Anyone for Afternoon Tea?

Becoming ever more popular in recent years is the classic ‘Afternoon Tea’ which dates back to the seventeenth century and was introduced by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford. It is thought she became hungry around 4.00 pm, like many of us, as the time between her lunch and dinner time spanned too far. She requested that a tray of tea, bread and butter and cake be taken up to her room and after this invited her friends to join her regularly.

Throughout Suffolk the majority of the restaurants, hotels and tearooms all serve Afternoon Tea. Being a lover of all cakes, plain scones and dainty sandwiches I thought I’d try out a few places to see what the trend is really all about.

I was informed when making my reservation that there are two types of ‘tea’ – Traditional Afternoon Tea which consists of tea and coffee, scones with clotted cream and jam and a handful of strawberries or ‘High Tea’ which was all the above along with a selection of sandwiches and cakes. I naturally decided to try the latter and I am so pleased I did. Served on three tier cake stands and beautifully presented was our delicious High Tea. 

Afternoon Tea is such a lovely thing to try whether it’s for a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary or simply to pass the time prior to collecting the keys to your holiday cottage. Most places which offer Afternoon Tea usually serve them between 12.00 pm and 6.00 pm rather than the traditional 4.00 pm as this gives customers much more flexibility. 

Below you will find some recommended places to visit if you’re thinking of booking Afternoon Tea during your next Suffolk trip. Many of these places have been tried and tested by our team here at Suffolk Secrets so please don’t hesitate in asking the team which was their favourite! 

Southwold and Surrounding Villages

Southwold Boating Lake and Tea Room, Southwold - 07917 700539.Ivy House Country Hotel, Oulton Broad (where we indulged in our High Tea!) - 01502 501353Waveney House Hotel, Beccles  - 01502 712270

Coast and Heaths Area

Satis House, Yoxford - 01728 668418The Ship Inn, Dunwich - 01728 648219The Westleton Crown, Westleton (seasonal) - 01728 648777

Aldeburgh and Surrounding Villages

Cragg Sisters Tea Room, Aldeburgh - 07813 552181The White Lion Hotel, Aldeburgh - 01728 452720Granary Tea Shop, Snape Maltings – 01728 688203

Woodbridge and Surrounding Villages

The Crown Hotel, Woodbridge - 01394 384242Riverside Tearoom, Orford Quay - 01394 459797The Beech Tree Restaurant at Nottcutts Garden Centre, Woodbridge - 01394 445400

The Suffolk Countryside

Tiffin’s Tea Emporium, Long Melford - 01787-827911The Swan Hotel, Lavenham - 01787 247477The Copper Kettle, Kersey - 01473 827001

The Shotley Peninsula

Hamiltons Tea Rooms and Restaurant, Felixstowe - 01394 282956Suffolk Food Hall Cookhouse Restaurant, Wherstead - 01473 786616