How to Plan the Perfect Afternoon Tea in Backbarrow

Afternoon tea is about more than just food and drink. Presentation and setting are also key to creating an enjoyable experience.

A lot of the desserts can be made a day ahead of time, and many bakeries sell striped or floral fabric that can be used to dress tables. Also, a lot of the sandwiches can be cut in advance, too.

Choose Your Tea

A well-stocked tea pantry allows you to navigate a diverse menu of brews with ease, just like The Dolly Blue Bar in Backbarrow. To choose the perfect tea, consider a blend that includes bolder flavors (like black, green or oolong), delicate flavors, and something herbal to help you relax. If you’re having trouble choosing a tea, ask your local tea merchant for recommendations or look for an assorted collection that gives you a sample of each flavor.

One of the most important steps in making a delicious cup of tea is to choose the right strainer. The best tea strainers have a fine mesh that allows the leaves to expand without escaping. A loose tea infuser is also a great option because it allows you to steep your tea directly in the cup.

For a true afternoon tea experience, you’ll want to serve a variety of sweets and savory snacks. Adding a showstopper, like a Parisian-standard tart or layer cake, is a great way to impress your guests.

Sandwiches are another traditional component of afternoon tea, and it’s important to make them ahead of time if possible. Typically, they’re served on three-tiered tea trays, with sandwiches or savories in the bottom, scones in the middle, and pastries in the top. Afternoon tea etiquette dictates that you should eat the sandwiches first, followed by the scones, and finally, the pastries.

You can even prepare the pastries the night before your tea party and store them in a cool, dry place until serving time. This is a great trick for making sure everything goes smoothly on the day of your event!

As for the actual brewing process, a proper tea service starts with boiling fresh water. Once the kettle reaches a rolling boil, turn off the heat and set aside. Next, add your desired amount of loose leaf tea to a teacup or teapot. Let the tea steep for about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the strength you prefer. When the tea is ready, pour it into each guest’s teacup and enjoy!

Plan Your Menu

The menu for afternoon tea is a big part of the experience. Whether you want to lean into the classics and serve cucumber sandwiches and delicate little cakes, or mix things up with a boozy twist like strawberry daiquiri fondant fancies, you’ll want to plan ahead to ensure everything is ready for your guests on time.

You’ll also need to decide what type of drinks you’ll be serving and the crockery and cutlery you’ll use. Champagne or sparkling wine are the obvious options for a more fancy affair, while you can go for cocktails for an informal party. Whichever you choose, it’ll influence the rest of your choices, such as decorations and food.

There are three main kinds of foods served at a traditional tea – savouries, scones and sweets. The savouries are often finger-food such as sandwiches, quiches or canapes (though I’ve seen them served with a fork) and the scones are traditionally made with butter, clotted cream and sliced fruit. The sweets can be a wide variety of small desserts, such as cakes, meringues or cookies.

A great afternoon tea is an experience for the senses, from the flavours and textures of the foods to the smells of fresh flowers and the cosy atmosphere of a quaint restaurant or garden setting. It’s an opportunity to indulge with friends and family, celebrate a special occasion or just take some time out to relax.

At Lakeside, we have embraced the renaissance of this British tradition with a modern twist and innovative alternatives. Our new savoury and vegan afternoon teas are a delicious example of how you can have all the best elements of traditional tea – presentation, taste and setting – whilst still catering for dietary requirements and lifestyle preferences.

We’re confident that we offer one of the most unique and special afternoon teas in the Lake District. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just taking some time out to relax with friends, we hope you enjoy your time with us and leave feeling refreshed and inspired!

Shop for Teaware

You can’t have a proper tea party without the right serving plates, tea cups, and other accoutrements. Look for a style and color palette that appeals to you and your guests. You may want to mix and match your teaware or go all out and pick up a whole new set. It’s a great way to add a unique touch to your table and will make your tea extra special.

You’ll also need plenty of fine tea towels and spoons. You can find many different styles of servingware online or at local stores, but keep in mind that you don’t need to break the bank to impress your guests. You can find affordable tea sets and tea towels in a variety of colors and patterns that will suit your theme.

Afternoon tea is traditionally served with a selection of delicate savoury finger sandwiches and sweet cakes. A selection of fresh scones is also included, usually served with a choice of jams or clotted cream. Guests can then finish off their tea with a selection of desserts. For a modern twist on this traditional treat, the Lakeside at Armathwaite Hall serves a range of vegan and gluten-free cakes and pastries.

The final course of afternoon tea is often accompanied by a glass of fizz, which makes it feel even more decadent and celebratory. You can also opt for a non-alcoholic alternative such as juice or lemonade if you’re hosting children or don’t like the idea of adding alcohol to your tea.

One of the best ways to enjoy a truly delicious afternoon tea is by visiting the Lakeside at Armathwaite Hotel in the Lake District. This family-run hotel has a strong tradition of delivering high-quality, locally-sourced food and beverages to its guests. The menu offers a modern take on the classic afternoon tea and is perfect for a relaxing afternoon in the countryside.

The tea room has plenty of cosy seating, including a large window seat overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake. They also serve a range of different teas, including black, green, white, and oolong. This makes it easy for your guests to select their favourite and find the perfect cup of tea to enjoy. They can also select from a variety of herbal and fruit infusions. The hotel is also known for its creative and quirky twists on traditional afternoon tea dishes. For example, their lemon curd in a tube was a lovely addition to the tea and could be used as a dipping sauce.

Plan Your Party

A tea party is the perfect time to enjoy delicate savories, scones and sweets with friends and family. Whether you’re enjoying your tea in an elegant hotel lobby, a quaint tearoom or the comfort of your own home, there are many elements to consider for the ideal afternoon tea experience.

The first thing to think about is where you’d like to host your tea. The venue will play a big role in how your tea is served, and how the food is prepared and decorated for the occasion. The weather will also play a big part in where you choose to have your tea – if the sun is shining, an outdoor picnic table might be just right. If it’s rainy or too cold or windy to sit outside, a tent or indoor space might be a better option.

Next, decide on a theme. It doesn’t have to be extra fancy, although that can be fun too – think of the guest of honor or a special interest, like the symphony or Disney or bike riding or books, and make it the basis for the rest of your planning. From there, you can start to choose other items to include and plan your menu.

Afternoon tea is a quintessential British tradition, dating back to the early 19th century when Anna, 7th Duchess of Bedford, began serving afternoon tea. She noticed that the long gap between breakfast and dinner left her feeling hungry in the afternoon, so she started hosting afternoon tea to fill this void. It became a popular social event, and has since become a beloved occasion that celebrates a variety of occasions.

To serve your guests the best possible tea, you’ll need to choose your teaware. Whether you’re using your grandmother’s antique tea sets or buying new pieces for the occasion, choose a colour scheme and look that suits your preferences. Kate is a fan of maximalism when it comes to her teatime decor, so she looks for pieces that have a variety of patterns and colours to create an eclectic tablescape. She also opts for a few pieces that match, as she loves the way a matching plate and mug can tie the entire look together.