Everything stops for afternoon tea
10th November 2024
Doggy bags at the ready! Amanda Loose and some willing friends have been out road-testing afternoon teas, all in the name of research, of course! May we present the first course…
Briarfields Hotel
Set in the coastal village of Titchwell, a visit for their traditional ‘Posh’ afternoon tea was what kickstarted this feature! With views across the marshes to the sea, it was a very social affair, with a shared three-tier stand groaning with flavourful sandwiches and scones, plus an imaginative selection of savouries and sweet treats. With its mini panna cottas with fruit coulis, chocolate mousse cake, warm sausage rolls and cheese straws, we became officially hooked on afternoon tea. Our top tip? Trading sweet and savoury items amongst your party is always acceptable! £24 per person.
Blakeney Hotel
For a slice of old school glamour right on the coast, we headed to Blakeney Hotel. Whilst admiring the fantastic view over Blakeney Quay and out to the sea, we enjoyed the selection of sandwiches plus fruit scones with clotted cream and local jam from our individual three-tier cake stands, followed by a selection of patisserie. We loved the mini fruit tarts and Bakewell blondies especially, and the team were very accommodating on the sandwich front to my friend who is pescatarian (we mentioned this when booking). £23 per person.
Sandringham
Served on Chelsea botanical porcelain, a design closely derived from a large collection acquired by the late Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, afternoon tea in the restaurant at Sandringham feels like a stately affair. Menus change with the seasons; we went in the summer and opted for the ‘classic’ option. We loved the sandwiches made with speciality breads and the selection of savouries – think a mini coronation chicken brioche roll, of course, and seasonal vegetable crumble tart – alongside scones made using flour from the Sandringham Estate. Just when you think you’re full, another plate arrives, laden with the prettiest little cakes and desserts. £30 per person.
© Sandringham Estate
The Glaven Bistro
Situated in Glandford, The Glaven Bistro’s afternoon tea game is strong. Owners Carron and James Noon offer a modern take on this traditional repast and there’s a real emphasis on local produce. As a sandwich fan, I was in my element with fillings including Staithe Smokehouse kiln roasted salmon, Norfolk chicken, and Norfolk Dapple cheese with chutney. Carron is a talented pastry chef, so the delicious dessert course was full of interesting twists; from the moreish passionfruit cake, freshly baked fruit scones with a note of vanilla, and Eton mess with cherry coulis and lemon gel, to Welsh fruit bread – bara brith – served with Norfolk Dapple. £20 per person.
Holt Garden Centre
Well, this was nice. A wander through the extensive shopping area before sitting down to afternoon tea is this garden centre’s Garden Terrace Café. The menu features an inventive range of sweet and savoury items, with old favourites like an egg and cress finger sandwich and Victoria sponge, alongside, for instance, a goat’s cheese and leek bon bon and sausage pin wheel. We were beaten by the laden cake stand so took doggy bags home (as we did from all the venues), much to the delight of our respective households! £17.50 per person.
Note, afternoon teas need to be booked at least 24-hours in advance at all of these venues. Menus may be subject to change and do check as several of these venues will be doing special festive afternoon teas.
