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Afternoon & Cream Tea Guide
Check out these purveyors of Afternoon and Cream Teas for a spot of refined indulgence!
Afternoon tea is a British tradition that has been fashionable for centuries.
The custom is appropriate for special occasions or just because… So, whether you’re meeting the girls, fancy ‘Lording it up’ or want to treat your mum or gran to an afternoon out and a bit of indulgent bite to eat while being pampered, we’ve put together this list of places where you can enjoy a great afternoon tea in impeccable surroundings with friendly, welcoming service and fantastic food and drink...
The Angel Hotel
Pickwick Afternoon Tea
Dickens first stayed at the Angel in 1835 as a journalist for the Morning Chronicle, staying in (what was then) room 11. He later returned in both 1859 and 1861, staying at the Angel in what is now room 215. He gave readings at the nearby Athenaeum from both The Pickwick Papers, and A Personal History of David Copperfield. Scenes in ‘The Personal History of David Copperfield’ based on Dickens' novel, directed by Armando Iannucci and starring Dev Patel, were shot in Bury St Edmunds in July 2018 and was released in 2019 - 185 years after Dickens first stayed in Bury St Edmunds.
The ground floor of The Angel Hotel features wonderful nods to Dickens, including quotes on mirrors, artwork and copies of his books. The bar offers signature Dickens inspired cocktails, and now this landmark hotel is serving ‘The Pickwick Afternoon Tea’ – a themed afternoon tea experience based on the life & works of Dickens.
At just £35 per person, The Pickwick Afternoon Tea includes a selection of savouries, warm scones with homemade jam and clotted cream and sweet treats, served in our relaxing lounge. From ‘Butter fingers’ to ‘Hot Sausage and Mustard’ to Victoria sponge and ‘‘Cold Jelly & Custard” – the menu encompasses many fictitious characters featured in Dickens’ novels.
From ‘Butter fingers’ to ‘Hot Sausage and Mustard’ to Victoria sponge and ‘‘Cold Jelly & Custard” – the menu encompasses many fictitious characters featured in Dickens’ novels.
To find out more and book visit The Angel website.
Harriet's Cafe Tea Rooms
Harriets Cafe Tea Rooms have adopted “remembering the old days’” as a mantra to live by. They have recreated the vintage era so stylishly that the business has seen them open not one but three Harriet’s – in Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge and Norwich.
The tearoom in Bury St Edmunds was opened in 2001 and has become a must visit café for both the locals and tourists alike. It is situated within one of the grand Cornhill buildings, originally built around 1900 which is adorned with a grand entrance, high ceilings spilling down beautifully ornate chandeliers and you may be fortunate enough to be serenaded by a pianist who regularly plays on selected afternoons.
Afternoon tea is something of an occasion at Harriets. They like to make their guests feel comfortable, relaxed and unhurried so they can enjoy their afternoon tea. There are options of Afternoon Tea to select from – Cream Tea, Miniature Afternoon Tea and Classic Afternoon Tea and if that wasn’t enough choice; you’ll find many teas on offer to choose from. These include special blends, Gunpowder Green, Lapsang Souchong and Russian Caravan among many others. All are made using loose leaves to ensure that maximum flavours are captured.
To find out more and book visit Harriets website.
Procopio’s Pantry
Procopio’s Pantry Gentleman's Afternoon Tea has been created for the more savoury inclined.
The menu includes 5 Savouries consisting of: a meatball slider, a pulled pork slider, cheese and chutney, sausage roll, and 1/2 a scotch egg. Followed by: cheese and chilli scone with butter, a fruit scone with clotted cream and jam. Plus three sweets - cheesecake, victoria sponge and a brownie.
The Gentleman’s Tea is £25 per person and a minimum of 2 needed to be ordered. Give them a call to get yours booked in!
Lotties Artisan Waffles and Coffee
Afternoon tea, not as you know it! Lotties' afternoon tea is fresh, delicious and totally gram worthy!!
Consisting of fresh bagels, churros with dipping sauce, gelato, French macaroons and your choice of hot drink from their wide selection available, including their beautiful pink hot chocolate or biscoff latte.
To find out more visit Lotties Waffles website.
Baileys 2
Tucked away in Whiting Street, you will find Baileys 2,a traditional cafe serving a wide range of homemade tasty treats.
They offer a Baileys 2 Cream Tea, Baileys 2 Afternoon Tea and, if you've left the car at home, a Baileys 2 Prosecco Afternoon Tea!
Baileys 2 Cream Day includes a warm homemade fruit scone with raspberry jam and clotted cream served with a pot of English Breakfast loose tea or Baileys 2 own blend cafetiere coffee.
The Baileys 2 Full Afternoon Tea includes a selection of homemade sandwiches and cakes served with a choice of a warm homemade fruit scone with raspberry jam and clotted cream or a warm cheddar cheese and wholegrain mustard scone with cream cheese served with a pot of English Breakfast loose tea or Baileys 2 own blend cafetiere coffee. The decadent Baileys 2 Prosecco Full Afternoon Tea includes everything in the Baileys 2 Full Afternoon Tea with the addition of a chilled glass of prosecco.
Baileys 2 Cream Tea is £4.95, Baileys 2 Full Afternoon Tea is £14.95, and Baileys 2 Prosecco Full Afternoon Tea is £19.95.
To find out more visit Baileys 2 website.
Beyond Bury St Edmunds
The Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa
While away your afternoon with Afternoon Tea in The Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa's grand Gallery Restaurant in the heart of one of the best preserved Medieval villages in England, just 20 minutes from Bury St Edmunds.
There are two afternoon teas to choose from here - a Traditional and Gentleman’s.
Each of the afternoon teas are traditionally served stage-by-stage with sandwiches or main dishes first, followed by delicious scones and cakes and can be paired with a bottle of Champagne should you wish to celebrate. All are presented on fine Royal Worcester Crockery specifically created for The Swan by Walpole of Stoke-on-Trent, whose prestigious special commissions are found in many of Britain’s Royal palaces – the perfect crockery then upon which to savour their delicious treats.
While Champagne adds an opulent touch, for the traditionalists The Swan has a range of over 20 specialist Newby teas will ensure there is a brew to suit all tastes.
Costs are £25 per person or £36.50 per person including a glass of Champagne.
To find out more and book visit The Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa website.
Ravenwood Hall Hotel
Situated in Rougham just a few miles outside of Bury St Edmunds, Ravenwood Hall Hotel is set within 7 acres of gardens. In the colder months, you can enjoy your tea whilst sat next to a roaring fire, or in spring and summer, opt for one of the garden tables on the patio which overlooks the outdoor pool
Afternoon Teas are served on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 3pm-5pm. We also offer a takeaway option. Bookings only, with pre-payment required at booking.To find out more and book visit Ravenwood Hall Hotel's website.
The Ickworth Hotel
The Ickworth hotel's changing themed afternoon teas, currently Matilda, are not to be missed though and you will be in the fine company of the many previous ‘English gentry’ who have consumed the same in bygone years at the estate.
With a passion for food, their afternoon tea experience has been lovingly crafted to celebrate the magical foodie moments from the Matilda story, allowing you to share in all the surprise and delight of the tale together and create wonderful family memories. Not to spoil the surprise, but they guarantee that their “Brucie chocolate cake” will be one to remember.
You’re welcome to book a table online or to speak with a member of the team telephone us on 01284 735350 or email info@ickworthhotel.co.uk
Afternoon Tea for Dogs at The Ickworth
That's right, your canine companions can now join in on the fun with their very own dedicated Afternoon Tea at The Ickworth Hotel, near Bury St Edmunds!
Their Waggy Tails Tea Time include treats such as:
🐾 Paw-dit-ites: crunchy carrots, apple & cheese
🐾 Dingley Dell Daschund sausage
🐾 Lick-a-licious liver cake
🐾 Pawnut butter biscuits
🐾 Canine carrot cake with pawsome frosting
🐾 Served with a puppacino and a delicious bowl of H2O
Owners, that means no more sharing or saving that last bite because your doggo will be spoilt for choice. The hardest part to decide will be...where will they start first! To book this pawsome treat for your furry friend, then call the hotel directly on 01284 735350.
For more Dog Friendly places to eat and drink visit our Dog Friendly Cafes, Pubs and Restaurants In and Around Bury St Edmunds Guide.
All Saints Hotel
Enjoy an Afternoon Tea, Cream Tea or Sparkling Afternoon Tea at All Saints Hotel's The View Restaurant in Fornham All Saints, just outside Bury St Edmunds.
Their relaxed, modern restaurant with an open kitchen and bistro dishes is the perfect spot for all occasions.
Cream Tea is £10, Afternoon Tea is £22 per person (£12 for children), Sparkling Afternoon Tea £29. Family Afternoon Tea is £65 (2 adults and 2 children).
To find out more and book visit the All Saints Hotel website.
Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa
Afternoon Tea at Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa in Newmarket can be taken in Squires restaurant, Roxana Bar, or on the sun terrace overlooking the stunning lawns and rose gardens at the hotel – the choice is yours.
They offer a delicious selection of finger sandwiches including, Local Smoked Salmon on Horseradish Whole wheat Bread, Cucumber & Dill Cream Cheese on White Bread, Roast Chicken Grain Mustard Mayonnaise Tarragon Bread and Egg Mayonnaise & Pea shoot cress on Tomato Bread
Served with buttermilk scones with jam and clotted cream, a variety of cakes & pastries. All food is freshly prepared and served with a pot of tea/coffee.
To find out more and book visit the Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa website.
Looking for More Dining Options?
Visit our Food and Drink Directory for more yummy food and drink businesses in Bury St Edmunds and Beyond!
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