Spring provides the perfect backdrop to a relaxing afternoon tea. But where to go? Here we bring you the best of Suffolk.
A little treat
The Guildhall, Lavenham
The tearoom at the National Trust’s Guildhall in Lavenham’s Market Place is a wonderful option for a cream tea.
The high ceilings make it light and airy and the stunning Tudor beams and dropped chandelier give it a real sense of occassion.
Cream tea with gloriously large freshly baked scone/jam cream and big pot of tea is around £4.50, says Emma Brenna, west Suffolk chieft reporter.
Alder Carr Farm, Needham Market
Enjoy a freshly cut sandwich on white or granary bread served with a scone with jam and cream, or a piece of homemade cake, served with a pot of tea or a coffee of your choice at the Barn Cafe.
HR officer Jane Berry said: “Alder Carr is a firm favourite – very good cakes and scones, the only thing missing is the pretty crockery.”
Afternoon tea is £7.50 per person.
Splashing out
Applaud Coffee, St Peter’s Street, Ipswich
Formerly Baker & Barista, Applaud Coffee is a great place to go for afternoon tea because it is right in the centre of town.
Editorial assistant Amy Gallivan said: “The food and service is spot on and I love the eclectic mix of crockery and the cosy layout inside.”
Applaud Coffee charges £12.50 per person.
The Essex Rose Tea Room, Dedham
Technically this is little treasure, run by jam producers Wilkin & Sons, is over the border in Essex - as the name suggests.
News editor Lauren Hockney said: “I would recommend any of the Essex tea rooms run by Wilkin & Sons – service and food is always fabulous.
“I have never had a better afternoon tea anywhere else which is saying something nowadays as everywhere seems to do it.”
Traditonal English afternoon tea is £28 for two - with local jam guaranteed.
An indulgent splurge
The Salthouse, Ipswich Waterfront
This is a modern twist on an afternoon tea, says features writer Nicola Warren.
“It comes with pink perspex cake stands filled with savoury treats including cheese and sun-dried tomato scones, sweet pastries such as mini chocolate éclairs and fresh, warm sweet scones served with cream and jam.
“It is all accompanied with unlimited tea!”
Afternoon tea costs £17.50 per person
The Swan, Lavenham
The traditional spread is served in stages with sandwiches served first followed by cakes and scones.
Each course comes presented on fine Royal Worcester Crockery specifically created for The Swan by Walpole of Stoke-on-Trent.
Plus there are 20 varieties of tea to choose from.
And for those with special dietry requirements, the Swan will alter the menu to suit.
This is a treat at luxurious treat at £19.50 a head.
A Royal treat
The Savoy
The Savoy is a long way from Suffolk but for photographer Su Anderson it was worth the trip.
American-born Su said: “I’ve only ever been for afternoon tea once. I took my mom to the Savoy this summer because they do an amazing vegan afternoon tea.”
Afternoon tea for two starts at £112.50.
Where is your favourite place for afternoon tea?
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