Introduction
Father’s Day is a special day dedicated to celebrating dads – the unsung heroes in our lives. It’s the perfect opportunity to show your dad how much he means to you by treating him to a special afternoon tea.
Afternoon tea is a quintessentially British tradition that has been enjoyed for centuries. It involves a selection of sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and pastries, all served on a tiered cake stand with a pot of tea.
This Father’s Day, why not treat your dad to an afternoon tea experience he’ll never forget? In this ultimate guide to Father’s Day afternoon tea, we explore everything you need to know to plan the perfect celebration.
1. Choosing the Venue
The first step in planning your Father’s Day afternoon tea is choosing the right venue. The venue you choose will set the tone for the entire experience, so it’s important to choose wisely.
If you’re looking for a traditional afternoon tea experience, you could opt for a prestigious hotel or stately home. These venues often offer a traditional menu and elegant surroundings, perfect for a special occasion.
Alternatively, you could try something a little different and opt for a quirky, themed venue. Some afternoon tea venues offer themes such as Alice in Wonderland or Harry Potter, which can add an extra touch of fun to your celebration.
2. Pre-Booking
Once you’ve chosen your venue, it’s important to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Afternoon tea is a popular activity, particularly on Sundays and special occasions like Father’s Day, so venues can fill up quickly.
When you’re booking, make sure you let the venue know about any dietary requirements or allergies. Many venues offer vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options, so be sure to ask.
3. Choosing the Tea
The tea is the main event at an afternoon tea and there are a wide variety of different blends to choose from. Some venues offer a tea sommelier who can help guide you through the options and suggest the perfect blend to complement your afternoon tea.
If your dad is a tea lover, you could opt for a speciality tea such as a rare vintage Darjeeling or a smoky Lapsang Souchong. Alternatively, you could choose a more traditional blend like Earl Grey or English Breakfast.
4. The Perfect Afternoon Tea Menu
The classic afternoon tea menu consists of sandwiches, scones and pastries. However, many venues offer their own spin on the traditional menu. Here are some ideas to help you choose the perfect afternoon tea menu for your dad:
Sandwiches – Choose a selection of fillings that your dad will love. Classic options include smoked salmon and cream cheese, roast beef and horseradish, and egg mayonnaise. For something a little different, you could try roasted vegetables with hummus or smoked tofu with pesto.
Scones – No afternoon tea is complete without scones. Opt for classic plain or fruit scones, served with clotted cream and jam. Many venues also offer flavoured scones such as lemon or raspberry.
Pastries – The pastry selection is where venues can get a little creative. Classic options include mini Victoria sponges, chocolate éclairs and macarons. For something a little different, you could try a savoury pastry like a mini quiche or a vegetable samosa.
5. Add a Touch of Luxury
If you really want to treat your dad, why not add a touch of luxury to your afternoon tea? Many venues offer the option to upgrade your experience with extras such as champagne or a cheese platter.
You could also choose a venue that offers an afternoon tea experience with added extras, such as a spa day or a tour of the venue.
6. Personalise Your Celebration
Father’s Day is all about celebrating your dad and showing him how much he means to you. Why not add a personal touch to your afternoon tea celebration?
You could ask the venue to personalise your menu with your dad’s favourite sandwich filling or pastry. Alternatively, you could bring along a special gift or a card to surprise your dad during your afternoon tea.
Conclusion
Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show your dad how much you care by treating him to a special afternoon tea celebration. Choosing the right venue, pre-booking your experience, selecting the perfect tea blend, choosing the menu, adding luxury and personalising your experience will make your Father’s Day afternoon tea unforgettable. Use this ultimate guide to make the occasion truly special and unforgettable for your dad.
