The custom of afternoon tea has been credited to Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in the year 1840. The evening meal in her household was served fashionably late  however The Duchess who would become hungry at around 4pm and would ask for a tray of tea, bread and cake to quench her appetite until the evening. 

As this became a regular habit, the Duchess would invite her friends to join her, and this afternoon pause for tea became a fashionable social event usually served between four and five o’clock.  Decades on, the tradition of afternoon tea is a quintessential English custom that is honoured around the world.

If a selection of scones, cake and finger sandwiches sounds tempting, take a look at our top tips to experience a delicious afternoon tea in Surrey.

  1. Great Fosters - Egham
  2. Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa - Redhill
  3. Denbies Wine Estate - Dorking
  4. Silent Pool Distillery - Near Albury
  5. Guildford Harbour Hotel - Guildford
  6. Brooklands Hotel - Weybridge
  7. Foxhills Club & Resort - Ottershaw

Great Fosters - Egham

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Served in the historic Drawing Room, Cocktail Bar and the delightful Garden Room and in the summer months in the garden overlooking the Saxon moat, afternoon tea at the Great Fosters estate is a wonderful tradition. From delicate bavarois to moreish eclairs, the changing array of fancies are always delicious, and are served alongside warm, freshly baked scones and an exquisite sandwich selection. It really does make a beautiful gift to a loved one, or an indulgent treat for yourself.

Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa - Redhill

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Enjoy traditional afternoon tea in the intimate surrounds of Cloisters Restaurant with its arched ceiling and stone carvings or The Library which boasts period features and stained glass windows for indulgent entertaining.

The homemade three-tiered selection of finger sandwiches, warm scones, miniature cakes, pastries together with a selection of teas is always a delight to take at Nutfield Priory near Redhill, Surrey.

Denbies Wine Estate - Dorking

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Denbies Wine Estate is the perfect venue to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea. Offering informal cream teas in our Conservatory Restaurant, to premium Sparkling Afternoon Tea in our Vineyard Restaurant – booking is essential. Selected dates and afternoon tea offerings throughout the year, see our website for bookings and reservations. www.denbies.co.uk

Afternoon Tea Hamper on the Lawn 
Enjoy a glass of Denbies Sparkling Wine as you are taken on a tour of the vineyard on our outdoor train to the highest viewpoint on the estate.  Cameras are strongly recommended.

Available every Saturday & Sunday at 14:00 & 15:00 until the end of September

*please note the vineyard tour is all weather, in the event of inclement weather, the afternoon tea will be served in The Conservatory Atrium

Vineyard Restaurant Afternoon Tea & Train tour
Enjoy a glass of Denbies Sparkling Wine as you are taken through the vineyard to the highest viewpoint on this informative tour.

Following the tour, you will stop for a traditional afternoon tea served at the Vineyard Hotel offering sweeping views across the vineyard served with a glass of Sparkling wine, tea & coffee.

 

Silent Pool Distillery - Near Albury

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Tour, tipple, tea, cakes… the Silent Pool Gin G&Tea Party at the Silent Pool Distillery adds a gin-themed twist to a quintessential Afternoon Tea party. Enjoy a short distillery tour, G&Ts and some special gin pairings accompany your finger sandwiches and homemade cakes. And all served in the picturesque surroundings of the Surrey Hills on the banks of the Silent Pool.

This three hour experience starts with a welcoming Silent Pool Gin G&T followed by a short tour of the distillery in which you will dIscover the legend of the Silent Pool and visit the renovated barns that are home to our two copper stills.
We then sit down for a tea-with-a-twist as our expert explains how to pair our range of gins with the delicious sandwiches and cakes on offer (and yes, we also serve tea and coffee).

The tea party finishes with a G&T in a complimentary glass to take home.

Guildford Harbour Hotel - Guildford

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Enjoy a delicious selection of freshly prepared sandwiches, cakes, pastries, buttery shortbread, strawberries dipped in chocolate and "Queen of Hearts jam tarts". All served alongside traditional scones with Devonshire clotted cream, jam and washed down with a fine selection of teas and coffees. For the children, there's even a 'Madhatter Milkshake'.  Perfect for a shopping break in Guildford

Brooklands Hotel - Weybridge

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From the honed granite bar to the glittering honeycomb pendants hanging in our lobby, the interior and ambience of our 1907 bar is inspired by the glamour and elegance of the 1920s and 30s. With stylish, comfortable seating and mesmerising views of the Mercedes-Benz World track, the bar is the perfect place to catch up with friends over a delectable afternoon tea. Enjoy a pot of tea with a selection of handmade sandwiches, sweet treats and scones or upgrade to a glass of fizz for the ultimate treat.

Foxhills Club & Resort - Ottershaw

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Located within the stunning grounds of our 19th-century Manor House, nestled amidst the idyllic Surrey countryside, indulge in the Foxhills afternoon tea experience. Cherish precious moments with your loved ones as you partake in this time-honoured quintessentially British tradition. From impeccably crafted sandwiches and a carefully curated selection of teas to freshly baked scones and delightful cakes, an afternoon filled with delectable delights and delightful company awaits you. Choose from various options, including traditional afternoon tea, cream tea, and a special children's afternoon tea, or add a touch of luxury or celebration with a glass of Champagne, ensuring there's something to please everyone's palate.