FOOD + DRINK
TOP 10
TEA SPOTS
WHAT BETTER SPOT TO ENJOY A CUP OF TEA THAN THE GLORIOUS GARDEN OF ENGLAND ? THE CATHARTIC RITUAL OF TEA DRINKING ISN ’ T JUST RELIANT ON TASTE ALONE ; OUR SURROUNDINGS , SIGHTS AND SOUNDS ARE CRUCIAL TO A GOOD CUP OF TEA TOO . HERE ’ S OUR ROUNDUP OF KENT ' S TOP 10 TEA SPOTS WHICH INCLUDE EVERYTHING FROM STRETCHING SEA VIEWS TO COUNTRY HOUSE SPLENDOUR .
EASTWELL MANOR
THE FALSTAFF THE OLD DAIRY CAFÉ
AFTERNOON TEA DELIGHTS
Eastwell Manor , Ashford ( www . champneys . com / hotels / eastwell-manor )
A picture-perfect country house surrounded by rambling parkland , Eastwell Manor was first built in 1540 and stands in glorious stately splendour today as a luxury hotel and spa . Indulge in their ‘ Tea for Two ’ and afternoon tea options , with which you can enjoy a selection of freshly cut finger sandwiches and savouries before tucking into warm scones with clotted cream and homemade jam . Finish off your afternoon tea with sweet treats of beautifully presented petit fours .
Eastwell Manor also has an exceptional range of speciality teas to perfectly accompany your food . From gently scented jasmine and refreshing green to soothing peppermint and classic earl grey , Eastwell ’ s afternoon teas are all about luxury and choice .
The Falstaff , Canterbury ( www . thefalstaffincanterbury . com )
Set in the heart of the ancient city of Canterbury in what was once a 15th-Century coaching inn , The
Falstaff seeps with character whilst providing guests with ultimate historic splendour in which to enjoy afternoon tea . Relax in The Falstaff ’ s beautiful beamed lounge ( or on their sunny terrace during the summer months ) and celebrate the fine tradition of tea and scones served daily between 12.30 and 5pm .
The Falstaff ’ s menu is designed and made fresh by their very own in-house pastry chef using seasonal flavours and local produce . Guests can indulge in a selection of sandwiches , pastries , scones and cakes and enjoy a pot of freshly brewed loose-leaf tea sourced locally from Kent .
COUNTRY HOUSE AND GARDEN SPLENDOUR
The Old Dairy Café at Goodnestone Park and Gardens ( www . goodnestonepark . co . uk )
To look at Goodnestone Park , you would think it came straight out of a Jane Austen novel , and you would not be wrong . Once owned by Austen ’ s sisterin-law ’ s family , Goodnestone Park sits within 15 acres of magnificent estate land and a stunning variety of award-winning gardens . The Old Dairy Café situated in one of the original estate dairies , serves light lunches , homemade cakes and cream scones as well being a simply beautiful spot to enjoy a strong cup of speciality tea .
The Orangery at Whitstable Castle ( www . whitstablecastle . co . uk )
First built in the late 1790s as a grand home for a wealthy aristocratic family that founded the Canterbury and Whitstable railway , Whitstable Castle , or Tankerton Towers as it was first known , still stands in all its glory surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens and luscious lawns . Thanks to a £ 3 million refurbishment , guests can bask in this pretty , storybook castle and enjoy tea and cake in The Orangery Tearooms .
Offering a divine selection of traditional homemade cakes , such as Victoria sponge , coffee and walnut cake , carrot cake , lemon drizzle , as well as giant fruit and plain scones , guests are sure to satisfy that sweet craving with a delicacy to go perfectly with their cup . If you are wanting more than a slice of cake , opt for their high tea menu , which consists of delicate finger rolls , pastries , cakes , and a selection of speciality teas and coffees .
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