Afternoon Tea Week celebrates a great British tradition and is the perfect excuse to catch up with loved ones over a cup of tea, and some savoury and sweet treats.
This year’s Afternoon Tea Week takes place from Monday August 8th to Sunday August 14th.
A traditional afternoon tea usually contains scones accompanied by jam and clotted cream, as these items are considered a staple for any afternoon tea session however the typical menu has been adapted in recent times with many venues now offer champagne or prosecco as an optional extra to make the occasion that little bit more special.
In the 1910s, Queen Mary outlined the perfect etiquette for afternoon tea.
These rules stipulated that the saucer stays on the table; when the cup stands on the saucer, the handle should be at the three o’clock position; milk should be added to the tea, not vice-versa, and don’t put your pinkie out when holding the cup!
She also disliked tea being over-stirred and was insistent that the food should be enjoyed in the correct order – savoury to sweet.
Many venues still adhere to this, serving the courses on a three-tiered stand with sandwiches on the bottom tier; scones, cream and preserves on the middle tier, and cakes and biscuits on the top.
“Whatever the weather, afternoon tea is a uniquely British experience to enjoy during the summer, whether you are on holiday or having a staycation closer to home,” said Keith Newton, Managing Director of AfternoonTea.co.uk.
Where in Swindon offers Afternoon Tea
Lydiard Park Coach House Tea Rooms – Afternoon tea by advanced booking only
Blunsdon House Hotel – Classic afternoon tea £17.50 | Prosecco afternoon tea £22.50
Chiseldon House – Afternoon Tea £25 | Champagne Afternoon Tea £35 | Children’s Afternoon Tea £12.50
Stanton House Hotel – Traditional afternoon tea £22.50 | Prosecco afternoon tea £29.00
