Time for tea: Where to have a five-star al fresco afternoon tea this summer
No-one does afternoon tea quite like the British so in these post-lockdown staycation days, why not indulge in a traditional teatime treat in the great outdoors.
Here are four thoroughbred options in historic and beautiful Great British locations that blend tradition with some pleasingly quirky details.
1. The Grand One: Cliveden House
Fifty minutes west of London in lush Berkshire countryside, Cliveden House is a Grade 1 Italianate beauty with a colourful history. The original property was built in 1666 as a gift from the Duke of Buckingham to his mistress while the current house in all its grand sympetrical glory, was designed by Charles Barry, the architect of the palace of Westminster.
Today Cliveden is a five-star hotel regally set in 376 acres of exquisitely presented National Trust land. Afternoon tea is normally a grand affair but this summer Cliveden has added a new “The Iconic Picnic at Cliveden” experience complete with a vivid Veuve Clicquot airstream. Sit in the courtyard beside the magnificent façade or take the picnic – expertly packed in black wicker baskets – and lay a blanket in these extraordinary grounds.
The hotel’s concierge team will drive you to your ideal spot. Choose to sit beside the Thames and watch small boats, paddle boarders and swans drift slowly past as you feast on slim sandwiches, fluffy scones, perfect strawberries and chilled champagne. Menu options also include burgers and fish and chips.
Afterwards, work it all off with a walk through the vast gardens. The miles of woodland paths, the formal gardens including the labour-intensive six acre parterre and magnificent Water Garden are all open again, offering the most elegant and scenic day trip.
The Iconic Picnic at Cliveden is available every day from 12pm to 5pm until 17th August and must be booked in advance. Prices start from £20 per person for scones and tea.
2. The Cotswolds One: Cowley Manor
Another architectural beauty and another glorious rural location. Cowley Manor is a delightful country house hotel near Cheltenham with gardens just as enticing as the pale Cotswolds stone house. The hotel’s summer picnic offer makes the most of both. The hotel team will guide you to the perfect spot, perhaps by one of the lakes or even set up your own private bell tent. Afternoon tea is available from 12pm – 3pm daily or as a Garden Supper from 6pm -7.30pm. The extensive menu includes stone baked sourdough pizzas from £10, platters of artisan cured meats and local cheeses from £8.00 and Eton Mess from £5.50.
3. The Active One: Chewton Glen
Grab a branded Veuve Clicquot bike, add a freshly prepared picnic along with a blanket and half a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne and set off from Chewton Glen Hotel to explore the New Forest. Chewton Glen will take care of every detail from the bike and the picnic to detailed maps of possible routes: the hotel is close to Dorset and Hampshire’s beautiful coastline.
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The Veuve Clicquot Picnic Bike Ride costs £95 per couple and is available up to September 30 for guests staying at the hotel. Advance booking is essential.
4. The City One: Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
Newly reopened post-lockdown, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park overlooks one of London’s finest green spaces. New this month is the summer-themed Afternoon Tea in the Rosebery and while you eat inside, there isn’t far to go afterwards for a stroll through flower-filled Hyde Park.
Classic Afternoon Tea in the Rosebery is priced £54 per person.
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