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Four of the UK's coolest afternoon teas from Mexican snacks to flower-themed cakes
NATIONAL Afternoon Tea Week starts tomorrow and hotels across the country have been warming their baking ovens and prepping their finger-sandwich fillings for the occasion.
From floral pastries in botanical gardens, to Mexican-inspired scones in quirky hotels, Sophie Swietochowski picks out the best afternoon teas to celebrate.
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The Crown Hotel, Harrogate, North Yorks
Harrogate's charming Crown has been serving afternoon tea since the 1880s – so they've certainly had time to master the ritual.
Their summer tea is an absolute steal at £26 per head and includes all the best sandwich fillings such as egg mayo and smoked salmon, plus scones and various sweet treats.
Make sure to try the chocolate, rum and pistachio delice.
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Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch
You'll have to be quick to bag a table at this fun-packed tea that's fuelled by tipples, as it's available for the next two weeks only.
To celebrate the launch of Virgin Atlantic's new route to Mexico, special afternoon tea-quila (see what they've done there?) experiences will be taking place throughout the week at this glorious East London hotel.
Expect Mexican twists on classic treats – including a strawburrito, crammed with grilled strawberries and mexi-scones, flavoured with Cheddar and jalapeno.
Better still, diners will have the chance to bag up to 65 per cent off a Mexican holiday to Cancun.
GO: The experience costs £49.50pp, and guests can upgrade to a cocktail pairing menu, featuring three tequila-inspired concoctions for an additional £35pp.
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Gleddoch Golf & Spa Resort, Glasgow
If you take your tea with a spoonful of countryside views, then there's no better place to sip it than at Gleddoch Golf & Spa Resort, in rugged Port Glasgow.
Scoff down finger sandwiches stuffed with pastrami ham and delicate Victoria sponge cakes, before strolling the grounds.
Be sure to check out the 18-hole golf course with greens that are guaranteed to impress any keen player.
GO: Afternoon tea costs from £35pp.
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The Retreat at Elcot Park, West Berks
Sophisticated folk will be flocking here, where the petit fours are as elegant as the manicured gardens.
A botanical-themed tea incorporates classic British flavours into dainty pastries and nibbles, including cucumber-and- cream cheese open sandwiches, Cheddar custard tarts topped with marigold petals and lemon-and-poppy seed scones.
GO: Botanical afternoon tea costs £42pp, including a glass of AIX rosé.
Botanical-themed cocktails cost an additional £12 each.
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Bovey Castle, Devon
What could be more grand than tea in a castle?
With the rolling hills of Dartmoor National Park on its doorstep, five-star Bovey Castle is crawling with history, having transformed from a manor house into a hospital during World War One, before becoming the golf hotel it is today.
It may never have operated as a castle, but it's still a lovely place to spend an afternoon while tucking into salt beef sarnies, pork and apple sausage rolls and choux buns oozing with meringue filling.
Little ones can tuck into a mini version too.
GO: A traditional Afternoon Tea at Bovey Castle, Devon is from £45pp or £60 with champagne.
A Children's Afternoon Tea is £15.
