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National Afternoon Tea Week is upon us and to celebrate, MailOnline Travel is rounding up the best afternoon tea offerings at hotels across the country.
At The Lanesborough in London, a Tea Sommelier will help you to select your perfect pairings, while K West Hotel & Spa offers a boozy brew for those hoping to indulge in a mid-afternoon tipple.
Whether you're looking for a Welsh spin on the traditional English spread or a service inspired by one of the world's most famous crime novelists, one thing's for sure: there will be no shortage of clotted cream, freshly-baked scones and delicate desserts at these luxurious properties.
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The Lanesborough's service, which has won the UK Tea Council's Award of Excellence multiple times, is served in the Venetian-inspired Celeste dining room
A piano player sets the mood, while a Tea Sommelier offers expert advice on brews and pairings, as guests choose from one of several extensive afternoon tea menus
WHAT'S THE LANESBOROUGH'S TEA REALLY LIKE?I had the opportunity to sit down to a luxurious tea service at The Lanesborough just prior to Afternoon Tea Week to try out their service.
While I opted for the Traditional Afternoon Tea, there are Prestige and Vegetarian/Gluten-Free options available too, and all are enjoyed in the hotel's gorgeous dining room.
Upon the recommendation of the friendly staff, I chose their signature afternoon brew to sample - a delightful, slightly citrus-y mix of black and green teas. And, whatever you do, avoid adding milk. You really don't need it.
Scones are served with both lemon curd and fruit preserve, but it's the clotted cream dotted with gold leaf that's the real prize. (It's just one of many signature desserts accented with gold.)
The lemon Madeline and chocolate biscuit are two beloved offerings, though the raspberry and pistachio tart was as rich as it was light and fruity. (As I general rule, I don't even like pistachios.) And for those chocolate lovers, the salted caramel chocolate wafer and The Lanesborough's signature hazelnut truffle - think Ferrero Rocher but better - will not disappoint.
The Lanesborough - London
If you're looking for a truly memorable way to mark a special occasion, look no further than the Lanesborough's incredible English tea service.
It's won the UK Tea Council's Award of Excellence multiple times - and it's not hard to see why.
The majestic Veneti an dining room, called Celeste, hosts the daily affair, complete with a piano player to set the mood and Tea Sommelier to offer expert advice on brews and pairings.
Though there are several menus to choose from, all offer freshly-baked scones with clotted cream and preserves, as well as plenty of the hotel's signature desserts and sandwich trimmings.
It's also worth noting that vegetarian, gluten-free and daily-free teas are also available upon request.
Brown's Hotel - London
Among the best hotel afternoon teas in Britain is the Agatha Christie-inspired service at Brown's Hotel in Mayfair
Book lovers will absolutely adore this literary-inspired afternoon tea.
With this year marking the 125th anniversary of celebrated writer Agatha Christie's birth, Brown's is commemorating her life in their English Tea Room by serving a special Agatha Christie afternoon tea.
A selection of delicacies mentioned in her books will be served, while other treats are inspired by her most famous character, Miss Marple.
The five-star luxury hotel is located in Mayfair and was a favourite tea destination of Queen Victoria.
Lancaster London
The Lancaster London offers guests the opportunity to purchase a takeaway tea service to enjoy in nearby Hyde Park
Priced at just £30 per person, the picnic comes in a handy fabric bag complete with napkins, cutlery and water. Juice and champagne can also be added
Enjoy a takeaway tea in nearby Hyde Park thanks to the Lancaster London's afternoon tea picnic hampering offering.
Priced at just £30 per person, the picnic comes in a handy fabric bag complete with napkins, cutlery and bottled water. Optional add-ons of juice and champagne are available but charged separately.
But, book now - and to celebrate the launch of the picnic - you'll receive a bottle of Laurent Perrier champagne and flute glasses for just £10.
There's your perfect summer afternoon sorted.
The Arch London
At The Arch London, the class ic British treat gets a street food makeover, taking advantage of some of the finest food truck options that the capital has to offer
For an international twist on the classic British treat, head to The Arch London's street food-inspired feast.
It's no secret that the capital has a thriving food truck scene and this spread incorporates some of the best of what the city has to offer.
Meat and vegetarian versions of treats including mini Portobello mushroom burgers will be served, alongside smoked chicken, chili and mango tortillas.
Meat and vegetarian versions of indulgences, including mini Portobello mushroom burgers will be served, alongside smoked chicken, chili and mango tortillas
All diners who post a photograph of their afternoon tea on Instagram and Twitter may be entered to win an overnight stay at the hotel
And, of course, no London-based street food menu would be complete without fish and chips.
Best of all, all diners through August 28 who post a photograph of their afternoon tea on Instagram or Twitter and tag The Arch London, using the hashtag #TheArchSFAT, will be entered into a draw to win an overnight stay at the hotel.
Upon arrival, they will also receive champagne and a full English breakfast the following morning.
Berwick Lodge - Bristol
Berwick Lodge's beautiful grounds make it the perfect place to enjoy a quintessentially classic afternoon tea - anytime of year
In the summer, guests can take advantage of the 18 acres of hillside woodlands and dine out in the gardens
This secluded, upscale hotel is set on 18 acres of hillside woodlands in a 19th century Gothic villa.
And Berwick Lodge's beautiful grounds make it the perfect place to enjoy a quintessentially classic afternoon tea - in particular, during the summer months when you can dine out in the gardens.
For just £17, guests will receive a selection of finger sandwiches, Black Forest cake, and raspberry macaroons, among other treats.
Intercontinental Park Lane - London
A limited-edition collaboration between the Intercontinental Park Lane and British Family Perfumers, Floris London, comes a sensory journey in the form of an afternoon tea
A collaboration between the hotel and British Family Perfumers, Floris London, comes the limited-edition Floris Scents of Summer afternoon tea.
The sensory journey celebrates the beauty of British summer, combining perfumery expertis e and culinary talent.
Special one-of-a-kind creations at the Intercontinental Park Lane include bergamot macaroons and jasmine teacakes.
K West Hotel & Spa - London
At the K West Hotel & Spa, the Elderflower G & Tea cocktail, will be served for a limited time alongside the hotel's Glam Rock service
A kaleidoscope of colours, the Glam Rock afternoon tea is a fun, fresh take on the traditional English tea service
A limited-edition cocktail, the Elderflower G & Tea, will now be served alongside the hotel's Glam Rock afternoon tea.
Created by infusing gin with fragrant elderflower tea and mixing it with apple juice, the one-of-a-kind brew is also topped with a generous scoop of earthy green-tea ice cream.
K West Hotel & Spa will also offer a complimentary souvenir to tin, filled with its bespoke 'TEA Rex Tea,' which is the hotel's special blend, for all bookings larger than six guests.
Hilton Cardiff
For something a bit more unconventional, the Hilton Cardiff puts a Welsh spin on their afternoon tea service
For something a bit more unconventional, head west to the Hilton Cardiff for a Welsh take on traditional afternoon tea.
With magnificent views from the glass-fronted conservatory, hotel guests and locals alike can sit down to indulge in Welsh cheddar sandwiches, as well as sultana and buttermilk scones.
The Welsh classic, Bara brith, or speckled bread, is also served, along with a selection of cakes.
Source: A street food feast, takeaway picnic hampers and a spread inspired by Agatha Christie: Britain's best hotel afternoon teas revealed
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