Afternoon Tea

"Sandwiches intended for afternoon tea are dainty trifles, pleasing to the eye and palate, but too flimsy to allay hunger where it exists." Mrs Beeton 1892

The tradition of taking Afternoon Tea was reputedly introduced by Anna Maria, seventh Duchess of Bedford, in the early 1840s to appease her ‘sinking feeling’ in the long hours between an early luncheon and a late supper. She asked for a pot of water, bread and butter and cakes; and brewed her own tea. 

In a letter to her brother-in-law, sent from Windsor Castle in 1841, she writes: 'I forgot to name my old friend Prince Esterhazy who drank tea with me the other evening at 5 o'clock...’ By the end of the decade Afternoon Tea was a widespread social event. The small, crust-less sandwiches, biscuits, and cake were easy to eat without soiling gloves, prior to a fashionable promenade in Windsor Great Park.

Indulge yourself with a Royal Windsor afternoon tea with a twist.

Queen's Jubilee Afternoon Tea at the Castle Hotel

In celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee The Castle Hotel's Executive Head Chef Suraj has created an afternoon tea fit for Royalty.

The Queen's Jubilee Afternoon Tea (£30pp) features a freshly made selection of sandwiches: Jubilee Coronation Chicken wrap with garden leaves; Severn & Wye smoked salmon pinwheel chive cream cheese with caviar on rye bread; free range egg mayonnaise & cress sandwich on malted bread; and cucumber & hummus on white bread.  Follow with freshly baked fruit or plain scones and conclude with a selection of delicious patisserie: Royal cupcake & Union Jack, Jubilant Macaroon sandwich and Her Majesty’s high tea chocolate cup & lemon posset.

Want to add some bubbles to your afternoon tea?  Choose from prosecco, champagne, Windsor Great Park sparkling wine or a Boe Peach and Hibiscus Gin and Tonic (each charged separately).

'On the River' Afternoon Tea with Private Boat Hire Ltd

Take to the River Thames in a classic 1960s built motor cruiser. This two-hour afternoon tea cruise involves a gentle journey downstream to Windsor, or upstream to Maidenhead and back. Sit back in comfort and take in the passing river sights including a lock, marinas, spectacular houses and beautiful scenery. Your afternoon tea includes a selection of sandwiches, fresh scones served with clotted cream and jam, fresh strawberries and cream, tea and coffee.

Hedgerow Afternoon Tea at Coworth Park 

Coworth Park’s elegant Drawing Room enjoys views over 240 acres of Berkshire countryside. The Hedgerow Afternoon Tea is a delicious twist on tradition.  Coworth Park’s pastry team pays homage to the hotel’s English roots, taking inspiration from hedgerows and reinventing the classic English afternoon tea.

Enjoy delectable cakes such as their apple and gooseberry or indulge in their freshly baked scones with passion fruit curd and raspberry jam, all while enjoying views of the hotel’s picturesque meadow – it’s simply beautiful in spring and summer. 

The accompanying tea menu features over 20 varieties including Coworth Park’s own Meadow Blend, containing lavender picked from the hotel’s grounds.  There is also the option to add a delicious glass of Champagne to your tea too!

Perfect Picnics on The Long Walk with Windsor Carriages

Windsor Carriages offer locally-made picnics in proper hampers to accompany their horse-drawn carriage tours lasting 30, 60 or 90 minutes. Relax and enjoy al-fresco eating at the top of The Long Walk in Windsor Great Park, facing Windsor Castle.

Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea at Cliveden

Experience a Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea at Cliveden.  Indulge in a perfectly prepared selection of traditional British savoury treats, including delicious finger sandwiches and tempting modern touches alongside freshly baked scones with clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam. As well as delectable bite-size pastries and delicacies, including Queen Elizabeth’s favourite chocolate biscuit cake to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s seventy years of service. Prepared and served fresh each day, along with a selection of full-bodied and aromatic Cliveden tea blends. 

To mark the historic milestone, Executive Chef Christopher Hannon has curated an exquisite menu to celebrate the occasion throughout the year with an Afternoon Tea consisting of traditional favourite dishes from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, including mouth-watering pastries and sandwiches.

Or why not add bubbles to your Afternoon Tea?  Enjoy all of the delicious delights above with the added decadence of a glass of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée, Brut Champagne to top off your Cliveden afternoon tea experience.