Originally conceived as an elegant way of staving off unseemly
hunger pangs in between lunch and dinner, afternoon tea remains as popular today
as it was when invented in the 1840s.
To be honest, we don't need an official Afternoon Tea Week - it runs 8-14 August - as an excuse for an afternoon treat. We are very happy to have afternoon tea any day of the week at any time of year. In fact, we would happily have afternoon tea for breakfast, lunch, dinner and any periods in between.
If you feel the that your day would be immeasurably improved by afternoon tea then we have rounded up some traditional and some not so trad suggestions. You can browse more ideas here.
Champagne Central
Champagne Central: putting on the ritz. Pic: Facebook
If you're going to pamper yourself then you may as well do it in the refined setting of Champagne Central in Glasgow's Grand Central Hotel.
With this Big Deal, two people can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea from just £25.
A splendid gift idea, your afternoon tea will include the Chef’s selection of sandwiches, mini filled brioche rolls followed by freshly baked fruit and plain scones with clotted cream and preserves. See main pic.
To finish, guests can tuck into Chef’s top plate of cakes.
Naturally, there are options to add fizz. Book now.
Derby Lane
Derby Lane is always Insta-ready. Pic: Facebook.
With its pink, gold and aqua facade, Derby Lane is a treat for the eye as much as the stomach. And inside you will find an interior that spirits you away to the chic beach eateries of the Hamptons.
Located at the Finnieston end of Argyle Street, not far from Kelvingrove Park, the vibe here is quirky, fun and luxurious - perfect for afternoon tea with pals.
Starting at £25, this Big Deal is for a stylish afternoon tea for two at Derby Lane.
Tuck into yummy sandwiches like coronation chicken with mango chutney, salmon and avocado or cucumber with cream cheese, served with deluxe Pekoe tea or Papercup coffee.
Plus leave room for scones with clotted cream and Champagne strawberry jam, as well as goodies like mini Victoria sponge, mini carrot cake, meringues and peanut butter millionaire shortbread.
Book here.
Riverside Beauty at Crowne Plaza, Glasgow
Relax at Riverside Beauty with afternoon tea and treatments. Pic: Facebook
Why stop at afternoon tea when you could add on fizz and spa treatments?
This Big Deal with Riverside Beauty spa includes three treatments as well as a glass of fizz and afternoon tea in the hotel's sleek Mariner Bar and Restaurant.
The spa has tranquil views of the Clyde as do the bar and restaurant which enjoy floor to ceiling windows looking out onto the famous river.
With today’s Big Deal, you can look forward to a day of indulgence.
Choose three treatments from the following:
Back, neck & shoulder massage
Face & scalp massage
Hand & arm massage
Foot & leg massage
This guest loved her experience:
‘On arrival at Riverside Beauty we received a lovely, warm welcome, instantly allowing us to relax into our afternoon. We were given lovely, luxurious towels and robes. We had a range of treatments through this deal and plumped for aromatherapy back and shoulder massage, express facial, Indian Head Massage and Pedicure. I couldn’t pick one treatment over another. They were all fantastic. Definitely recommend this hotel and spa and deal was an added bonus. We can't wait to go back. We were left feeling relaxed and rejuvenated!’
Sound good? Buy now.
Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort
Mar Hall: spectacular location for afternoon tea. Pic: Facebook
You could combine afternoon tea with a little trip out of the city.
A world class hotel which has attracted more than its fair share of celebrities, Mar Hall is within twenty minutes of Glasgow yet offers a true taste of escapism.
The Edwardian mansion is tucked away in its own 240 acre woodland estate, overlooking the River Clyde, with views towards the Kilpatrick Hills.
Available noon to 4pm, seven days a week, the Big Deal offers a sparkling afternoon tea for two people for £40. There is a £10 supplement for Saturday and Sunday bookings.
Afternoon tea is served in the 118 feet long Grand Hall, the heart of Mar Hall. Furnished with French style Louis XIV chairs and low coffee tables, it is hung with fine paintings and splendid tapestries.
The twenty feet high windows allow ample natural light as well as views of the formal gardens. The setting offers a glimpse of early 19th-century fine living.
During busy periods, the afternoon tea may be served in another dining area within the hotel.
The afternoon tea lives up to the surroundings, comprising a mouth-watering array of delicious sandwiches, delicate pastries, cakes and scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve.
As well as tea and coffee, guests on this Big Deal will also enjoy a chilled glass of Prosecco.
Book here.
Red Bus Bistro
There's not a bus for ages and then three turn up at once... Pic: Facebook.
An alternative way to combine travel and afternoon tea would be to hop on the Red Bus Bistro in Glasgow or Edinburgh.
Touring the cities in a converted 1966 Routemaster bus, the Red Bus Bistro drives passengers between iconic landmarks. In Edinburgh, these include Edinburgh Castle, Greyfriar’s Bobby and Holyrood Palace. In Glasgow, the route takes in The Gallery of Modern Art, The People’s Palace Museum and University of Glasgow.
En route, guests will tuck into a delicious afternoon tea. Look forward to a selection of finger sandwiches, mini rolls or wraps, and quiches.
Of course there will be a selection of petit fours and cakes, as well as traditional scones with fresh whipped cream and jam. All washed down with as much tea and coffee as you can drink.
And, if you fancy something a little stiffer, there is the option to add a chilled glass of Prosecco or a gin pot-tail each.
Red Bus Bistro use a variety of flavoured Scottish gins from their supplier, McGin all muddled with aromatic herbs and topped dainty edible flowers!
Glasgow afternoon tea trips are available here while Edinburgh journeys are here. Red Bus Bistro afternoon tea experiences start from £47 for two.
Britain Loves Baking
Cake heaven. Pic: Facebook
And if you would rather enjoy afternoon tea in the comfort of your own home, then Britain Loves Baking sends out delicious treats straight from the oven, all using the finest quality ingredients and curated by cake guru, Greg the Baker.
Flavoured scones, raspberry-dusted truffles, gooey chocolate cake… do these sound totally yum to you?
If so, then good news – they could all be winging their way to your door (plus plenty of other treats besides) with this Big Deal for a speciality afternoon tea.
This Big Deal is for a choice of afternoon tea at home for two, choosing from Chocolate Lovers or The Cakery Collection.
Your scrumptious selection will be made fresh on the day and delivered to you ice-packed. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days.
Best of all, a portion of each sale goes to a good cause like a mental health charity, children’s organisation or families in need.
Share a Bake: Every time you buy from Britain Loves Baking they donate a family bread-making kit to the Felix Project so 2.2m families who can’t afford it don’t have to go without a loaf of bread.
Chocolate Lovers Selection
4 x chocolate scones with cherry preserve & clotted cream
1 x berry & fruit chocolate bark
1 x mirror glaze chocolate orange cake
2 x white & dark chocolate brownies
2 x lemon & white chocolate ‘lemon kiss’ biscuits
4 x chocolate truffles with raspberry dusting
4 x mini chocolate caramel tarts
A mini box of special Afternoon Tea blend
The Cakery Collection
2 x mini cheese & onion marmalade tarts (just warm them up for 5 minutes)
4 x scones (apricot & sultana) with apricot preserve and clotted cream
2 x mini chocolate cakes with chocolate ganache topping
2 x mini lemon drizzle cakes with lemon vodka drizzle
4 x vanilla & stem ginger shortbreads
4 x flavoured macaroons
6 x chocolate truffles with raspberry dusting
A mini box of special Afternoon Tea blend
The Britain Loves Baking Big Deal is £25 plus P&P.