Tea and scones are the ideal English way to spend an afternoon
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Now that summer is on its way, there’s no better way to spend a lazy afternoon than in a tea room, where the biggest decision is scones or teacakes
1. The Lanesborough Hotel
The afternoon tea is so good here the UK’s tea council has twice awarded it ‘Best Afternoon Tea in London’ (2005/2008). The conservatory setting is chic and stylish, and the soft piano music is sure to serenade. A tea sommelier is on hand to help you choose from the endless tea list and with dainty sandwiches, cakes and their delicious signature lemon curd dish the hotel definitely lives up to its accolade.
Hyde Park Corner,
London, SW1X 7TA
020 7259 5599, www.thelanesborough.co.uk
2. Trenance Cottage tea room and gardens
Surrounded by beautiful secluded gardens, Trenance Cottage is a 200-year-old Georgian villa filled with quintessential English charm. Almost everything is made using local Cornish produce, and the friendly staff and exceptional value make it outstanding.
2 Trenance Lane, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 2HX
01637 872034, www.trenance-cottage.co.uk
3. Cemlyn Tea Shop
With stunning views over Harlech Castle, the mountains and sea, it couldn’t be in a better location. It’s not just the scenery that makes Cemlyn Tea Shop well worth a visit, it has a wide selection of loose-leaf and fruit fusion teas and delectable regional treats such as Welsh cakes and the deliciously fruity bread, bara brith.
High Street, Harlech, Gwynedd, Wales LL46 2YA
01766 780425, www.cemlynrestaurant.co.uk
4. Betty’s of Harrogate
Created by young Swiss confectioner Frederick Belmonth in 1919, the menu at Betty’s has a combination of Swiss and Yorkshire influences. All the breads, cakes and chocolates are hand-made at Betty’s Craft Bakery, causing Betty’s to become one of the most well-known tearooms in the UK. If you want a traditional Yorkshire specialty try a Warm Yorkshire Fat Rascal – a large scone filled with fruits, or for a Swiss treat, go for the luxurious Swiss chocolate torte.
1 Parliament Street, Harrogate, Yorkshire HG1 2QU
01423 502746, www.bettys.co.uk
5. The Brew House Café at Kenwood House
Best after a bracing walk across Hampstead Heath, the majestic Kenwood House is a peaceful haven in the hustle and bustle of London. The setting is a beautiful favourite for filmmakers, having featured in Notting Hill, Mansfield Park and The Duchess. Plump sandwiches and luscious pastries and puddings are the menu highlights and the chocolate cake and scones also come highly recommended.
Hampstead Lane, Hampstead, London, NW3 7RJ
020 8341 5384, www.companyofcooks.com
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