Every country has a dish or two that it does better than any other country in the world. For the Italians it is pasta, for the Spanish is it paella, and for the British it is a lovely spot of Afternoon Tea (as photographed by Shane Global Language Centres, above).
We do many foods well in this country, from fish and chips to a fried breakfast, but there is nothing quite as quintessentially British as Afternoon Tea.
Consisting of different types of tea, a selection of small cakes, pastries, sandwiches and plenty of light and fluffy scones, Afternoon Tea is always a delicious treat.
Due to all the cakes and sweet treats, it is not something to be enjoyed on a regular basis, but the occasional indulgence is well worth it. So, where can you enjoy Afternoon Tea at home and abroad?
Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
The elegant Chatsworth House is one of the most popular country houses in the UK, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
A visit to Chatsworth requires a whole day, such is the range of things to do and see. With a farmyard and adventure playground, a beautiful 105-acre garden and the stunning house itself, it’s a great family day out.
Afternoon Tea at Chatsworth is held between 12pm and 4pm each day in the Cavendish rooms, and consists of a delicious selection of sandwiches, freshly baked cakes and six different types of tea.
Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh
We may think of Afternoon Tea as an English tradition, but they know their way around a scone north of the border as well.
One of the best examples of Afternoon Tea in Scotland can be found in Edinburgh, at the luxurious Balmoral Hotel in the heart of the city.
The five-star hotel has a Michelin-star restaurant, so the Afternoon Tea does not come cheap at £23. However, the delicious array of sandwiches and home-made scones make the asking price more than worth it. If you fancy Afternoon Tea at the Balmoral, you’ll need to book in advance.
Bovey Castle, Devon
This 20th Century castle in Dartmoor, Devon, offers one of the most grandiose settings for Afternoon Tea in the country.
The food on offer is just what you’d expect from Afternoon Tea, but the stunning views from Bovey Castle are what make this a truly unforgettable experience.
Diners can choose to eat either in front of the fire in a cosy chair if the weather is cold, or enjoy tea out on the terrace overlooking the garden.
The Ritz, London
Tea at the Ritz is nothing short of a British institution, and something everybody should try at least once in their lives.
Held in the spectacular Palm Court, Afternoon Tea at the Ritz will make you feel like a millionaire for an hour or two.
Prices start from £42 per person, so it certainly isn’t cheap, but the selection of 17 loose-leaf teas and as many sandwiches, cakes and scones as you can eat, it’s an experience that you’ll never forget.
Bookings must be made and it’s recommended that you place your reservation at least 12 weeks in advance.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Bangkok
Thanks to the invasion of Thailand by Western tourists over the past 20 years, it’s possible to enjoy all manner of British delights in Bangkok and elsewhere.
From traditional English pubs to fish and chip shops, you’ll feel right at home in Thailand’s capital – and the same goes for Afternoon Tea.
You get a traditional afternoon at hotels and restaurants throughout the city, but the quality can vary hugely. One of the best is the Authors’ Lounge in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, located on the banks of the river.
Serving finger sandwiches, cakes, scones and a huge line-up of teas, all set within a beautifully furnished lounge, you’ll feel like you’re in the English countryside.
St Regis Hotel, New York
New York is home to many grand hotels, so finding a decent 4pm-ish meal is not a challenge in the Big Apple. However, if you only try one, it has to be the St Regis Hotel on Fifth Avenue.
This five-star hotel is more than 100 years old, and is as beautiful on the inside as it is grand on the outside.
Afternoon Tea is served daily in the elegant Astor Court dining room, and offers everything you’d expect – including Devonshire Cream sent directly from England.
