Celebrate Afternoon Tea Week in Medieval Style

Fans of that classic British tradition of indulging in crustless sandwiches and perfectly proportioned cakes are in for a treat during this August’s ‘Afternoon Tea Week’ (August 8-14), if they head to the fairy-tale setting of Langley Castle Hotel, in Northumberland.

The fourteenth century medieval castle hotel boasts a grand Drawing Room, which is just one of the magnificent settings in which guests can relax and enjoy afternoon tea with friends and family. The experience at Langley Castle is spine-tingling, with afternoon tea lovers seated in huge comfy armchairs or deep sofas, in a truly unique surrounding bestowed with talking points such as a magnificent feature window, stained glass, a grand fireplace, window seats set into the seven-feet-thick walls and sparkling chandeliers, not to mention little knights in shining armour.

Served between 12pm to 4pm and available to non-residents as well as hotel guests, there are various afternoon tea options. A ‘Traditional Afternoon Tea’, (£22.50 per person) includes an assortment of delicate sandwiches, bursting with fillings of local ham and mustard with mayo, oak-smoked salmon, Northumberland egg and cress, and cucumber and cream cheese. Fruit and cheese scones served with strawberry jam and clotted cream and a Chef’s selection of cakes and sweet treats, add to the edible delights, which can be washed down with your choice of tea or coffee, served in traditional fine china cups. To make it even luxurious, there is the option of adding a glass of chilled Prosecco for £7.45 or Drappier Champagne for £10.50 per person.

For those with a really sweet tooth, there is the chance to skip the savoury and head straight to the treats with a ‘Confectioner’s Afternoon Tea’. A delicious Chef’s selection of cakes and sweet bites, cheese scones, and fruit scones served with strawberry jam and clotted cream, plus a choice of tea or coffee, make this a lovely option, for just £16.50 per person.

And if you have a heartier appetite, there’s always the Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea (£25 per person), which includes haggis bon bon, filo wrapped prawn, sausage rolls, tomato and cheese quiche and fruit and cheese scones, as well as a Chef’s selection of cakes and sweet treats and tea or coffee. If you want something stronger, you can always treat yourself to a bottle of local Allendale Ale for £5.30.

Don’t worry if you want to take the children along, as they too have their own Children’s Afternoon Tea menu (£12.95 per child), with the temptation of a sandwich filled with Nutella, peanut butter, strawberry jam or ham and cheese, or a cheese scone, plus a selection of cakes and fruit juice.

The best news for Afternoon Tea Week is that, as it takes place during the height of summer, you can stroll through the 10-acres of Langley Castle grounds, and walk off the calories, so there’s no need to feel guilty about any indulgence you choose!

To book your Afternoon Tea at Langley Castle Hotel, or for more information, call 01434 688 888 or visit www.langleycastle.co.uk

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Editors notes

Built in 1350, during the reign of Edward III, Langley Castle has retained its architectural integrity and is regarded as one of the few medieval fortified castle hotels in England. Surrounded by ten acres of woodland estate and beautifully landscaped grounds and just a stone’s throw from the World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall, this 27-bedroom castle pairs luxurious accommodation with exquisite fine dining, to offer guests a truly memorable stay.