Friday, April 21 is National Tea Day. This staple of British culture is a major attraction for international tourism, and we’re just as obsessed: research shows 55 per cent of Brits pack their favourite tea when travelling abroad. Cheshire is fast becoming an afternoon tea capital for the UK with a wealth of unique destinations to indulge in the ritual conceptualised during the Victorian era by upper-class Britons looking for a light meal between lunch and dinner. This month we showcase some of the best places to partake.
Davenports of Cheshire, Northwich
One of the most popular afternoon tea destinations in Cheshire. The tearoom is Edwardian themed and pays homage to one of the most famous tea parties ever. Being just a stone’s throw from Lewis Carroll’s birthplace, Davenports embraces a little bit of madness with Alice in Wonderland featuring in many aspects of the décor and theming. This award-winning tearoom owned by Belinda Davenport, an afternoon tea expert who has passionately served and researched afternoon tea for almost 20 years, is a must-visit for those wanting an afternoon tea service like no other. davenportsofcheshire.co.uk
Palm Court at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa, Pulford
Sitting on the outskirts of Chester, guests can enjoy a delectable afternoon tea in the chic Palm Court at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel. Afternoon tea is a real speciality here with a variety of accompaniments available including prosecco, Laurent Perrier, G&T and quirky tea-based cocktails. There is an extensive selection of loose-leaf teas (including the signature Palm Court blend) served with delicious sandwiches, pastries and scones in the elegant surroundings. grosvenorpulfordhotel.co.uk/afternoon-tea
Mottram Hall, Mottram
Mottram Hall has been serving afternoon tea since the hotel opened its doors in 1940, a true testament to the quality of the experience at this luxurious location. Guests will be spoiled by a homemade selection of freshly cut finger sandwiches and warm scones smothered in jam and clotted cream. As well as an exceptional range of speciality leaf teas or coffees, you can choose the indulgent champagne afternoon tea, which includes a glass of bubbles, alongside your sweet and savoury treats. champneys.com/hotels/mottram-hall/dining/afternoon-tea
Carden Park, Near Chester
Cheshire’s country estate, Carden Park offers a variety of ways to relax and indulge, from its award-winning spa to fine dining. And Guests can also enjoy the gorgeous estate with its afternoon tea service. You can take a luxurious afternoon tea in Goldie’s Lounge or Morgan’s Bar, or in the Elements restaurant if you’re enjoying a day at The Spa at Carden. Alongside pretty finger sandwiches, pastries and scones you can have your afternoon tea with a glass of Carden Park’s own Carden Reserve Brut sparkling wine produced with grapes from the estate’s three-acre vineyard. cardenpark.co.uk/dine/afternoon-tea
Oddfellows, Chester
For a whimsical afternoon tea service in Chester’s city centre, retire to Oddfellows. This charming Georgian townhouse, once the home of an Oddfellows Hall – the society of misfits and dreamers – is one of Chester’s best and unique boutique hotels. From the panelled bar to the light and airy restaurant space and the dreamy secret garden, which includes heated huts, there’s no shortage of space to enjoy afternoon tea. As well as traditional, savoury, and prestige afternoon teas, you can select the children’s afternoon tea as a perfect way to introduce little ones to this quintessentially British tradition.oddfellowschester.com
Gardener’s Cottage at Tatton Park
Nestled between Tatton Park’s historic walled kitchen gardens and the stableyard, the Gardener’s Cottage is a truly special location for afternoon tea. Once home to the head gardener, the Gardener’s Cottage pays homage to Tatton’s farming and gardening history by creating afternoon tea menus using local and estate produce. 01625 374469
The Queen Hotel, Chester
The Queen at Chester has an illustrious past; built in 1880 to accommodate first-class passengers arriving at Chester’s new railway station, the hotel celebrates its Victorian past and has hosted guests from Charles Dickens to Lillie Langtry. So where better to enjoy the Victorian-era invention of afternoon tea, served in the Albert Lounge, against a backdrop of historic photographs and an impressive open fireplace. Guests are invited to indulge in finger sandwiches, homemade scones and of course, a glass of fizz in this truly historic setting. thequeenatchesterhotel.co.uk
The Botanic Kitchen at Ness Botanic Gardens, Wirral
Ness, with its 64 acres of botanic gardens and marvellous views of the River Dee and North Wales, is a gorgeous day out at any time of year. With each season new plants bloom and change the colour and character of the gardens. The Botanic Kitchen is the perfect accompaniment to the beauty of the gardens and serves afternoon tea daily from 11am to 3:30pm. Guests taking tea here can expect handcrafted sandwiches, savoury and sweet pastries, scones and unlimited breakfast tea or coffee. Plus the Botanic Kitchen offers a vegan afternoon tea with plant-based alternatives to British classics including coronation chickpea sandwiches, vegan sausage rolls, and vegan cakes. 0151 3531573.
Peckforton Castle, Tarporley
If you’re looking for extravagance, take your afternoon tea in a castle. Built in the Victorian period but inspired by the medieval, Peckforton Castle is a unique destination for a spot of tea. Served in the elegant 2010 Brasserie, afternoon tea at Peckforton includes finger sandwiches, French pastries and scones and indulgent extras including adding a glass of Joseph Perrier Champagne or a refreshing gin and tonic. peckfortoncastle.co.uk/restaurant/2010-brasserie
Bents Garden and Home, Warrington
Winner of the Garden Centre Association’s Destination Garden Centre of the Year 2023 award, Bents Garden and Home is more than a garden centre. Visitors can expect everything from pet grooming to adventure golf. Plus, there are a variety of restaurants and cafes on-site to cater for all appetites. Afternoon tea comes complete with delicate finger sandwiches, patisserie and freshly baked miniature scones with clotted cream, jam and fresh strawberries. You can add a bottle of fizz for an extra dose of luxury. bents.co.uk
So here’s to a happy National Tea Day. There are plenty more excellent places to take your afternoon tea across Cheshire in the food and drink section of visitcheshire.com
