5 Quintessentially English Places to Enjoy High Tea in High Summer

Could there be anything more English than High Tea? Tea has been important to the English for centuries, and it remains so to this day. However, as any true tea connoisseur knows only too well, there is tea and then there is tea.

Afternoon Tea by Magnus D

So if you want to enjoy the very best tea that England has to offer, where should you go? Here are five of the best places where you can enjoy high tea in high summer.

1. Rocke Cottage Tearooms, Shropshire

Rocke Cottage Tearooms is right up there with the best of them and has booked itself a place in tea history by winning the honour of the Top Tea Place 2011 award from The Tea Guild in 2011.

It received an almost perfect score as a result of the warm atmosphere, welcoming surroundings and efficient service, not to mention the choice of delicious teas and the wide variety of refreshments on offer.

Located in Clun Valley, Shropshire, Rocke Cottage Tearooms dates back to the 17th century, and the historic setting creates a unique atmosphere to enjoy some of the best tea in the country.

2. Bettys, Harrogate

Bettys was founded in 1919 and since then it has grown in reputation and popularity as it continues to serve up consistently good tea.

It was started by Frederick Belmont, and the first café opened in Harrogate. Now there are Bettys cafes across Yorkshire, each of them serving up delicious Yorkshire tea along with scones and other tempting refreshments. However, for the best experience you should head to the original on Parliament Street.

3. Claridge’s, London

Claridge’s is one of the most well-known places to drink tea. It regularly comes top in the favourite places to take high tea in London, and you will simply love the atmosphere in this luxurious and elegant five-star hotel in Mayfair which dates back to 1812.

Tea here is served in the Foyer, and famous guests over the years include none other than Queen Victoria. But aside from the history, it is the quality of the tea, the great service and the delicious crustless sandwiches and scones served up alongside it which make this such a special place.

4. The Langham, London

Another great place to have tea in London, the Langham also drips with history. Its claim to fame dates back to the 19th century when it was popular with the great and the good, and famous guests include Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde and George Orwell amongst others.

Afternoon Tea and High Tea are served in Palm Court, and the food to accompany them is truly mouthwatering. Add this to the historical setting and you have an excellent place to enjoy your tea.

5. The Manor House Hotel, Wiltshire

Set in 365 acres of parkland near Castle Combe, this country mansion is the perfect place to enjoy a spot of tea. The tea here is another award-winning experience, with the Tea Guild giving it the Top City and Country Hotel Tea Award in 2010, and the Top City and Country Hotel Tea Award of Excellence in 2011. Tea is served in the Drawing Room, the Full Glass Bar or on the terraces, and you can choose to enjoy a Cream Tea, Full Afternoon Tea or even a Champagne Afternoon Tea.

Enjoy the Best Tea There Is

These are some of the very best places that you can enjoy high tea in England, so if you happen to be near any of the above locations this summer then make sure you book yourself in for a traditional English experience you won’t forget.

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