Afternoon tea, a quintessential British pastime and a timeless tradition. And speaking of timeless traditions, for many so is the celebration of Christmas. So what better combination could there be for a luxury break in an English country hotel in December, than indulging in a Christmas afternoon tea while you’re there?
While you ponder the thought, here’s a little more about the tradition of afternoon tea and some of the festive twists on the classic you need to look out for this year. First, the afternoon tea’s origin story. It all started in the 1900s, around 1840 in fact, when the Duchess of Bedford and close friend of none other than Queen Victoria, Anna Maria Russell requested a light snack to tide her over until dinner. That “snack” was tea, bread, butter and cake. An excellent combination by anyone’s standards. Slowly but surely, that snack, which started out as a practical solution to the afternoon hunger pangs, transformed into a fashionable social event among the English upper classes.
And the fashionability and sociability of afternoon tea has long continued!
According to the Tea and Coffee Trade Journal the British penchant for tea is still strong, with Brits drinking on average 3.61 cups a day, and 46% of the population drinking even more than that. When it comes to afternoon tea specifically, a survey by JING Tea found, 28% of the UK population goes out for afternoon tea at least once per month, and in London, that increases to 52%. In other words, the afternoon tea tradition is still as popular as ever. Moreover, many consumers are now looking to afternoon tea as a way to celebrate special occasions, including of course, Christmas, which 54% of 18-24 year olds have indeed celebrated in this way.
And of course, as a traditional pastime of the upper classes, it goes without saying that some of the classic country hotels have a llloooonnnggg history of practising this timeless tradition, so perhaps it’s also no surprise, that some of the best afternoon teas, no matter what the time of year, can be found in these magnificent houses.
Here’s a few options we highly recommend, all of which have been known to offer their take on a Christmas afternoon tea…
Let’s start with Brockencote Hall. This grand, Victorian country manor hotel, home to Henry Willis and his large family from 1880 – 1897, (the very first era of afternoon tea), is a stately home with immense reception rooms, that has undoubtedly seen its fair share of afternoon tea services over the years.
Today all that elegance and experience has evolved into a four star luxury hotel with a 3 AA Rosette restaurant offering one of the finest afternoon tea experiences you can find, including over November and December, a dedicated Christmas afternoon tea too. If you’re looking for a luxury festive break with the added indulgence of a festive afternoon tea, Brockencote Hall in Worcestershire is an obvious choice… but it’s certainly not the only choice!
In Wokingham, Easthampstead Park, an impressive mansion house surrounded by picturesque countryside, is another perfect setting for a Christmas afternoon tea indulgence throughout December.
It’s not just the south of England that knows how to host a festive afternoon tea though. In Northumberland, Eshott Hall is offering moreish treats thanks to their award-winning kitchen, all of which can be enjoyed in front of roaring log fires, making it the perfect way to gather with friends and family to enjoy both the finer, and the festive things in life.
In the Lake District, Lindeth Howe, once home to Beatrix Potter, is offering British classics like afternoon tea, not only with a festive twist, but a Cumbrian twist too. It’s a cosy, comfortable and luxurious destination to enjoy a mouth watering afternoon tea.
And speaking of award winning kitchens with rosettes, Ashdown Park in East Sussex, home of the 2 AA Rosette Anderida Restaurant offers afternoon tea with panoramic views of the gardens and the highest standard of cuisine. Their skilled pastry chefs are arguably at their best during the festive season so why not consider this if you’re planning a festive break this Christmas?
Last on this list, but by no means least, is the Balmer Lawn Hotel in Hampshire, also home to an award winning restaurant, their kitchen is known for using local produce to make mouth watering modern dishes and their afternoon tea is no exception. Share an elegant festive occasion with friends and family at the Balmer Lawn Hotel, in beautifully decorated surroundings perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit.
So what transforms afternoon tea into Christmas afternoon tea?
Of course, the traditional afternoon tea is recognised by a selection of sandwiches, scones, and a selection of cakes. The festive afternoon tea has all the same basic components but interspersed with a few festive favourites, Christmas flavours and sparkling additions.
First up, look out for mince pies in the cake selection. Almost as traditional as the afternoon tea itself, the mince pie has been a staple of British Christmas celebrations since Tudor times, and the version we know and love today, thankfully without real meat, is something else we can thank the Victorian’s for.
Alongside mince pies, you can expect a festive twist on the classic scone, with Christmas flavours like cranberry and cinnamon. Gingerbread inspired sweets are also popular, including of course, the traditional gingerbread biscuit, but also modern alternatives like gingerbread pear loaf, gingerbread cheesecake and even gingerbread tarts. You might spot mini Christmas puddings, praline truffles and festive fudges.
For the savoury options expect finger sandwiches featuring of course, roast turkey but also Christmas combinations like Brie and cranberry too. Pigs in blankets replace traditional sausages rolls and flavours of roasted chestnuts, pancetta and sprouts might also be on the menu. For the drinks, while tea is a staple, you can also expect sparkling wines, Champagne and Prosecco to make your festive afternoon tea extra special, but also port, sherry and rum are known to make an appearance in some of the most luxurious festive afternoon tea offerings.
So, where will you be indulging in a Christmas afternoon tea this year?
