one week only, The Embankment on Trent Bridge will be serving afternoon tea for only twelve quid per person. Of course, you have the option of making the experience alcoholic, by adding a bottle of prosecco for only two quid extra per person, or a carafe of gin and tonic for four quid extra per person. Treat yersen.
Ye Olde Bell
Alright, alright. This one's in Retford, but it's summat special so shurrup. The bit-further-afield, Ye Olde Bell have recently launched their new gin-themed afternoon tea – G&Tea – which takes place in their luxurious hotel. If you really want to treat yourself, book in to their newly opened multi-million pound spa after relaxing with a gin or two. You’ll choose from sixteen gins and a range of tonics as well as your standard tea and scone delights.
Colwick Hall
If location’s your thing, then look no further than Byron’s Brassiere at Colwick Hall. Lush surroundings make this experience all the more worthwhile, in the same spot that Lord Byron himself used to frequent. As well as the traditional tea, currently on offer is the “Silly Bear” afternoon tea, based on childhood favourite, Winnie the Pooh.
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