FOOD+DRINK
KENT’S FINEST AFTERNOON TEAS CONT.
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Juliet’s, Tunbridge Wells
www.julietsandmore.com The Tulip Tree Tea Rooms, Chiddingstone
www.thetuliptree.biz
Juliet’s loves tradition and tries to keep it wherever possible. When it comes to
afternoon tea, that task is an easy one. There are plenty of finger sandwiches
(freshly made, of course, using artisan breads), cakes and perfect fluffy, warm
scones – served not just with clotted cream and Bob Maman strawberry jam but
with French butter too for an extra taste of opulence – to indulge in when you
are enjoying tea with Juliet. Plus there is Prince and Son’s tea and Juliet’s own
special coffee blend. Chiddingstone is the quintessential English village – it’s owned by the National
Trust, and it doesn’t get much more traditional than that. So a tea room within
that village has to be something pretty special indeed, which this one is. The
Tulip Tree Tea Rooms is housed in an old converted coach house and it is
certainly lovely. The attached gift shop has a fantastic claim to fame as well –
it’s said to be the oldest working shop in the UK; someone been selling something
from that location since 1453!
Corby’s Tea Rooms, Ramsgate
www.corbystearooms.co.uk Hotel du Vin & Bistro, Tunbridge Wells
www.hotelduvin.com/locations/tunbridge-wells
Situated just a few metres from the Royal Harbour in Ramsgate, Corby’s Tea
Rooms has already got a great location going for it. But it also has some wonderful
cakes and other treats, and a choice of interesting different teas. For tea and cake
with a view and some super friendly service, this little tea room is a good pick.
And if you’re feeling as though you would rather indulge at home, that’s not a
problem; Corby’s offers a takeaway service too. 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) and 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 Perignon 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 makes this sumptuous feast as traditional
as they come.