Where better to enjoy one of Britain's most sophisticated past times than Cliveden House, a historic country manor boasting a Grade I Listing and 350 years of glittering history. Indeed, built in the 1600s by the second Duke of Buckingham as a gift for his mistress, over the years this huge estate has hosted the likes of Winston Churchill, President Roosevelt and John Lennon.
Here, afternoon tea means that little bit more, with historic figures throughout time having enjoyed jam-smothered scones in the house's opulent dining room. Held in the exquisite Dining Room, huge, south-facing windows fill the space with sunshine and look out to the stunning gardens, while a series of mammoth chandeliers hang overhead and gold-gilded walls glisten.
The menu has been curated by Executive Head Chef Christopher Hannon specifically to reflect some of Cliveden's most important moments. For example, the French Chocolate Cake nods to the French Dining Room, a private space for events and parties. As the story goes, former owner William Waldorf was visiting the Château d'Asnières near Paris and admired the opulent decor, so he bought the entire room and reconstructed it at Cliveden. While the 24-carat Gold Pickled Egg represents the Octagon Chapel where William Waldorf rests, while the Four Seasons Fruit Cake is supposed to symbolise a ceiling mural within the house that portrays the Duchess of Sutherland's four children as the seasons of the year.
Afternoon Tea is served every day of the week, though there are slightly different menus for the week days versus week ends. With your tea, you're welcome to enjoy a glass of Laurent-Perrier champagne or Berry Explosion Cocktail. There are also plenty of alcohol-free options as well as an expansive tea menu.