Start with a Well-Balanced Menu
There’s something wonderfully timeless about a traditional Afternoon Tea. Gathering friends and family for a leisurely afternoon of finger sandwiches, freshly brewed tea and sweet treats is one of Britain's greatest pleasures.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply making the most of a sunny afternoon, Afternoon Tea is all about slowing down and savouring good food in great company. To inspire your own spread, we've curated a collection of artisan favourites and quintessentially British flavours, perfect for sharing and enjoying together.
Savoury Sandwiches
Traditionally served first, finger sandwiches should be light, elegant and easy to enjoy. Keep the bread soft and fresh, removing the crusts for a classic finish.
Some timeless favourites include:
- Cucumber with cream cheese and cracked black pepper
- Smoked salmon with dill and crème fraîche
- Sliced ham with mustard
- Mature Cheddar with caramelised onion chutney
- Egg mayonnaise with watercress
Preparing a variety of fillings ensures there's something for everyone and creates a beautiful selection on the table.
Finish with Something Sweet
The final tier is where you can truly indulge. A mixture of cakes and delicate pastries adds colour, texture and plenty of choice.
Think miniature cheesecakes, rich chocolate slices, light sponge cakes and buttery bakes. Offering several smaller treats rather than one large cake encourages everyone to sample a little of everything and gives your afternoon tea an elegant finishing touch.
Sweet Treats
We've carefully selected our favourite sweet treats to complete your Afternoon Tea in the most delicious way:
Prefer Everything Ready to Enjoy?
The Perfect Pot of Tea
No afternoon tea is complete without a pot of exceptional tea to bring everything together. Chosen with as much care as the food itself, the right blend elevates every bite, complementing delicate sandwiches and handcrafted patisserie alike.
For a truly elegant pairing, our 2nd Flush Darjeeling Tea Pyramids are a natural choice. Grown in the cool mountain air at over 6,800 feet above sea level, this celebrated tea is prized for its distinctive muscatel character, delicate notes of blackcurrant and beautifully balanced finish. Expertly packed into pyramid bags to allow the leaves to fully infuse, it delivers a refined cup with remarkable depth and aroma.
Brew fresh just before serving and pour into your favourite china for an afternoon tea that's every bit as memorable as the company gathered around the table.
Just Add Bubbles
However big or small, Afternoon Tea is always a celebratory occasion. And nothing starts the festivities than the sound of a popping cork, whether that be a fine bottle of Champagne or an alcohol-free alternative, our crisp and refreshing Sparkling Wines are suited to a leisurely afternoon shared with family and friends.
Afternoon Tea Essentials
Now It Really IsTime for Tea
Think of the above as your inspiration. The perfect Afternoon Tea is all about personal preference, so mix, match and make it your own with the flavours you love most, while embracing one of Britain's finest culinary traditions.