insideKENT Magazine Issue 41 - August 2015 | Page 66

FOOD+DRINK
Kent’s Best Cream Teas cont.

Eastwell Manor
Ashford // www.eastwellmanor.co.uk
Set in the beautiful grounds and building of Eastwell
Manor, here is a cream tea that can be enjoyed and
savoured. The tea comes from the Kent Tea and Trading
Company, a family-run business that only deals in the
finest blends of teas from around the world. As for the
meal itself, there are a number of options from the
traditional Eastwell Manor Tea (a pot of tea or cafetiere
of coffee, homemade sandwiches, cakes, and scones
with jam and clotted cream), to Eastwell Manor Pimm's
Tea (as above, but served with a glass of Pimm's), and
even Eastwell Manor Champagne Tea, which is served
with a glass of Champagne, Kir Royale, or Bellini. With
eight classic teas, six speciality teas, and a variety of
coffees, you really are spoilt for choice.
Eastwell Manor itself is a Norman manor that has 60
stunning acres of grounds for guests to enjoy. Some
suites have four poster beds for that added touch of
elegance and luxury and the cosy stable rooms are
ideal for larger parties since they have shared kitchens
and lounges (although each room is en suite). As well
as the wonderful room, gorgeous grounds, and exquisite
cream teas, there is an acclaimed French restaurant,
indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, and an excellent
golf course.

London Beach Hotel
Tenterden // www.londonbeach.com
The London Beach Hotel in Tenterden is ideal for a spot
of golf, and the perfect place to relax, no matter what
the weather. Their cream teas are as Kentish as they
come, with their traditional tea consisting of both plain
and fruit scones, clotted cream, and fresh strawberries
as well as strawberry and raspberry jam, and a pot of
tea. But there is much more – high tea is a special treat,
combining the traditional tea with an assortment of
finger sandwiches (such as salmon, and cucumber and
cream cheese) and an elegant pot of tea for one. The
Champagne tea is for very special occasions, and as
well as a platter of homemade cakes, there is a glass
of English sparkling wine to enjoy.

Hotel du Vin & Bistro
Tunbridge Wells //
www.hotelduvin.com/locations/tunbridge-wells

The Secret Garden
Ashford // www.secretgardenkent.co.uk
The Secret Garden deals in the best of British, and uses only locally sourced (no more than
15 miles away) ingredients for its sumptuous dishes. Set in a lovely private cobbled courtyard
with views extending over the Kent countryside, this is a truly magical place to take tea.
Speaking of which, on selected dates throughout the year, the Secret Garden provides
excellent evening teas – and it’s a different experience altogether. Featuring homemade
soup and cheese straws, open sandwiches, traditional golden scones, a selection of cakes
and desserts (served with clotted cream jam), and teas and coffee galore, this is a delightfully
new take on the classic afternoon tea.

66

A landmark in gorgeous Tunbridge Wells, the Hotel du
Vin – once a Georgian mansion – is a grade II-listed
building that has been lovingly restored to its former
glory. Fantastic views from the terrace or lounge, which
offers leather sofas and an extensive wine list, plus a
knowledgeable and friendly staff, mean that every visit
to the Hotel du Vin is a good one. The afternoon tea
on offer here is taken in the Dom Pérignon Lounge, and
is served daily from 3pm until 5pm. A choice of teas,
mixed finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream
and strawberry jam, and a selection of cakes make this
sumptuous feast as traditional as they come.