Latest 7’s favourite venues cordially invite you to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea

Be our guest

It may be a stereotype, but it’s one we love to live up to: Brits love a good cup of tea. The reason why? Because we get it right – every time. Whether it’s a pot of English breakfast tea, a cup of Earl Grey, or a herbal/fruit blend, there is nothing more refreshing than a tasty cuppa…Unless it comes with a side of delicious sweet treats.

Which is where afternoon teas come in.
It may conjure up an image of days of old, but it’s a concept – and event – that is very modern. It’s where 20-somethings take their mum and nan for the afternoon; it’s where hen parties take themselves prior to – or instead of – a night out. It’s where couples, young and old, celebrate special occasions. And, here in Brighton, tourists visit our famous hotels or quirky tea rooms for the experience, an experience which the residents are already privy to.

The difference is where you choose to go: from lovely seafront hotels to quaint tearooms tucked out of the way, the experience is yours. What you can always expect is a great service and amazing food and drink. There will be mouth-watering home-made scones, waiting to be spread with fresh cream and jam; delicious sandwiches with a variety of fillings, cut and served in delicate triangles, and cake-stands adorned with an assortment of pastries and biscuits. Whether homemade on the premises or freshly brought in, these tasty treats will all go down well with an unbeatable cup of tea. The best bit? Whether there’s two of you or 20, an afternoon tea can be catered around you, serving as little or as much as you desire.

Blackbird Tea Rooms
Recently awarded the accolade of ‘Best Tea & Cakes in Brighton’, Blackbird Tea Rooms, with its quintessentially English traditional style, has become the favourite retreat of lovers of good old fashioned quality and service. Having become famous for all the delicious cakes, pastries and Afternoon Teas made on the premises, Blackbird has recently announced plans to open later into the evening serving selections of tasty morsels and sharing plates that could best be described as “British Tapas”. Although they don’t yet have a drinks licence, customers will be very welcome to bring their own bottles with a small nominal corkage fee. Perfect!
Blackbird Tea Rooms, 30 Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AD, 01273 249454, www.blackbirdtearooms.com

Hilton Brighton Metropole

Hilton Brighton Metropole is a grand and majestic seafront hotel steeped in history and retaining much of its Victorian elegance and charm, with its handsome red-bricked exterior and extravagant, opulent interiors.

The sea-facing lounge bar and terrace is ideal for those who enjoy the tradition of Afternoon Cream Tea. Served daily between 2pm and 6pm, enjoy the tiers of delicate finger sandwiches, warm home-baked scones, cream and preserves as well as a selection of cakes from the pastry chef. A wide selection of loose leaf teas or Costa coffee is included, all for £19.95 per person. If it’s a celebration, why not treat yourself to a glass of chilled champagne?

Lastly, not forgetting the children, who can have an afternoon tea of their very own! The Mad Hatter – a three-tier stand just for the little ones – features a selection of ham, marmite and cream cheese finger sandwiches, along with jam tarts, candy floss and éclairs, served with candy floss milkshake or chocolate milk froth.
Reservations are advisable.

Hilton Brighton Metropole, Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2FU, 01273 775432, www.hilton.com/brightonmet
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