Quintessentially British Afternoon Tea

Why do we love Afternoon Tea so much?

Fluffy cloud like scones, homemade jam, delicate little sandwiches, individual cakes and lashings of freshly brewed tea all served on pretty china make for a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

Yet if we are being honest, we can all make sandwiches and cut the crusts off, scones are easy enough to make and us British do love a cup of tea and consume thousands of them across the Country every day so what makes us choose to send small fortunes on produce that we can replicate at home?

Its all about the experience. Afternoon Tea isn't so much about the food and whilst we do love the tiny little cakes, its the small details added together that make the whole experience so indulgent. The vintage china plates are very different to the dishwasher proof ones we have at home, using a fancy tea pot makes a change from a cup of tea made in the mug, and Afternoon Tea is usually served in a formal sitting room of a Country Home or Hotel, making for a change from your own lounge.

We are very lucky here at Sunnyside Cottage to have some incredible Afternoon Tea spots on our doorstep which we thoroughly recommend you try during your stay with us.

Betty's - Harrogate

Arguably the most famous spot in Harrogate, there are 2 Betty's to choose from. The famous Betty's on Parliament Street, where the queue can regularly be seen snaking around the building as people wait for a glimpse into the world of good old fashioned service and delicate English fare. A table here is quite simply a must on an outing to Harrogate, loved by old and young alike it is highly recommended as a must do whilst you are staying in Grewelthorpe.

Afternoon Tea at Betty's starts from £19.95 per person

Grantley Hall - Grantley

Recently opened this luxurious 5* hotel has to be one of the most beautiful hotels I have ever visited across the world (and I don't say that lightly). Every detail has been considered, dress up beautifully and enjoy a treat at this glamorous location. Located just 10 minutes from the cottage's location in Grewelthorpe.

Afternoon Tea at Grantley Hall starts at £37.50 per person

Swinton park - Masham

Swinton Park has all the luxury of a traditional country hotel. Steeped in history the castle is immersed in beautiful grounds just less than 5 minutes drive from the cottage. Arrive to a warm Yorkshire welcome and enjoy Afternoon Tea in the beautiful drawing room or on the lawns. In the winter months they have been known to offer half price afternoon tea during the first week of the month making it a regular haunt for my husband and I whilst the Children are at School. Oh and the Scones really are like fluffy clouds!

Afternoon Tea at Swinton Castle starts at £25.00 per person

Mama Doreens - Harrogate

Mama Dorreens has been around for Years, however a recent expansion has seen them move from a small cramped premises on Cold Bath Road to a prime location on Station Square and it would seem that they have really upped their game. The windows and floral decorations of this fabulous bakery could rival the Ivy and its rare to see an empty table. A new competitor to the already established Betty's, attracting the younger crowds - Mama Doreens is one to watch.

Afternoon Tea at Mama Doreens starts at £16.50 per person

Photo from Grantley Hall