insideKENT Magazine Issue 46 - January 2016 | Page 39

FOOD+DRINK

AFTERNOON TEA AT

Eastwell Manor
There is nothing more quintessentially English than a spot of afternoon tea, and
nowhere quite so apt to receive it than in the plush, comfortable, cosy surroundings
of the wood panelled lounge at the beautiful Eastwell Manor. BY SAMANTHA G
Set in acres of rolling Kentish countryside and
amongst its own sculptured gardens, the delightful
Manor House, which has been home to Royalty
and noted in history since the Domesday Book,
was a welcoming abode for my guests and I as
we arrived on a crisp December afternoon.
Having been slightly waylaid by the stunning
Christmas trees and decorations by the reception
and grand staircase, we were slightly awestruck
and feeling rather festive as we finally took our
seats at our corner table in the main lounge.
We had heard rumours about the Afternoon Tea
on offer at Eastwell, and it’s fair to say that our
expectations were high as we perused the menu
– the first choice to make? Whether to stay with
a traditional tea, sample the seasonal Mulled
Wine or plump for the Champagne option which
was also available with a Kir Royale or Bellini!
Lured by the seasonal tea selection we plumped
for the Afternoon Tea option and were soon
delivered piping hot silver teapots of warming
Eastwell Manor Winter Tea – a fragrant mix of
cinnamon, almond, orange peel and walnut; the
classic blend of Assam and Ceylon Teas which
made up the Eastwell Manor Signature Afternoon
Tea; and a smooth peppermint flavoured green
tea, which were swiftly strained and poured into
our pretty china tea cups.
The mouthwatering and varied selection of finger
sandwiches included roast turkey and cranberry;

smoked salmon and cucumber; spiced tomato
and brie; tomato, mozzarella and pesto; and a
classic ham, cheese and pickle. After a debate
on which was the favourite (my clear winner was
the turkey – moist (hurrah!) and flavoursome,
while my guests’ winning choice was the cheese
and tomato, voting the pesto the best they’d
had), it was time for the showstopper (and let’s
face it, the real reason for coming): cake!
Presented on its delicate three-tiered stand came
a mouthwatering selection of plain and fruit
scones, and on this visit a bounty of Christmasthemed sweet treats and goodies.
Tucking into the crumbly scones laden with
homemade winterberry jam, lemon curd and
clotted cream, my guests all commented that
the warm scones were delicious and certainly
avoided that dry, dull flavour trap that so many
fall into.
Finding that last bit of room hindered somewhat
by a slight diversion into a hot, creamy Bailey’s
Hot Chocolate adorned with a chocolate bauble,
we started on the rest of the afternoon’s offerings:
rich fruit cake with marzipan icing, which had
been made back in October, laced with plump
fruits and oh-so-moist from its months of
preparation; mini crumble mince tarts, a welcome
change to the traditional ‘pie’; a chocolate orange
eclair full of cream that had just the right hint of
Cointreau; and, my favourite of the afternoon, a
delectable gingerbread pannacotta with a ginger
creme, and mini chocolate Christmas tree.

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Full of tea, cake and festive cheer and carefully
carrying our ‘doggy bag’ of delights to take home,
our expectations were truly met and we will be
joining the host of other Afternoon Tea go-ers in
making this a regular jaunt.
The Afternoon Tea menu at Eastwell Manor
changes on the last Friday of the month, ensuring
not only that it takes full advantage of the seasons
but also that you have an even better excuse to
return to see what delights will be on offer next
time around… And a little bird tells us that the
January and February offerings are going to be
a chocoholic’s dream!
Afternoon Tea at Eastwell Manor starts at
£23.50pp

Eastwell Manor Hotel, Spa & Golf
Eastwell Park
Boughton Lees
Ashford
TN25 4HR
01233 213000
enquiries@eastwellmanor.