Introduction
Father’s Day is an exceptional day set aside annually to honor fathers, father figures, and paternal bonds worldwide. It is an opportunity to show your dad how much you love and appreciate all that he does for you. Dads are great role models, sources of advice, and calming influences on difficult days. They have a special place in our hearts, and it’s only fair to take some time to celebrate them. What better way to do that than to treat him to an afternoon tea experience? This article will guide you through how to celebrate Father’s Day in style with an afternoon tea experience.
What is an Afternoon Tea Experience?
An afternoon tea experience is a popular British tradition that has been around since the 19th century. It is a light meal consisting of tea, finger sandwiches, scones, and other small cakes and desserts that are served on a tiered stand. It is a social experience designed to help you relax, unwind, and indulge in a lovely treat.
Different Types of Afternoon Tea
There are different types of afternoon teas to choose from to suit your taste buds and nutritional preferences. You can choose a traditional British Tea, an Afternoon Tea, High Tea, or Cream Tea. While each has unique features, they all offer refreshments that you can eat and drink all afternoon.
Traditional British Tea
The traditional British Tea is the most popular and features tea, finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries like cakes, macaroons, and tarts. It is served on a three-tiered plate with sandwiches on the bottom, scones in the middle, and pastries on the top. The Afternoon Tea is a lighter version that includes tea, sandwiches, scones, and small pastries. It is usually served on a two-tiered stand.
High Tea
The High Tea is a more filling tea, typically offered during the evening, and is equivalent to dinner. It consists of hearty dishes like roasted meat, vegetables, and salads alongside tea and cakes.
Cream Tea
The Cream Tea consists of tea, scones, clotted cream, and jam. It has no sandwiches or pastries and is perfect for those who prefer to indulge in baked goods.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Afternoon Tea Venue
When selecting an Afternoon Tea venue, here are some of the factors you should consider:
Location
Choose a location that is convenient for you and your dad. It would be ideal if the location had ample parking and was easily accessible by public transport.
Menu
Choose a venue that has a diverse tea selection, savory items, sweet items, and gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian options if necessary. It would be best to check for any dietary preferences before booking the place so that you can plan and book accordingly.
Ambience
Choose an environment that is relaxing with comfortable seating for you and your dad. A location that is not too noisy and features calming music would be perfect.
Service
Choose a location that has impeccable service. The wait staff should be attentive, polite, and knowledgeable about the menu.
Price
Choose a venue that fits your budget. Most places offer different packages, so make sure to choose the one that is affordable for you and will not strain your budget.
Best Afternoon Tea Venues in the UK
The UK offers a wide range of Afternoon Tea venues with varying styles, menus, and prices. Here are some of the best Afternoon Tea venues in the UK.
The Savoy, London
The Savoy is a luxurious hotel located in London’s West End. It has been serving Afternoon Tea since 1889 and is renowned for its excellent service, intricate finger sandwiches, scones, and patisseries. The tea served is the hotel’s specialty that was blended with flavors of cornflower petals, bergamot, and orange peels. A visit to The Savoy is an excellent way to spoil your dad in style.
Bettys Café Tea Room, Harrogate
Bettys Café Tea Room is an iconic café located in the historic town of Harrogate. It has been serving traditional afternoon tea since 1919 and is renowned for its mouth-watering delights. The café boasts beautiful décor and a relaxing ambience. The café also offers vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, making it the perfect place to cater to different dietary preferences.
The Merchant Hotel, Belfast
The Merchant Hotel is located in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and is famous for its exceptional service and luxurious interior. The hotel offers a wide range of elaborate cakes, sandwiches, and scones, making it an excellent place to spoil your dad. The Merchant Hotel also offers a range of loose-leaf teas from around the world, making it the perfect place to indulge in tea-brewing culture.
Ham Yard Hotel, London
Ham Yard Hotel is located in London’s Soho and boasts a quirky design with vibrant colors and patterns. The place is known for its perfectly crafted selection of sandwiches, pastries, and slices of cake. They have a wide range of tea selection and freshly baked scones that’ll leave your dad craving for more.
Conclusion
Father’s Day is a time to show your dad that you appreciate him. What better way to show how much he means to you than by spoiling him with an Afternoon Tea experience? It is an opportunity to indulge in exquisite tastes, relax, and bond with your dad over tea, sandwiches, and small pastries. With many Afternoon Tea venues offering diverse menus, styles, and budget-friendly packages, you are sure to find the perfect place to celebrate Father’s Day in style. Remember to choose a venue that has great service, comfortable seating, a diverse menu, and is within your price range. Start looking for the perfect afternoon tea venue today and make this Father’s Day a memorable one for your dad!
