Get those pinkies up at our top spots to celebrate Afternoon Tea Week

FANCY a cuppa? Well, with National Afternoon Tea Week kicking off on Sunday, it’s high time you treated yourself to something fancy. A quintessentially British experience, restaurants and cafes around the country are polishing their finest china for the annual event – established in 2010 by Afternoontea.co.uk. “What began as a platform initiative to generate demand in a quiet month has become a self-sustaining calendar fixture that the industry has made its own,” said a spokesperson for the event. With the pastime dating all the way back to 1840s England, it traditionally consists of finger sandwiches, scones and cakes with a pot of loose-leaf tea – but that’s certainly not the only way to enjoy it. Sign up for the Fabulous newsletter Thank you! Mini marvels at Lanelay Hall’s afternoon tea Credit: Laneley Hall Hotels and restaurants are getting creative, hosting everything from Bridgerton-style cream teas and an Indian-inspired menu, to high tea served on an art-deco boat. From classic to quirky, here’s our full round-up so you can indulge in style. Fabulous’ Milcah and fiancé Tom at The Landmark London’s afternoon tea Credit: Milcah Fajardo Nationwide knockouts Board The Fingal in Edinburgh’s Port of Leith for art-deco glamour and nautical vibes, where the crew are serving up Summer Afternoon Tea with dock views from £65 per person. At the luxury floating hotel’s restaurant, The Lighthouse, tuck into buttermilk scones and dainty bites such as a tapioca and gruyère croquette, plus strawberry and white choc chantilly shortbread. Compliments to the chef and captain! Over in Hertfordshire, Sopwell House is offering a classic British Afternoon Tea steeped in style, from £39 per person. Most read in Fabulous Head to the elegant country hotel to indulge in moreish finger sandwiches and pâtisserie, all brought to you in the cutest colourful, floral china – we’ve got our eye on the pistachio macaron and chocolate praline slice! Afternoon tea on a boat or in a stately home – which will you choose? Credit: The Fingal, Sopwell House Not got much of a sweet tooth? At The Rex in Manchester, ditch the cakes for a flavour-packed Savoury Afternoon Tea. You can enjoy premium teas and coffees with charcuterie, cheeses plus hot bites such as roasted baby chorizo, beef croquettes and classic sausage rolls – a modern spin-off from the traditional – from £35 per person. Up in the Peak District, meet at The Charleston in Bakewell for Afternoon Tea with jazz, fresh pastries and locally sourced ingredients at this newly opened 1920s-style spot, from £24.95 per person – champagne upgrades and flapper dresses both optional! The Charleston serves up cocktails and jazz in the Peak District, while afternoon tea at The Rex in Manchester is a savoury affair Credit: The Charleston, The Rex Want to upgrade but without the booze? Go tea-total at the Francis Hotel’s Emberwood brasserie in Bath by booking A Sparkling Afternoon Tea, £55 per person. To meet a rise in demand for non-alcoholic experiences, this collab with sparkling tea brand Saicho is a treat alongside a contemporary menu – guilt-free bubbles anyone? Lastly, Lanelay Hall’s Traditional Afternoon Tea in Pontyclun looks like something straight out of Bridgerton, with its powder-pink interiors, white-gloved servers and florals aplenty. Book your spot at the hotel’s Lady Mary Cole’s Tea Room, from £50 per person, to experience the elegance and delectable sweet treats, including lemon meringue choux bun and a chocolate tart with miso caramel. Emberwood and Lanelay Hall ooze elegance at tea time Credit: Emberwood, Lanelay Hall London calling! Gin lovers should head to The Landmark in the capital to get a taste of summer with the botanical-inspired Afternoon Tea served with the Spirit Of The Oasis Cocktail, £89 – a blend of Palmaráe gin, elderflower, mint and citrus. Dine in The Landmark’s tropical atrium Credit: The Landmark Beneath the palm trees in the glass atrium with a live pianist tinkling away in the background, feast on the unlimited black truffle egg mayo finger sandwiches, while the mejool date financier is to die for. Cinnamon Bazaar’s High Chai is a feast for the eyes and tastebuds Credit: Kirsty Spence Looking to switch up your high tea? Why not try High Chai at Cinnamon Bazaar – with locations in Covent Garden and Richmond – from a great-value £27.50 per person. The Indian-inspired menu is bursting with flavour, offering guests masala fish finger sandwiches, spiced paneer rolls and a selection of sweets, plus a range of teas including trad Indian masala chai. Variety truly is the spice of life! This Versailles-themed tea at the Royal Albert Hall gets a “oui!” from us Credit: Royal Albert Hall Over at the famous Royal Albert Hall, experience a taste of France with the Fête de Versailles Afternoon Tea, £68 per person. With pâtisserie inspired by the gardens of Versailles, expect freshly baked lemon and poppy seed madeleines, and a mandarin bavarois dessert served from a topiary tree. Let them eat cake! Comment now