Afternoon tea is a centuries-old tradition but in recent times it has enjoyed a resurgence. Restaurants, cafes, bars and even garden centres across Nottinghamshire offer a lavish spread of sandwiches, scones and cakes - from big slabs of sponge to mini patisserie.
A cup of tea (sometimes unlimited, depending on the venue) goes without saying and it's become customary to throw in a glass of fizz. The latest venue to launch the popular way to eat and catch up with family or friends is a characterful 400-year-old country house, in the village of Woodborough, around 20 minutes drive from Nottingham city centre.
Woodborough Hall has always been known as a wedding venue but since a takeover, there's a new focus on serving food and drink throughout the week. Afternoon tea is a key part of the new offering, served seven days a week.
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The lovingly-restored hall, which dates back to 1660, is steeped in history. But there's nothing antiquated or chintzy, about the style of tea. Rather a vintage flowery cake stand and crockery, the tea is presented on a modern stand with stainless steel handles.
But first, the drinks. Loose leaf tea is served (afternoon tea with tea bags should be outlawed). It comes in a glass tea pot with a mini sand timer to help calculate the perfect brew. The style of pot comes into its own with one of the teas, a flowering Jasmine, which slowly unfurls over time to reveal a pretty red bloom.
English breakfast, Earl Grey, peppermint and blackcurrant and hibiscus are amongst the other teas on offer. For extra sparkle you can add a glass of Champagne, or non-alcoholic fizz, which is as good as the real thing.
Two dainty cups with carrot and maple soup dotted with caraway seeds arrive, a warming way to start. The sandwiches are served on a variety of bread - white farmhouse, mini brioche buns, homemade focaccia, sourdough and rye toast with fillings including egg mayonnaise, chicken, brie and cranberry, and smoked salmon with Avruga caviar. Veggie alternatives can be ordered.
Freshly baked plain and fruit scones are accompanied by pots of cream and a selection of jams in passion fruit, raspberry and strawberry flavours. According to an etiquette expert it should be scones next, then cakes, but no one's going to tell you off if you dive into the enticing top layer of sweet delicacies first.
Some afternoon teas only offer one of each variety of cake but here there's two of each, so no need to discuss/squabble over who is having what. Everyone gets to have the miniature apple crumble, lemon meringue, chocolate éclair, strawberry shortcake, ginger with a coconut cream, white chocolate and mango, and banana with buttercream and candied walnut. Deceptively filling, you may reach a point where you have to quit but you can have any leftovers boxed up to take home.
Woodborough Hall has three different settings for tea - there's a cosy wood-panelled lounge with sofas overlooking the fireplace. It's opulent and refined but comfortable and relaxed. Another option is the orangery, with an atrium, and big glass windows looking out onto the picturesque gardens. Last but not least is the stylish restaurant and bar.
For those who like a side-helping of history with their afternoon tea, here's a brief rundown of the past. Although the present hall was built in 1660, there's been a hall at that location for centuries. Prominent owners have included William the Conqueror’s son William Peverel, a former Sheriff of Nottingham, who now has a Wetherspoon's pub named in honour in Bulwell.
The hall is said to be where MI6, UK's Secret Intelligence Service, has its origins. The nephew of 19th century owner Mansfield Parkyns - Captain Sir George Mansfield Smith-Cumming - founded the Secret Service during a meeting in 1909 at the hall. The very small, selective, secretive group specialised in foreign espionage and internal counter-espionage.
Woodborough hall was also a base for the Army and RAF in World War Two and was later the temporary headquarters for both the Riding Hussars and the Sherwood Foresters. With so many high ranking military figures residing at the hall, a bomb shelter was built in the grounds. The bunker is still there.
Last year the Grade II* hall went into receivership as the then owners ran into financial difficulties. It reopened at the end of November 2022 under the new ownership of Kidd Hospitality, who have given the building a makeover to enhance its charm.
There's a new entrance and reception where the bar used to be in front of an inglenook fireplace. The bar has gone, replaced by a log burner, and sofa. As soon as visitors step inside the door they are greeted by an ornate sweeping staircase, carved by a former owner, and stained glass windows.
The deep red walls have been replaced by cleaner, brighter magnolia decor. The former reception is now a private dining room seating up to 16 people, with the unusual feature of a glass window looking down into the wine cellar.
Events manager Samantha Potter said: "The aim is to give it a look of timeless elegance. There are lots of plans and we are slowly testing the water."
A lunch menu with small plates, sharing boards, sandwiches and large plates has been launched and magician Arron Jones, who was on stage at the Edinburgh Fringe, will be entertaining on February 3. Valentine's themed afternoon tea and dinner are also amongst forthcoming events.
Afternoon tea must be booked 24 hours in advance. The price is £25, or £35 with Champagne. For more details go to woodborough-hall.co.uk
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