Mothering Sunday is just around the corner, and we thought it just the right time to put together a list of some super Afternoon Tea spots around Suffolk.
Salthouse Harbour Hotel
You’re spoilt for choice at the Salthouse Harbour Hotel with their 4 afternoon tea packages to suit every need; Cream Tea (£8.50pp), Afternoon Tea (£19.50pp), Luxury Afternoon Tea – includes a glass of champagne.. hic! (£28.50) and Kids Afternoon Tea – great if your little ones are coming along too (£10 per child). All options are available daily between 1pm – 5pm although booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
The Ickworth
Why not follow in the footsteps of the English gentry before you, and enjoy a simply splendid afternoon at The Ickworth. For the Traditional Afternoon Tea you’re looking at £21.50 per adult and £10.75 per child. If you fancy upgrading to a Sparking Afternoon Tea which includes a chilled glass of Prosecco, the cost is £26.50pp. Serving times are 12pm – 4.30pm Monday – Friday, and 2pm – 4.30pm Saturday – Sunday.
The Swan at Lavenham
More options to choose from at the beautiful Swan at Lavenham; will go for Traditional, Gentleman’s or High Tea? Traditional, is as you would expect (£22.50pp or £34.00pp with a glass of Champagne), the Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea is for those who have less of a sweet-tooth but can still enjoy the full experience with a different menu, which looks no less delicious (prices are the same as the Traditional). Last, but very not at all least, is High Tea which is coming in at £26.50pp.
Milsoms at Kesgrave Hall
Although you will not be able to guarantee your dining time because booking is not available at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall; you can simply drop in between 3pm – 5pm and treat that special lady in your life to a wonderful spread. I’d recommend getting there a tad earlier, particularly on Mothering Sunday and ordering yourselves a cup or glass of something to enjoy in the lounge areas, just in case there is a wait time.
Seckford Hall
Once again, a couple of options for you here; Cream Tea (£9pp), Full Afternoon Tea (£18.00pp), Prosecco Afternoon Tea (£25.00pp) & Champagne Afternoon Tea (£30.00pp). Serving times are between 2pm – 5pm, and I would suggest booking in advance for this one too. Seckford Hall is a lovely location, and if it looks like it’s going to be pleasant day, try getting a table outdoors and soak in the surroundings.
The Cookhouse Restaurant – Suffolk Food Hall
You’ll be lucky to find another Afternoon Tea location that offers views quite like The Cookhouse; with its unrivalled panoramic views across the estuaries of the Orwell. Bookings must be made at least 24hrs in advance and Afternoon Tea is served daily from 2.30pm Monday – Thursday and from 3pm Friday – Sunday. Your available options are: Afternoon Tea, Vegan Afternoon Tea, Vegetarian Afternoon Tea, Dairy Free Afternoon & Gluten Free – all boasting their own full menus.
Alder Carr Farm
Although I personally have never been here; I hear nothing but good things about The Barn Café at Alder Carr Farm. Their Afternoon Tea is slightly different from the traditional selection of smaller delights, in that you can choose from 5 sandwich fillings to make up a freshly cut sandwich on your choice on white or granary, which is served with a fruit scone, cheese scone or piece of homemade cake with a pot of tea or coffee of your choice. All for just £8.95pp, however, if you were booking for a party of 5 or more, they are happy to offer selection of treats, and arrange a package for large groups.
Applaud Coffee
In the heart of Ipswich, you will find Applaud Coffee set among the independent & artisan retailers of The Saints. All of their cakes and scones are baked onsite in their little kitchen and on a nice day, the courtyard garden is a favourite of many. A traditional style here with a pot of tea or coffee, with a selection of sandwiches and homemade cakes – always including a fruit scone with clotted cream and jam is served. Booking is required, at least 48hrs in advance and the cost per person is £14, with a £2.50 surcharge if you would like a gluten free option.
The Alex Brasserie
In hoping we will be blessed with some Spring sunshine; you can’t often go wrong with some fresh sea air and a stroll along the promenade; so why not head down to Felixstowe, with a trip to The Alex Brasserie. Their Afternoon Tea is straightforward & to the point (£14.00pp), and you can add a glass of prosecco to your experience, should you wish (£19.00pp). If you’re thinking you’d like to make it a family affair, with 12 or more of you, this is by reservation only.
The Fludyers
Another coastal beauty; The Fludyers Hotel is holding a special afternoon tea in honour of Mother’s Day on the 21st and 22nd March in their Simpsons function room. Booking is essential at £18.50pp or £23 to include a glass of champagne. It’s a lovely vibrant pub, restaurant & hotel, beautifully restored, just yards from the beach.
