In Food, Family, Ideas

Dating back to 1840 when Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, introduced the concept of Afternoon Tea at 4pm when dinner wasn't served until 8pm, Afternoon Tea has become a quintessential British passtime. 

Now, it doesn't matter what time of day you fancy a spot of Afternoon Tea, with a selection of tasty sandwiches, freshly baked scones, lashings of clotted cream and sweet, delicious jam, plus a range of exquisitely presented pastries, all washed down by a satisfying cup of tea; it is most definitely a ‘must do’ experience when visiting the Isle of Wight…

Afternoon Tea at The Royal

Dine like royalty in the opulent surroundings of The Royal Hotel, where Afternoon Tea has been a tradition ever since Queen Victoria enjoyed her afternoon refreshment at the hotel when visiting Ventnor. Seved in the beautiful conservatory, or outside in fine weather, you can enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, cakes, scones and delicate pattiseries either with a cup of tea or, if you are feeling fancy, a glass of Champagne.

The elegant Lakeside Park Hotel, in Wootton Bridge, overlooking a picturesque lake, offers a range of Afternoon Tea’s to suit all tastes, from Chocolate Tea to Savoury Tea, as well as seasonal influences and traditional favourites - add a little sparkle by upgrading to the prosecco options!

With the stunning beach views of Ventnor Bay, ramp up the luxury with The Hambrough Traditional Afternoon Tea with its selection of finely cut sandwiches, scones and homemade preserves and dainty sweet treats. 

Now available at The Birdham at Bembridge Monday to Saturday between 2pm - 5pm, their brand new Afternoon Tea is now available to preorder! Choose from food such as plain and fruit scones, lemon tart, victoria sponge, smoken salmon and cheddar and tomato chutney sandwiches to name but a few.

The Old Village in Shanklin is the prefect backdrop for a classic cream tea. Choose from several venues, including the Old Thatched Tearooms with it’s range of different cream teas and Victorian Afternoon Tea’s on the menu, choose to sit inside the 1690 thatched building or in the beautiful Fairy Garden outside. Vernon Cottage’s Truly Scrumptious Homemade Strawberry Cream Tea features the delicious and unique ‘Isle of Wight Shaped Scones’ freshly made on site each day. Indulge in an Alice in Wonderland themed afternoon tea at Laburnum Cottage Tearoom and Garden.

Spend the afternoon relaxing in the pretty garden at The Old World Tearooms in Godshill, the perfect spot for a little people-watching while you savour your scone and jam; or soak up the atmosphere at Lady Scarlett’s Tea Parlour in Ventnor, which will transport you back in time while to the bygone WW2 era.

Afternoon Tea at the Isle of Wight Pearl

The Quirky Teapot is set in the beatuful and historic surrounds of Staplehurst Grange on the edge of Newport. Here, enjoy the vintage themed tea rooms and the Cream and Afternoon Tea menu, complete with gluten free options. 

If it’s an Afternoon Tea with a view that you are after, head to Luccombe Hall Hotel located on the clifftop in Shanklin overlooking the beautiful Sandown Bay. Or choose from the panoramic coastal views from the Pearl Café in Brighstone, with their hand-made selection of homegrown Isle of Wight produce, it’s the perfect spot to look out over the sea. 

The Highdown Inn sits just below the famous Tennyson Monumnent so is often frequented by cyclists and walkers. Here you can sit in the pretty Tennyson Tearooms and indulge in the High Tea which has everything you could wish for; a selection of scrumptious sandwiches, plain or fruit scones with cream and home-made preserve all alongside the cakes of the day. 

If you’re shopping in Newport, the walled garden at One Holyrood is a perfect spot to enjoy Afternoon Tea. Enjoy a selection of exquisite cocktail sandwiches, homemade scones with freshly cut strawberries, preserves, and cream, and a selection of delicious cakes, all washed down with a cup of tea or freshly ground coffee.

God’s Providence House is a Grade II Listed Building in the heart of Newport whose tearoom dates back to the 1800s. You can either book their main Afternoon Tea in advance or try the Impromptu Tea if you are feeling a bit more spontaneous. If you’d prefer a cocktail with your Afternoon Tea, Wyld, the Island’s most instagrammable café, restaurant & bar will provide the perfect backdrop with its sparkly neon décor and a range of sandwiches, fresh scones from Richmonds Bakery served with cream and strawberry preserve, alongside delicate cupcakes topped with delicious sweet treats.