Nothing beats the classic experience of a traditional English afternoon tea, especially when it’s served in the picturesque backdrop of the Lake District. With its stunning lakes, such as Lake Windermere and the charming villages of Grasmere and Cumbria, the Lake District is renowned for its idyllic tea rooms that offer much more than just a pot of tea. Here, you can enjoy a curated selection of the finest sandwiches, scones, and an array of delightful pastries, all while soaking in the eye-pleasing views.
Uncovering the Tea Room Charm of Windermere
As the largest natural lake in England, Windermere is a must-visit for tea lovers. Boasting a collection of quaint tea rooms, the town’s establishments offer both traditional and modern takes on the classic high tea menu.
The Windermere Hotel’s tea room is one such place. From the moment you step through its doors, you’re instantly transported to an era of elegance and grace. The tea is served in delicate china, the sandwiches are meticulously prepared, and the scones are the perfect blend of crumbly and soft, served with a generous dollop of cream. The ambiance is amplified by the panoramic views of the lake, providing a perfect backdrop for your afternoon tea experience.
The Allure of Grasmere’s Tea Rooms
Heading north from Windermere, the village of Grasmere offers a picturesque setting for enjoying the best of Cumbria’s food. The tea rooms here are steeped in history, with many housed in buildings that date back centuries.
One of the most notable is the Grasmere Hotel’s tea room. Its classic menu offers a selection of sandwiches, pastries, and their famous Grasmere gingerbread. The tea room itself is a cozy, inviting space that encourages you to sit back, relax, and enjoy your afternoon tea. The friendly staff are always ready with a warm welcome and the homemade scones are a must-try.
An Afternoon in the Tea Rooms of Cumbria
Cumbria, home to the Lake District, is renowned for its traditional English tea rooms. These establishments take pride in serving up some of the finest afternoon teas you will find anywhere in the country.
The Cumbria Hotel is a standout, with its stunning views of the surrounding countryside and a tea room that exudes classic English charm. Here, you can enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, pastries, cakes, and of course, freshly baked scones served with cream and preserves. The tea selection is extensive, offering something for every taste, from the strongest black tea to the lightest white tea.
The Delights of Lake District’s Independent Tea Rooms
Away from the hotels, there is a wealth of independent tea rooms in the Lake District, each with its distinctive personality, menu, and atmosphere.
The Lakeside Tea Room in Windermere is a notable example. This family-run establishment is known for its warm hospitality, delicious homemade food, and a stunning view of the lake. They offer a vast selection of teas and infusions to suit every palate, and their cream tea is considered one of the best in the area.
The Timeless Appeal of Traditional English Afternoon Tea in the Lake District
The tradition of afternoon tea has been a part of English culture since the 1840s. It’s more than just the food and the tea; it’s about taking the time to enjoy a leisurely afternoon, to chat, to take in the views, and to appreciate the finer things in life.
The Lake District, with its charming tea rooms and stunning views, provides a perfect setting to uphold this tradition. Here, you can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea served in the classic style, with a pot of freshly brewed tea, a selection of sandwiches, scones served with cream and jam, and a variety of pastries and cakes to satisfy your sweet tooth. The experience is one that will remain etched in your memory, long after the taste of the tea has faded.
The Wild Boar and Storrs Hall: Upscale Tea Experience
If you are looking for an opulent afternoon tea experience, Storrs Hall and the Wild Boar are two spots you should not miss. Located in the heart of the Lake District, these historic properties provide a luxurious setting for enjoying the quintessential English afternoon tea.
Storrs Hall, perched on the shores of Lake Windermere, provides a unique, unforgettable experience. Set in a Grade II listed Georgian mansion, it offers a truly grand setting for afternoon tea. The tea is served in the drawing room, where the large windows afford stunning views of the lake and the beautifully manicured gardens. The menu features a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and locally sourced preserves, and a variety of creative pastries. The tea offerings are equally impressive, with a range of blends from around the world, meticulously brewed to perfection.
On the other hand, the Wild Boar offers a more rustic yet equally charming tea experience. Nestled amidst the woods, the Wild Boar feels like a countryside retreat. The tea room is cozy and inviting, with the aroma of freshly brewed tea and baked goods filling the air. The afternoon tea menu here is traditional, serving finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of cakes. What sets the Wild Boar apart is their dedication to locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, which adds a delightful freshness to their dishes.
The Fizzy Tarte: A Modern Twist to the Classic Afternoon Tea
For those who fancy a modern take on the classic afternoon tea, the Fizzy Tarte in the heart of the Lake District, Cumbria, is the place to be. This contemporary patisserie and café brings a touch of urban chic to the traditional afternoon tea.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the Cumbria’s town center, the Fizzy Tarte is an oasis of calm. Its modern décor, complete with plush seating and elegant table settings, offers a vibrant contrast to the traditional tea rooms of the Lake District. Here, afternoon tea is served with a twist. You can enjoy a classic afternoon tea, with delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones served with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of mini pastries and cakes. Or you can choose to elevate your experience, by opting for their champagne or cocktail afternoon tea.
The Fizzy Tarte’s unique approach to afternoon tea has earned it a loyal following, making it a must-visit culinary destination for anyone visiting the Lake District.
A Timeless Experience: Lake District Afternoon Tea
No matter which part of the Lake District you choose to enjoy your traditional afternoon tea, one thing remains constant: the feeling of being transported back in time, to an era of elegance and tranquillity. The Lake District, with its idyllic landscapes and picturesque tea rooms, provides the perfect setting to enjoy this cherished English tradition.
Whether it’s the classic afternoon tea served in delicate china at the Windermere Hotel, the locally sourced fare at the Wild Boar, or the modern twist on the tradition at the Fizzy Tarte, the Lake District’s tea rooms offer an array of experiences to suit everyone’s taste. But one thing is for sure, once you’ve had the pleasure of indulging in this timeless tradition amidst the stunning beauty of the Lake District, your afternoon tea experience will never be the same again.
