THE HISTORY OF AFTERNOON TEA
The tradition of the afternoon tea dates back to the 18th Century when one of Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting, Anna Stanhope (the Duchess of Bedford) complained of a sinking feeling about 4 ‘o’clock in the afternoon. To revive herself, the Duchess had her servants bring her a pot of tea and a few breadstuffs and then soon began inviting her friends to join her for her additional meal in her room at Belvoir Castle. The tradition of the afternoon tea was born – and has become a British institution. Whilst we can’t promise liveried footmen we can offer a little luxury and indulgence, that’s a thought that is guaranteed to lift your spirits!
At Classic Lodges we firmly believe that afternoon tea is one of the joys of life, and one that is made to be shared, you can choose from Cumbria to The Cotswolds, Lancashire to Yorkshire to Northumberland and Buckinghamshire to West Sussex, all great locations.
We are delighted to offer you a choice of Afternoon Teas all with the freshest, homemade scones with cream and jam, cakes, made to order sandwiches – all served, of course, with a piping hot pot of your favourite blend. Make it a celebration and add a glass of Lanson!
We are always happy to cater for guests who are gluten intolerant but we do ask that you let us know of any dietary requirements at the time of booking. When choosing ingredients, we do not knowingly use genetically modified food products. Some of our dishes may contain nuts.


Our Teas and Coffees
Our Teas
Traditional English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Lemon and Ginger, Pure Green Tea, Peppermint and a selection of Fruit Teas.
Loose Leaf Teas
Assam, Darjeeling
Our Coffee
We offer Coffee made from the finest Piacetto Rainforest Alliance Certified Fair Trade Coffee.
Homemade Afternoon Tea is served between 2:00pm to 5:00pm on selected days with unlimited tea or coffee of your choice.
Deluxe Afternoon Tea
Our Afternoon Teas are served with unlimited Tea or coffee of your choice.
Dainty Finger Sandwiches served on white or brown bread made to order.
Please choose two sandwiches per person from the following:
- Turkey and cranberry sauce
- Roast beef with creamed horseradish
- Treacle glazed ham and red onion jam
- Cheddar and spiced tomato chutney
Chefs savoury treat
Winter apple and pork sausage roll
Homemade fruit scones
Served with Strawberry preserve, clotted cream and butter
Selection of Homemade Treats
- White chocolate and raspberry cheesecake
- Millionaires tart, salted caramel and pistachios
- Vanilla panna cotta with poached pear jelly
- Dark chocolate and orange éclair
- Mince pies
From £23.00 per person


Champagne Afternoon Tea
Our Afternoon Teas are served with unlimited Tea or coffee of your choice.
Dainty Finger Sandwiches served on white or brown bread made to order.
Please choose two sandwiches per person from the following:
- Turkey and cranberry sauce
- Roast beef with creamed horseradish
- Treacle glazed ham and red onion jam
- Cheddar and spiced tomato chutney
Chefs savoury treat
Winter apple and pork sausage roll
Homemade fruit scones
Served with Strawberry Preserve, Clotted Cream and Butter
Selection of Homemade Treats
- White chocolate and raspberry cheesecake
- Millionaires tart, salted caramel and pistachios
- Vanilla panna cotta with poached pear jelly
- Dark chocolate and orange éclair
- Mince pies
Festive Mulled Berry Compote
A Glass of our Lanson Père et Fils, Brut Champagne (125ml)
From £32.00 per person
Classic Cream Tea
Our Cream Teas are served with unlimited Tea or coffee of your choice.
Fresh, homemade Fruit Scones served with butter, strawberry preserve and clotted cream alongside a Cake of the Day.
From £13.00 per person
