The tradition of tea in the UK culture has a long history after tea consumption boomed in the early 19th century. Tea drinking was the latest trend in this era. It is said that the notion of afternoon teawas first inspired by the 7th Duchess of Bedford and become wildly popular throughout the country thereafter.
The tradition of afternoon tea as an elegant treat continues to this day and here at North Wales.com we have collected together a list of what we think are the top five spots in North Wales to enjoy a charming afternoon tea experience.
Bodysgallen Hall
For a truly luxurious afternoon tea experience you cannot beat Bodysgallen Hall, which offers a beautiful, traditional afternoon tea spread every Monday to Saturday from 3:30pm – 5:30pm and every Sunday from 4pm – 5:30pm. You can even add a glass of champagne to your afternoon tea to make it extra special.
This charming historic hotel on Llandudno’s seafront is famed for its award winning afternoon tea. They have an afternoon tea specialist on site at the hotel offering a stunning and luxurious full Welsh afternoon tea for a very reasonable price. They have an impressive choice of sandwiches, cakes and pastries and were even named by Cheshire Life as one of the best spots in North Wales for afternoon tea in May 2015.
Deganwy Quay Hotel
With its serene marina views and its many varied choices the Quay Hotel is a fantastic place for afternoon tea by the water. It definitely wins for the most choice with its varied selection of afternoon teas:
A simple cream tea,
A full Welsh afternoon tea,
A Royal afternoon tea (featuring champagne),
A Hendrick’s Afternoon tea (featuring Hendrick’s gin and tonic infused with cucumber, ground black pepper and served in a Hendrick’s tea pot)
Celebration afternoon tea
Savoury afternoon tea
Children’s afternoon tea
Bodnant Welsh Food
If you are looking for the ultimate Welsh afternoon tea experience then you will probably find it at Bodnant Welsh Food in Conwy. There is locally brewed Welsh tea, locally ground coffee, freshly made sandwiches served on Bodnant bread with a variety of traditional Welsh fillings and every ingredient is locally produced in Wales. They even make their own Welsh Cakes using the dairy’s homemade buttermilk. Enjoy a warm-baked scone served with Bodnant’s handmade salted butter, clotted cream and Pant Glas jam. Bodnant Welsh Food is renowned for its production of stunning Welsh Food and afternoon tea is the perfect way to sample it.
Ruthin Castle Hotel
The medieval castle is an excellent destination to enjoy delicious afternoon tea while soaking up the history and culture of North East Wales. Their Signature afternoon tea includes sandwiches, freshly baked sultana Scones served with jam, lemon curd and clotted cream, traditional Welsh Barabrith and passion fruit and raspberry cupcake whip. If celebrating a special occasion, you can add a glass of Champagne.
Image Credit: www.flickr.com/photos/maewest/
