insideKENT Magazine Issue 84 - March 2019 | Page 66

FOOD+DRINK AFTERNOON TEA AT EASTWELL MANOR by Samantha Ready 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. Set in acres of rolling Kentish countryside 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 as I arrived on a crisp February afternoon. 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. Should we stick with a classic tea? Sample the Pimms tea? Or maybe opt for the sparkling English tea option, which was also available served with a glass of local award-winning Gusbourne Brut Reserve sparkling wine, or a Bellini or Kir Royale! Lured by the glass of Gusbourne, we chose the sparkling English tea option and were soon delivered piping hot teapots of warming Strawberry & Mango Black Tea – a wonderful blend of luscious spring fruits coupled with the gratifying taste of the finest Ceylon black tea – and a Rooibos breakfast tea, caffeine-free blend with a rich, nutty taste and orange and mango aroma. The mouthwatering and varied selection of freshly cut mini sandwiches included ham and coleslaw, smoked salmon, cheese and red pepper, and a classic egg mayo with cress, with the bonus addition of a very tasty slice of homemade sausage roll. After a debate on which was our favourite filling, it was time for the showstopper (and let’s face it, the real reason for coming): cake! 66 Presented on its delicate three-tiered stand came a mouthwatering selection of plain and fruit scones. We quickly tucked into the crumbly scones laden with homemade jam and clotted cream – simply delicious. Finding that last bit of room hindered somewhat by a slight diversion into a coffee and chocolate layer cake, we then started on the rest of the afternoon’s offerings: a banana cake slice with a rich and soft chocolate; a delicate passionfruit macron; a filling fruit tart and the grand finale, the zesty lemon posset in a mini glass topped off with a mini meringue piece. Full of tea, cake and carefully carrying our ‘take away’ Eastwell Manor branded boxes of delights, our expectations were truly met and we will be joining the host of other Afternoon Tea go-ers in making this a regular jaunt. Served between 1pm and 5pm in the Eastwell Manor restaurant and lounge. Eastwell Manor Classic Afternoon Tea starts at £25.50pp with Bottomless Prosecco Afternoon Tea from £38.00pp A £3 supplement applies at weekends / Vouchers available. Eastwell Manor Eastwell Park Boughton Lees Ashford TN25 4HT 01233 213000 [email protected] www.eastwellmanor.co.uk EastwellManor eastwell.manor eastwellmanor