As the splendid Mad Hatter said in Alice in Wonderland: ‘it’s always tea time’.
We couldn’t agree more – especially when it’s afternoon tea and all the terrific treats and trimmings that go with that – scones and jam, dainty sandwiches and all manner of savoury temptations. And cake, of course. There has to be cake.
It’s one of the finest British traditions – in fact it’s one of our best inventions.
At the New Forest Collection, we not only think we know what makes a wonderful afternoon tea, but we have some of the best places in the New Forest to enjoy one. Whether you are looking for a manor house setting or a secluded spot, we think Hatter would approve…
Mind your manors
BURLEY
Think of an afternoon tea in the New Forest, and you might picture yourself lord and lady of the manor, sitting back as you survey your estate and nibble on a crustless cucumber sandwich. Well for a short time at least we can help with that fantasy; take a trip to Burley Manor and you’re in for a treat. Many would claim this to be the best afternoon tea in the New Forest.
In the summer months, take tea on the terrace, with a menu crafted around seasonal and local produce from top quality suppliers.
The savoury selection includes Manchego scone with cream cheese and red pepper tapenade; or smoked ChalkStream trout with beetroot crème fraiche. For those with a sweet tooth, delight in some New Forest strawberry tart with vanilla cream, or chocolate, raspberry and almond cake. Of course there are plain and fruit scones, locally-produced Naked jam, clotted cream and lemon curd. And let’s not forget the extensive list of Char Tea for you to enjoy including Winchester breakfast, Chamomile, Moroccan mint, Early Grey and Rooibos Orange.
Restful spaces, a relaxed atmosphere – it’s as if Forest Lodge was made for afternoon tea.
This stunning Georgian townhouse in the heart of Lyndhurst is home to all of this, as well as our 1820 restaurant – the perfect spot, we think, for tea.
The leaf tea selection is as impressive as the setting – Lapsang Souchong, Fine China Jasmine, Winchester Fruit Basket, Moroccan Mint and many more. There’s a selection of food treats just as bedazzling – from freshly baked fruit scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream to a chocolate pot with local honeycomb – or how about ham hock and red onion chutney sandwiches? From sweet treats to savoury bites, 1820’s afternoon tea menu has it all.
Now we know how fickle the British weather can be, but if/when the sun is shining, enjoy your afternoon tea outdoors – but if the conditions aren’t as kind, simply retire to one of the relaxing drawing rooms.
If there’s anything more indulgent than an afternoon tea, it’s when it comes with a glass of fizz. Prosecco or Champagne? Lapsang Souchong or Earl Grey tea? Decisions, decisions…
It doesn’t get any easier when it comes to the food – Bartley Lodge’s afternoon tea is packed with temptations, sweet and savoury.
You can choose to tuck in on the terrace in the sun or relax on the comfy sofas indoors. The menu is packed with mouth watering sandwiches, freshly baked scones and tasty cakes for you to choose from as well as a selection of Char Teas – making it one of the best places for afternoon tea in the New Forest area.
On the hoof
BEAULIEU
Come to the New Forest and you hope to see some of the famous ponies, right? Well sit yourself down in the comfort of Beaulieu Inn’s lounge and bar area, and you can do just that.
See the ponies and donkeys wander by as you enjoy a fabulous afternoon tea. Of course there are freshly baked scones with strawberry jam and Dorset clotted cream; there are also a few Beaulieu specials too, like the hog roast and stuffing sausage rolls (yes, as good as they sound), or if you have a sweet tooth, try the cranberry and grapefruit frosted roulade. As well as a great selection of teas, you can also upgrade your experience with a glass of fizz – Champagne or Prosecco. Perfect if you are looking for a cream tea in the New Forest.
Sip on your cup of Earl Grey while listening to the local birdsong or glimpsing roaming deer and ponies… sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? Well, add in rich views across landscaped gardens (or sinking into cosy sofas and armchairs in the sitting room if the weather is a little inclement) and you’re painting a picture of afternoon tea at Moorhill House Hotel.
As well as the setting and views, there’s a towering selection of tasty sandwiches, homemade cakes and freshly baked scones for you to indulge in. While there’s these traditional elements you’d expect in a Burley afternoon tea, look out for some special touches such as wild mushroom arancini, cheddar and tomato pinwheels or pistachio cream macaroons.
