“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as Afternoon Tea’’
Writer Henry James
“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as Afternoon Tea’’
Writer Henry James
There is much speculation about the true origins of this quintessentially English tradition. However, it is widely believed that Anna the Duchess of Bedford had started to offer Afternoon Tea to her guests in the year 1840. Back then it was common to eat the main evening meal around 8pm and she often found herself hungry mid-afternoon.
She would ask her maid to bring her a tray set with tea, bread and butter and a little cake. Over time she started to invite guests to join her and so the tradition of taking Afternoon Tea began.
By the late 1880’s society ladies would use this as an opportunity to dress in their finest clothes and host gatherings in their best drawing rooms. As its popularity grew the simple pieces of bread were transformed to include tasty fillings all cut into dainty finger sandwiches with the cakes becoming more intricate too.
Tea was typically shipped from Ceylon and India and these events offered the perfect occasion to show off one’s wealth by using dainty bone china cups and saucers along with the finest silver teapots.
Sometimes people get these two mixed up so we thought it may be helpful to clarify the difference.
For a Cream Tea think holiday memories from Devon or Cornwall . Scones, whether one or two, plus jam and fresh clotted cream!
Obviously every establishment will put their own take on this but generally for Afternoon Tea it’s much more decadent with sandwiches and cakes as well as the scones too.
At Squires we offer a Gluten Free Afternoon Tea and a Vegetarian Afternoon Tea but unfortunately are not able to offer a Vegan Afternoon Tea at the present time.
• A selection of finger sandwiches
• Sultana scone with Tiptree Jam and Rodda’s Clotted Cream
• Assorted small cakes
• Unlimited tea and coffee
• Easily upgrade to Prosecco Afternoon Tea (includes two x 200ml bottles) OR Celebration Afternoon Tea (includes 1 x 750ml bottle of Prosecco)
Traditional sandwich selection typically includes:
• Ham and English Mustard
• Smoked salmon and cucumber
• Mixed cheese mayonnaise and spring onion
• Our famous Coronation Chicken
Vegetarian sandwich selection typically includes:
• Cream cheese and cucumber
• Red pepper houmous and carrot
• Mixed cheese mayonnaise and spring onion
• Egg mayonnaise and cress
Please state at the time of booking any dietary requirements or to request any alterations.
including vegetarian and gluten free
Take out version does not include any drinks
2x 200ml individual bottle of Prosecco £59.80 per couple
1x 750ml bottle of Prosecco £67.85 per couple
Booking is essential as we no longer accept walk-ins
Call 01268 741791 to book
• Monday to Saturday 2pm onwards Sunday all day 10am onwards
• We suggest allowing 1.5 to 2 hours
• Gluten free and vegetarian options available
• Currently we do not offer a vegan version
• Takeaway Afternoon Tea available for collection only
• Please state at the time of booking if you will be using a gift voucher
• For special celebrations you are welcome to bring table decorations and balloons BUT absolutely no glitter or confetti style décor.
You can see all of our Afternoon Tea Vouchers, Cream Tea Gift Vouchers and monetary voucher options here Voucher Options
If you are organising an Afternoon Tea event at home or celebrating something special with family or friends, why not take make it hassle-free and order our fabulous takeaway Afternoon Teas. Available for collection only, we’ll box everything up so it will be easy to transport or store in a fridge meaning all you need to do is set the table and sort the drinks.
As we’re fully licensed you can always order the Prosecco from us too! Ideal for…
• A day at the races
• Ladies events
• Outdoor concerts
• Family day at the park
• We require 48 hours’ notice
• Pay at time of ordering
• Collection only from 8am to 5pm
• Simply tell us when you need it as you order
• Dietary requirements will be boxed separately
• Request free disposable cutlery and glasses when ordering
• Drinks not included
• Bring a cool bag with you to collect
• Always include some chiller packs if on a long journey
• Store in the footwell of the car or secure carefully to prevent damage
• Please dispose of all items carefully after use
Call 01268 741791 or pop in to the coffee shop to order Takeaway Afternoon tea
Food and Drink menu
Gift vouchers
All About Afternoon Tea
Order Retail Tea and Coffee