Afternoon Tea at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

The consumption of afternoon tea increased dramatically in popularity during the early nineteenth century, when it is said that Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford made the taking of tea fashionable. It is said that she complained of "having that sinking feeling" during the late afternoon when at the time it was usual for people to take only two main meals a day, breakfast and dinner at around 8 o’clock in the evening. A solution for the Duchess was a pot of tea and a light snack, taken privately in her room during the afternoon.

Recently the afternoon tea has been somewhat forgotten with the surge of skinny lattes and creamy cappuccinos, but at Armathwaite Hall we are bringing it back to the 21st century. Our afternoon teas have come a long way from the cucumber sandwiches and one choice of tea. Today, afternoon tea is far more cosmopolitan with teas being imported from all over the world including Kenya, India, The Himalayas and China.

Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 2pm-5pm. Diners can choose from a selection of savoury and sweet treats, including sandwiches and filled mini brioche rolls, quiche, homemade cake, biscuits, scones and cappuccino panna cotta.